Agricultural ornithology: an Indian perspective

Agricultural ornithology aims at obtaining scientific information on birds in relation to agriculture and using this information for their management. Most of bird species play a useful role in agriculture by having a potent check on insect and rodent pests. However, some granivorous bird species, having adapted to the agricultural habitats and increased in numbers, are conflicting with our goals of agricultural production by inflicting economic losses to crops, fruits and stored grains. Bird management involves both the conservation of useful species and control of pests. Agricultural ornithology is of special importance in predominantly agricultural countries like India. Although a good deal of work has been done in this discipline in India, a lot remains to be done and, in fact, the discipline is still in its infancy. This paper reviews the progress made in agricultural ornithology in India, points out important problems and gaps in knowledge, and suggests approaches for future research.