Black partridge falls prey to disruption in natural food cycle

Disruption in the natural food cycle has affected the unique black partridge (Melanoperdix niger) negatively. The excessive use of pesticides for agriculture has made a large number of insects extinct, thus putting the birds and other species dependent on those insects for food under pressure.The black partridge is famous for its high-pitched chirping sound. It was found in agriculture fields and forests quite until recently. However, its numbers have dropped persistently, and now few sightings are reported occasionally in some areas.Nature conservationists attribute its shrinking population to changing agriculture practices, use of machinery as well as chemical input.Though the IUCN specifically evaluated black partridge as vulnerable on its red list of threatened species, grey partridge is also not safe in the environment because of overhunting, habitat loss and disturbance in its natural diet cycle.Reports gathered from barrage areas show that the black partridge either has disappeared or fighting the war of survival. Farmers do not know how the numbers of common birds have dwindled in the local environment, but they know it happens.Studies on bird diet, using gut and faecal samples have shown what birds prefer to eat. Partridges, both grey and black, usually prefer seven insect groups for eating.There might be more insect groups they prefer eating in the wild, however, most of these birds have moved to crops and fall prey to dead insects and poisoned seeds.Sindh wildlife department officials say the partridge is safe only in some protected areas mainly Nara Valley neighbourhood, Achhro Thar (white desert) and parts of barrage areas, where local chieftains traditionally have declared ban on poaching and hunting. Community people residing nearby abide by the set traditions and do not kill these birds.The other safe areas for the black partridges are catchment of the river Indus, where community people themselves are aware. Neither do they kill the birds and animals nor do they allow outsiders to harm the species living in that area.Agriculture researchers believe that inappropriate use of pesticides was harmful for entire life, posing threats to human health and over all environments.The way climate change has created issues for growers, increasing attacks by strange insects and viral diseases on crops, pesticides have been termed beneficial for saving crops.But researchers say spray was not the solution to get rid of crops diseases. There was need to adapt best practices in agriculture to save the ecosystem around them. They term it the only way of saving crops and life around them.Poor methods of cultivation have created problems, and the partridge is a victim of this behaviour adopted by unaware farmers in rural areas.