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Hariyal – The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Sustaining Vidarbha’s Forests

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Sustaining Vidarbha’s Forests
The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Sustaining Vidarbha’s Forests

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, scientifically known as Treron phoenicopterus, stands as Maharashtra's official state bird, representing the natural heritage of one of India's most biodiverse states.


This vibrant species, locally called 'Hariyal' in Marathi, has maintained its symbolic status despite proposals to replace it with the endangered Forest Owlet in 2011.


The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board recognised that the widespread distribution and ecological importance of this frugivorous bird made it more suitable as a state representative than rarer species.


In the forests of Vidarbha, this emerald-hued pigeon plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance through its specialised feeding habits and seed dispersal activities.


Physical Characteristics, Habitat and Distribution in Vidarbha

Physical Characteristics, Habitat and Distribution of Hariyal in Vidarbha
Physical Characteristics, Habitat and Distribution of Hariyal

The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon is a medium-sized bird measuring between 29 and 34 centimetres in length, with an average weight ranging from 225 to 260 grams.


Its most distinctive feature is the bright yellow legs and feet that give the species its common name, setting it apart from other green pigeons in the region.

The bird's plumage displays a striking combination of colours: a yellowish olive-green body with a blue-grey crown, and a distinctive lilac patch on the shoulders. The wings feature a conspicuous yellow bar against blackish flight feathers, whilst the neck exhibits a dark golden olive-yellow hue with greenish tinges.


Both male and female birds appear remarkably similar, making field identification challenging based on plumage alone. The species can be distinguished from other green pigeons by its yellow legs, as most related species have red or orange legs.


The bird's robust build and relatively short tail give it excellent manoeuvrability through dense forest canopies, whilst its strong, curved beak is perfectly adapted for handling various fruit types.


The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon inhabits a diverse range of forest types across Maharashtra, with significant populations in the Vidarbha region's protected areas.


In Vidarbha, these birds are commonly found in the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.

The species prefers semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and wooded habitats up to 800 metres elevation, making the varied topography of Vidarbha ideal for their survival.


The extensive forest cover in Vidarbha provides optimal habitat conditions for these pigeons. The region's protected areas, including the Melghat Tiger Reserve, which covers nearly 3,000 square kilometres, offer vast tracts of continuous forest habitat essential for the species' survival.


These forests contain abundant fruit-bearing trees, particularly the Ficus species that form the backbone of the pigeon's diet.


Research conducted in the Central India Ecoregion, encompassing parts of Vidarbha, has documented the presence of Yellow-footed Green Pigeons across multiple forest types. The birds adapt well to secondary forests and even venture into agricultural areas adjacent to forests, demonstrating their flexibility in habitat use.


This adaptability has enabled populations to persist in areas where primary forest cover has been partially modified by human activities.


Ecological Importance and Seed Dispersal


The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon serves as a keystone species in Vidarbha's forest ecosystems through its role as a seed disperser.


These birds are primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, berries, and drupes, with a particular preference for Ficus species.


Their diet includes fruits from Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), and numerous other fig species that are abundant in Vidarbha's forests.


The ecological significance of these pigeons extends far beyond their immediate feeding habits.


As they consume fruits, the birds swallow seeds whole, which then pass through their digestive system and are deposited in new locations through their droppings. This process, known as endozoochory, is crucial for forest regeneration and plant species distribution.

Studies have shown that in healthy forest ecosystems, seeds dispersed by these pigeons can travel considerable distances from parent trees, reducing competition and increasing survival rates of seedlings.


In degraded forest areas, the decline of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon populations has been linked to reduced seed dispersal, with seeds remaining closer to parent trees and experiencing higher mortality rates. This relationship highlights the birds' importance in maintaining forest biodiversity and ecosystem health throughout Vidarbha's protected areas.


The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon holds deep cultural significance in Maharashtra's traditional society, where it is known by various Marathi names including 'Hariyal', 'Haroli', and 'Hola'. The bird's association with Hindu culture includes connections to deities such as Vishnu and Krishna, reflecting its integration into local spiritual traditions.


In Marathi folklore, the species has been mentioned in various cultural contexts, though specific traditional stories vary across different regions of Maharashtra.

