Kite versus kite: A retrospective analysis

Introduction

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is one of India's most widespread raptors, known for its ecological adaptability and close association with human-dominated landscapes. Commonly found in urban areas, it plays a critical role as a scavenger, contributing to waste management and the overall functioning of urban ecosystems. However, recent observations suggest a declining trend in certain regions, raising concerns about increasing anthropogenic pressures and the potential cascading effects on the dynamics of synanthropic species. While black kite populations face multiple threats, ranging from habitat destruction to toxin exposure, human-wildlife conflict remains a significant contributor. One prominent example of this conflict is injuries caused by kite flying using manja thread, which often results in severe and sometimes fatal injuries. The most reported cases include fractures, patagial lacerations, soft tissue injuries, feather injuries, amputations, and death. Non-governmental organizations such as People for Animals Wildlife Hospital (PFA), Bangalore, are actively involved in both the preservation of urban wildlife and the long-term collection of data, the interpretation of which helps shed light on a plethora of issues. Their work provides valuable insights into the impacts of human activity on animals, often under the guise of development or cultural celebration. This study was undertaken to evaluate the extent and severity of human-induced injuries in black kites over recent years from the database available with the PFA. It aims to assess the frequency and impact of these incidents, with particular emphasis on the ongoing threat posed by the illegal use of manja, despite regulatory bans on its sale, procurement, and use. [3,6] .

Materials and Methods

Medical records from the database of People for Animals Wildlife Hospital (PFA), Bangalore, from 2013 to 2023 were systematically analysed to identify all documented cases of black kites (Milvus migrans) affected by manja thread injuries.

Each case was thoroughly reviewed to confirm injuries specifically attributed to manja entanglement. The data was then assessed on both a monthly and annual scale, with trends examined in relation to Bangalore's population growth as projected by United Nations demographic forecasts [10] and the data pertaining to the population trend of black kites as projected by the State of India's Birds [9] . This analysis aimed to identify patterns and potential correlations between urban expansion and the incidence of manja-related injuries in black kites.

Results and Analysis

The data for the number of manja-related injuries in black kites (Milvus migrans) is given in table 1. The cases could broadly be categorised into soft tissue injuries, feather injuries, patagial tears, fractures, amputations and deaths. Their treatments included either surgical interventions, imping procedures, or medical management, depending on the triage and the severity of the case. The tally remained relatively low from 2013 to 2020, with an average of 27 cases per year with a sharp increase recorded in 2021, reaching 307 cases, the highest in the dataset. This coincides with the relaxation of COVID-19 lockdown measures (Fig. 1). In contrast, the number of cases significantly declined in 2022 and 2023, with 123 and 194 cases respectively, likely due to the public resuming their daily activities. Monthly trends indicated a peak in manja-related injuries in June (average of 11 cases per year), corresponding with the black kite fledging season, while the lowest cases occur in April (average of 3 per year). However, cases were consistently recorded year-round (Fig. 2). This contradicts the assumption that injuries would peak in January, during the kite-flying festival. Bangalore's population growth rate has shown a steady decline [6,10] . Similarly, data from the State of India's Birds forum indicate a decrease in the black kite abundance index [9] . Graphical analysis reveals no direct correlation between human population trends and black kite injuries, as the number of rescues continued to rise despite a decreasing population growth rate [6] . However, the observed trend suggests an increase in manja-related cases despite both a slowing human growth rate and a decline in black kite abundance [8] .

Discussion

Soumya (2013) [8] documented the rescue and rehabilitation efforts for black kites in Hyderabad. Despite kite flying being most prevalent during the summer and less common in other seasons, black kites remained vulnerable to injuries throughout the year from severed manja strings criss-crossing the tree canopies and powerlines. Babu et al. (2015) [1] reported that black kites accounted for 182 out of 268 birds rescued in central Bangalore, highlighting their high susceptibility to manja-related injuries.

According to a 2021 report in Deccan Herald [4] , the rampant use of manja strings for competitive kite flying led to a 104% increase in avian injuries and rescues in Bengaluru following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report further stated that in 2019, two wildlife rescue organizations-People for Animals (PFA) and the Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Centre (ARRC)-rescued 606 birds entangled and/or injured in manja strings. However, from January 2020 onwards, this number surged to 1,240 cases. Prasher (2022) [2] reported a 40% decline in manja-related incidents in 2022 compared to 2021. In a similar study, ARRC4, noted that there was a significant increase in manjarelated injuries following the second lockdown (June-August 2021). However, cases began to decline steadily from September onward, eventually returning to pre-lockdown levels. This reduction was attributed primarily to the resumption of routine activities, including in-person schooling, which decreased the frequency of kite flying. Soft tissue injuries, feather injuries, patagial tears, fractures, amputations and deaths were the most common sequelae of manja injuries. Lacerations of hands, face and throat have been documented as the common injuries in humans too due to manja thread [5] .

References

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