Keeping Nature Secure

We hardly consider ourselves a part of the nature we live in. So, we misuse it.

We cut trees, remove grass fields and convert pastures, meadows, wetlands, etc, into residential or commercial areas.

We shoot animals, poach them, and remove eggs and chicks. Often we vandalise their homes.

I was shocked to see some unknown persons had vandalised a nest of a rare bird with eggs at the outskirts of Dubai.

Recently, massive imp-rovement of human habitations have taken place in the UAE through the creation of parks, gardens, agricultural fields, and the creation of many freshwater lakes, ponds, pools and marshlands.

These greener areas provide food, shelter and breeding places for some birds. As a result some birds have started breeding in the country.

One such species is the white-tailed lapwing. Its largest population in the country, some 50 or so, live in the Al Warsan area that encompasses Dubai's Sewage Treat-ment Plant, International City and Dragon Mart.

Recently I found one of the nests in an open grass field had been encircled by bands of cut grass. Such interference could lead to the abandonment of nests and eggs.

We need to be very careful about our actions as they might hamper the lives of other animals and plants on which we are directly or indirectly dependent for our welfare.