In what could be termed as a unique model to ‘de-stress’ birds listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and found in the wetlands, a Vadodara-based zoologist has created an adaptable environment that has a direct impact on the breeding mechanism of birds.

Through his model of Artificial Nesting Platforms (ANP), Ranjitsinh Devkar was able to prove that stress conditions had a direct impact on the reproduction of birds.

Devkar served as a lecturer of the Bahauddin Science College, Junagadh in 2001 where he interacted with officials of the Sakkar Baug Zoo, which is among the oldest and largest zoos in India involved in breeding of several endangered bird species.

During this time, Devkar was successful in breeding Schedule IV birds such as Oriental Wand Painted Stork as also Schedule I birds like Spoonbills.

He said: “Both birds have different behaviour. The Painted Stork is aggressive and steals all the nesting material, while the Spoonbills are calm. This led to territorial conflicts. We found that when both birds were kept in the same aviary, there was stress and no reproduction. After both species were given separate space, they reproduced and the results were very good.”

According to the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), Gir, R D Katara, the success was remarkable to the extent that they released many Oriental White Ibis back in the wetlands.

“This method is still being followed at the Sakkar Baug Zoo. Painted Storks and Spoonbills were also released in a similar fashion,” he said.

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