The Rosy Pelican, seen here in flight at Delhi Zoo, is a large bird that prefers swamps and other wetland ecosystems. Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE
Wildlife & Biodiversity

A beacon for the health of wetlands

The Rosy Pelican is an umbrella species that indicates as to how polluted or pristine a wetland ecosystem is

Vikas Choudhary

A Rosy Pelican spreads its broad wings during flight at Delhi Zoo.

It is known as an ‘indicator species’ for the health of wetlands.

The species, known for its impressive wingspan and dependence on healthy wetlands, symbolises the importance of conserving aquatic ecosystems.

Protecting pelican habitats in wetlands can benefit other bird species.

Because they require vast, undisturbed shallow waters for feeding and communal nesting, these birds act as an ‘umbrella’ or ‘indicator’ species; protecting their habitats benefits countless other waterbirds like cormorants, herons, and ibises.