The bird's selection as Maharashtra's state bird reflects its cultural importance and recognition by local communities.


When the Bombay Natural History Society proposed replacing the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon with the Forest Owlet in 2011, the state government ultimately decided to retain the Hariyal, citing its widespread familiarity among the public and its role in environmental education.


Traditional ecological knowledge from rural communities in Vidarbha has contributed to understanding the species' behaviour and habitat preferences.


Local communities have observed the birds' seasonal movements in search of fruiting trees, their preference for specific roosting sites, and their role in forest ecosystem functioning.


This knowledge has proven valuable for conservation efforts and wildlife management in the region.


Conservation Challenges and Threats

Conservation Challenges and Threats of Hariyal in Vidarbha
Conservation Challenges and Threats

Despite being classified as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon faces several conservation challenges in Vidarbha.


Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development poses the most significant threat to populations.

The fragmentation of forest habitats has reduced the availability of suitable nesting sites and food sources, leading to localised population declines.


Historical accounts suggest that the species was once more abundant in the region, with large flocks commonly observed in fruiting trees. However, current observations indicate a decline in flock sizes and frequency of sightings, particularly in areas adjacent to human settlements. The conversion of natural forests to monoculture plantations has reduced the diversity of fruiting trees essential for the species' survival.

Hunting pressure from certain communities, particularly the Pardhi community, has also contributed to population declines. The birds are hunted for meat and sold in local markets, with pairs reportedly selling for around Rs 100.


This commercial hunting, combined with habitat pressures, has created additional stress on populations throughout their range.


The impact of climate change on fruiting patterns of native trees may also affect the species' food availability. Changes in precipitation patterns and temperature regimes could alter the timing and abundance of fruit production, potentially affecting breeding success and survival rates.


Conservation efforts for the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon in Vidarbha are primarily focused on habitat protection and restoration within the region's protected areas. The Melghat Tiger Reserve, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and other sanctuaries provide crucial protected habitat for the species. Forest management practices in these areas include maintaining fruit-bearing trees and protecting nesting sites from disturbance.

The Maharashtra Forest Department has implemented various conservation measures, including habitat improvement programmes and community awareness initiatives. The Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society has been actively involved in biodiversity conservation efforts, including monitoring of bird populations and habitat restoration projects.


Research efforts have focused on understanding the species' ecology and habitat requirements to inform conservation strategies.

Studies on nesting behaviour, feeding ecology, and population dynamics provide essential data for developing effective management plans. The documentation of the species' role in seed dispersal has highlighted its importance for forest ecosystem functioning.


Community engagement programmes have been implemented to raise awareness about the species' conservation importance and reduce hunting pressures. These initiatives include education programmes in schools and villages, as well as alternative livelihood programmes for communities dependent on forest resources.


Future conservation prospects for the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon in Vidarbha depend on continued habitat protection and restoration efforts. The expansion of protected area networks and the creation of wildlife corridors could help connect fragmented habitats and support population recovery. Strengthening enforcement against illegal hunting and improving monitoring systems will be crucial for long-term conservation success.


The Yellow-footed Green Pigeon embodies the intricate ecological relationships that sustain Vidarbha's forest ecosystems. Its role as a seed disperser makes it indispensable for forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation in the region. The species' cultural significance adds another dimension to its importance, connecting local communities to their natural heritage through traditional knowledge and practices.


The conservation challenges facing this species reflect broader environmental pressures affecting India's forest ecosystems.


Successfully protecting the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon requires comprehensive approaches that address habitat conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development practices.

The species serves as an excellent flagship for conservation efforts in Vidarbha, demonstrating how protecting individual species can benefit entire ecosystems.


The continued presence of these emerald-hued birds in Vidarbha's forests depends on maintaining the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation. Their survival will require ongoing commitment from government agencies, conservation organisations, and local communities working together to preserve the natural heritage that makes Maharashtra's forests so remarkable.


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The NewsDirt is a trusted source for authentic, ground-level journalism, highlighting the daily struggles, public issues, history, and local stories from Vidarbha’s cities, towns, and villages. Committed to amplifying voices often ignored by mainstream media, we bring you reliable, factual, and impactful reporting from Vidarbha’s grassroots.

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