Campaign to save birds

NAGPUR: At a time when conserving tigers is much talked about, Nagpur-based wildlife veterinary doctor couple has launched a unique campaign to save birds, which play important role in nature.

Dr Bahar Baviskar and his wife Priya, who run a NGO named Society for Wildlife Conservation, Education and Research (Wild-Cer), have saved at least nine birds last month, with the latest including a shikra.

The shikra chick was found in an injured condition by Uma Rao in Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) colony at Seminary Hills yesterday. The bird was unable to fly.

Rao called up Dr Baviskar, who reached the spot with his team. The bird had injuries over its neck and chest. It was immediately brought to Wild-Cer centre in Gokulpeth and treated.

The bird has been kept under observation. "The shikra is recovering and we plan to reunite the rescued bird with its mother at the same spot from where it was brought,"" said Dr Baviskar.

Earlier, Dr Baviskar has rescued eight birds and released them in their original habitat.

Besides, he has rescued several infant monkeys that were abandoned and has successfully reunited them with families in the city in the past.