- The painted storks of Keoladeo National Park prefer to nest in the babool tree.
- The tree also supports other species, demonstrating its vital role in the ecosystem.
- The tree is threatened due to changes in the habitat and the spread of invasive species.
- The views in the commentary are that of the authors.
Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, is a marvel of biodiversity and attracts thousands of migratory birds every year. Among these feathered visitors, the majestic painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is quite striking with its vivid, pink-tipped wings, orange head, and long legs. These birds, often seen wading through the park’s wetlands, rely heavily on the park’s trees during the breeding season from September to December. While breeding they display an interesting behaviour of nesting on one tree in particular: the Acacia nilotica, or as it’s locally known, desi babool.
Why do painted storks choose Acacia nilotica?
In a recent visit to Keoladeo, we happened to observe that the painted storks were quite active in building their nests with the branches of Acacia nilotica. This hardy, thorny tree, which is a native of the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, has its own sets of advantages that the painted stork would wish to have in a home. Its sturdy branches can support the large, bulky nests that these birds construct, while its spiny thorns act as natural defences against predators like snakes or opportunistic mammals that might try to raid the nests for eggs or chicks.
Nests are a common sight among the painted storks that skillfully splash together a plethora of twigs mainly from the Acacia nilotica tree. They expertly create flat structured nests which are capable of holding more than one hatchling as well. These birds tend to build their nest in a close proximity, often converting a singular tree to a hectic ant hill. Building nests this way creates more advantages for instance better protection against enemies.
In addition, Acacia nilotica trees have thick canopies which offer a lot of shade. These trees are normally found around the wetlands in the park, thus ensuring the stork’s quick access to water and food, which are vital in the crucial breeding period.
Role in the ecosystem
The Acacia nilotica is not confined to use only by painted storks. It is a source of sustenance to a myriad of other organisms within Keoladeo National Park. From egrets and herons to other birds, the wood of the tree is also used for nesting. The tree has many flowering plants, which are used by bees and butterflies for nectar. There are sharp thorns on the tree that could appear dangerous to humans; however small animals hide at the tree’s base for safety.
The Acacia nilotica trees support the balance of the entire ecosystem within the park. It helps in soil augmentation as it is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. It also keeps the park green even in the dry season by promoting the growth of other plants and trees.
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Emerging threats and the need for conservation
Currently, Keoladeo National Park has a healthy population of linked data Acacia nilotica but unfortunately, it is threatened due to changes in the habitat and the introduction of exotic species. One of such species is Prosopis juliflora, a non-native tree that has been invasive and rapidly spreading within India. The tree is extensively used for firewood but lacks the nesting advantages that Acacia nilotica provides that can help control the species over its range, in the dependent ecosystem, management will fail.
The painted storks rely on the Acacia nilotica, and the deterioration of these trees would be catastrophic. If there are no such trees, these birds would be unable to find appropriate sites for nesting, which may cause their population to dwindle. The wetlands of the park’s zonation also require Acacia nilotica to ensure their biodiversity — quite a number of birds and animals feed, roost, or nest on this tree.
Conservationists worry not only about the extinction of Acacia nilotica, but also about the preservation of the whole ecosystem. The conservation of the nesting sites of the painted storks contributes to the overall biodiversity of the park, making it possible for future generations to enjoy the treasures of Keoladeo National Park.
The first step in the conservation process is related to the distribution of information. As we understand why certain species such as the painted stork require trees like desi babool, we should be able to protect them. The efforts of the park management and conservationists are already geared towards controlling and managing invasive species, as well as ensuring that Acacia nilotica is protected.
For the tourists who visit Keoladeo, it is up to them to mind the wildlife inside the park and their respective habitats. Tourists should not go and poke at nesting sites, and they must consider the interrelations of the trees, birds, and other elements that make Keoladeo National Park unique.
The interaction between the painted stork and Acacia nilotica illustrates the intricate network of relationships that organisms have within a natural ecosystem. Keoladeo National Park in India is home to this tree and many other playful life forms, all depicting that in nature. It is quite easy to find one’s way around, even with the protective branches of the tree and the food it offers to the storks. As more of these interactions are explored, it is evident that the conservation of such interactions is critical in maintaining the natural diversity of one of the most well-known national parks in India.
Harsh Singhal is an independent researcher in the field of conservation science. Manas Singh is Deputy Conservator of Forests at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Satya Prakash Mehra is a conservation biologist and a social activist.
Banner image: A colony of painted storks constructs their homes on the Acacia nilotica (desi babool) tree. Image by Harsh Singhal.
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