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
A beacon for the health of wetlands
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
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A Rosy Pelican spreads its broad wings during flight at Delhi Zoo.

A beacon for the health of wetlands
It is known as an ‘indicator species’ for the health of wetlands.Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE

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

A beacon for the health of wetlands
Protecting pelican habitats in wetlands can benefit other bird species.Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE

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.

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