Kharghar: Wildlife Week brought a striking visitor to Kharghar, with birdwatchers reporting the sighting of four to five European Rollers in Sector 1 on October 2.

Known for its turquoise-blue plumage, rusty-brown back and blue-violet wings, the European Roller is a long-distance migratory bird that breeds across parts of Europe, North Africa and Asia. BirdLife International has documented an individual travelling more than 15,000 km between South Africa and China, highlighting the remarkable journeys undertaken by the species.

Birder and nature enthusiast Seema Tank, who spotted the birds, said the sighting offered an opportunity to understand the ecological connections behind migratory movements.

“Wildlife Week offers an opportunity to look beyond individual wildlife sightings and understand the larger ecological connections behind them. A migratory bird arriving in Kharghar is not simply a colourful visitor; it is part of a natural journey that connects different landscapes and ecosystems across geographical boundaries,” she said.

Tank said conserving Navi Mumbai’s remaining hills, wetlands, mangroves, grasslands and urban green spaces was important for both resident and migratory wildlife.

“Urbanisation should work alongside conservation. Development and infrastructure need not mean eliminating natural habitats; planning can incorporate ecological buffers, native vegetation, water bodies and wildlife-sensitive spaces,” she said.

Kharghar’s varied landscape can provide food, shelter and movement corridors for birds, insects, reptiles and other wildlife. Preserving green patches can also benefit butterflies, bees, bats, reptiles, small mammals and native plants.

Responsible birdwatching and photographic documentation, along with reporting injured wildlife or suspected illegal activity, can further strengthen conservation awareness in the urban landscape, nature enthusiasts said.