India’s vibrant avian diversity has taken a concerning turn. Four Indian bird species — the Indian Courser, Indian Roller, Rufous-tailed Lark, and Long-billed Grasshopper-warbler — have been uplisted to higher threat categories by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The update highlights the growing ecological stress on native bird populations caused by habitat loss, urbanization, and climate change.
Indian Roller (Palapitta): A Symbol of Luck Now Under Threat
The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) — popularly known as Palapitta in Telugu — has long been celebrated as Telangana’s state bird, and a symbol of good fortune, especially during Dusshera, when sighting the bird is considered auspicious.
However, this year’s IUCN Red List update brings sobering news — the Indian Roller has been uplisted to “Near Threatened” after a 30% population decline over the past 12 years. Once abundant across farmlands and open country, this striking blue bird now faces significant threats due to:
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Shrinking habitats
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Pesticide use impacting insect populations
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Unchecked urban expansion
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Ritualistic capturing during festivals
Notably, the Indian Roller is also the state bird of Karnataka and Odisha, making its decline a concern across three major Indian states.
Other Uplisted Birds in India (2025 IUCN Update)
1. Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus)
Known for its graceful gait and sandy coloration, the Indian Courser inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands. It is now facing severe habitat degradation due to agricultural intensification and land conversion.
2. Rufous-tailed Lark (Ammomanes phoenicura)
A common bird of India’s arid plains, the Rufous-tailed Lark has seen population declines linked to soil erosion, monoculture plantations, and urban expansion.
3. Long-billed Grasshopper-warbler (Helopsaltes certhiola)
This elusive migratory warbler, found in wetlands and tall grass habitats, has suffered from the destruction of marshlands and reedbeds across South and Southeast Asia.
The Bigger Picture: Why These Uplistings Matter
The uplisting of these species signifies increasing ecological imbalance and emphasizes the need for grassland and open-habitat conservation, which often receive less attention compared to forest and wetland ecosystems.
Birds like the Indian Roller and Indian Courser are key indicators of ecosystem health. Their decline points to larger environmental issues, such as loss of native vegetation, chemical pollution, and unsustainable development practices.
What Can Be Done
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Protect and restore grasslands and open-country habitats.
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Regulate pesticide use to preserve insect prey for birds.
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Raise public awareness about bird-friendly practices during festivals.
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Encourage citizen science through bird counts and local conservation initiatives.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why is the Indian Roller called Palapitta?
The name Palapitta is derived from Telugu and refers to the Indian Roller, a vibrant blue bird considered a symbol of good luck in southern India.
2. Why was the Indian Roller uplisted by IUCN?
Due to an estimated 30% population decline over 12 years, primarily caused by habitat loss, pesticide use, and human disturbance.
3. What is the new IUCN status of the Indian Roller?
The Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis) is now classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
4. Which other birds were uplisted in India’s 2025 IUCN update?
Indian Courser, Rufous-tailed Lark, and Long-billed Grasshopper-warbler were also moved to higher threat categories.
5. How can individuals help protect birds like the Indian Roller?
People can support bird conservation by avoiding pesticide-heavy farming, protecting trees, reporting illegal trapping, and participating in local birdwatching and conservation programs.
Conclusion
The latest IUCN Red List update serves as a wake-up call for India’s conservation community. The Indian Roller’s Near Threatened status and the uplisting of three other native birds highlight the urgent need to protect open landscapes and rethink how human activities impact avian life.
By taking collective responsibility, we can ensure that the sight of the Palapitta remains a symbol of hope — not a reminder of loss.
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