Caption: Cameramen taking shelter from the rain under an umbrella along with Anil Kumble as they and the villagers run for cover.

Mysore, Aug. 8- Former cricketer Anil Kumble has given a call to save rare species of birds by creating an environment which will aid their breeding.

Anil Kumble, who is also the Vice-Chairman of the State Wildlife Board, was on a visit to Naguvanahalli and Chandagalu on the banks of River Cauvery in Sriranapatna yesterday.

The place is known for breeding of many small birds like blue-tailed bee eaters, white breasted king fisher, pipit, bushchat etc., which nest on boulders or bushes. However in recent days, many who come to the river to wash clothes put them for drying on the ground and on boulders, thereby hindering nesting of the birds. Sand mining in the area too has led to the decrease in birds nesting here.

Following complaints about this from the local villagers, bird-watchers and wildlife photographers, Anil Kumble took note of the situation from the villagers and Gram Panchayat members present there.

Speaking to media persons, Kumble said that the place used to see birds numbering to thousands, which has now drastically reduced. If the same continues, the birds may stop coming here.

Observing the clothes dried on the ground and sand mining, Kumble discussed with forest officials about the measures to be taken to ban such activities. “Steps will be taken to fence around 7 acres of surrounding land where birds breed and a guard will be appointed to safeguard the place,” he said.

APCCF Shivananda Murthy, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary Forest Officer M. Shivappa, Village head Javaregowda and others were present during Kumble’s visit.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / August 08th, 2012