Fri Dec 12 04:29:20 UTC 2025: News Article:

Bengaluru Wildlife Under Siege: Urbanization Drives Rescue Calls Skyward

Bengaluru, December 12, 2025 – Rapid urbanization, relentless construction, and escalating pollution in Bengaluru are pushing the city’s wildlife to the brink, resulting in a surge of rescue calls and increased human-animal conflict. Rescue organizations report a significant rise in injured and displaced animals seeking refuge in urban environments.

“The number of urban wildlife rescue calls in and around Bengaluru has been increasing,” said Col. Dr. Navaz Shariff, General Manager and Chief Wildlife Veterinarian at People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital, Bengaluru. He cites habitat loss, reduced tree cover, and shrinking wetlands as primary factors forcing animals into residential areas.

Black Kites and snakes top the list of rescued species, with thousands treated for injuries, particularly those caused by “manja,” the glass-coated kite strings notorious for harming birds. Ashritha Carlo, Senior Veterinarian at the Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre (ARRC), reports a dramatic increase in manja-related casualties, with cases up 89% in October and 54% in November compared to the previous year.

Collision-related injuries are also on the rise, especially among migratory birds disoriented by city lights and striking buildings. Spotted deer are also increasingly found straying into urban areas.

The most affected neighborhoods include Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Vijayanagar, Jayanagar, Kengeri, J.P. Nagar, and Rajajinagar, where dense human activity and dwindling natural spaces intensify human-wildlife interactions.

Despite the challenges, Bengaluru’s unique geographical location, surrounded by protected areas like Bannerghatta National Park, contributes to its surprising biodiversity. A recent survey revealed an estimated 80-85 wild leopards within the city’s forests, surpassing Mumbai’s leopard population.

Experts urge a shift in mindset towards coexistence, emphasizing the vital role urban wildlife plays in maintaining ecological balance. While urbanization is unavoidable, better urban planning is crucial to protect ecosystems and ensure the well-being of both humans and animals.

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