An injured black-headed ibis, a bird listed as 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List, was found near Gate No. 2 of NRI Complex in Navi Mumbai on Friday morning. Despite timely intervention and efforts to save it, the bird unfortunately could not survive.

Sunpreet Sawardekar, a bird rescuer, received an urgent call from Gaurav, a resident of the NRI Complex, around 7:30 a.m. on January 10, about the distressed bird lying near the gate. Sunpreet, along with forest officials, promptly rescued the subadult ibis, which appeared stressed and dehydrated but showed no external injuries or wounds.

Efforts were made to rehydrate and stabilize the bird with water, electrolytes, and even small fish. While it showed some initial signs of regaining energy, the bird’s condition quickly worsened. With assistance from NRI residents Gaurav and Sandeep Sarin, the ibis was rushed to Cessna Veterinary Hospital. However, despite the treatment, the bird succumbed to what the veterinarian suspected was diarrhea and severe dehydration.

The deceased bird was later handed over to the Mangrove Cell Forest Department, represented by Vikash Vairagi at Ghansoli, along with a death certificate.

Sunpreet emphasized the importance of conserving the habitats of black-headed ibises and other vulnerable species. “The loss of habitat and poaching have been the primary reasons for the extinction of many species. We must prioritize the preservation of their natural habitats and understand their crucial role in the ecosystem,” he said.