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Saving Uttarakhand’s Finn’s Weaver: Anchoring student-led conservation for species at risk
How many people truly know about the birds in their own backyard, let alone those that are highly endangered and hidden in plain sight? The Nature Science Initiative (NSI) has been addressing both the challenges. It has been engaging students in observing local birds. The organization has also been raising awareness about species in urgent need of conservation.
One such species is the Finn’s Weaver. It is one of four weaver bird species found in Uttarakhand. It is specifically found in the Terai region’s unique wetlands. Fewer than 1,000 individuals remain globally. Little is known about their ecology or specific requirements. In Uttarakhand, fewer than 50 pairs survive. The species once thrived across the Terai belts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal and Assam.
Finn’s Weaver shares a special relationship with the Terai wetlands. The Sarkanda grass found there meets its specific nesting needs. Unlike its more well-known relative, the Baya Weaver, which is famous for its intricate nests, Finn’s Weaver constructs crude, open and exposed nests at the top of Sarkanda grass reeds. These nests are more vulnerable to predation by birds such as crows and crow pheasants.
For over a decade, no successful breeding records of Finn’s Weaver have been observed in Uttarakhand. The reasons for its decline remain unclear. The potential threats include wetland encroachment by agriculture and industry, pollution from sewage, plastics and pesticides, and increased predation by crows.
NSI has been working with schools in the region for the past two years, as part of the Wipro earthian program. Last year, students from Nanakmatta Public School (NPS) were taken to observe the elusive Finn’s Weaver at Haripura Dam in Gularbhoj. It is a wetland located just 60 kilometers from their school. This experience sparked student-led discussions on conserving endangered species like Finn’s Weaver and protecting the Terai region’s crucial wetlands.
This year marked another significant milestone, with additional local schools joining the conservation effort. All the schools are located within the Finn’s Weaver’s habitat range. GK Convent, in particular, is situated only a few meters away from the last known breeding site of the Finn’s Weaver at Haripura Reservoir.
In a notable first, students from these schools participated in a joint meeting with the Forest, Irrigation and Revenue departments. This was organized by NSI, to develop a conservation action plan for the Finn’s Weaver. In the meeting, children from Little Scholar School, Kashipur presented their findings on groundwater depletion and wetland degradation. Students from NPS emphasized the need to engage local communities in the bird’s conservation.
Not coincidentally, both Nanakmatta Public School and Little Scholars School performed exceptionally well in the 2023 Wipro earthian competition. NPS ranked in the Top 20 and Little Scholars in the Top 40 nationally. Beyond the competition, the sense of stewardship and scientific curiosity that the students have developed has been the most rewarding outcome.
In July 2024, NSI, along with the participating schools, revisited Gularbhoj to observe the Finn’s Weaver once again. This time, it was the students, rather than the experts from NSI, who guided each other in observing the birds. It was an inspiring example of collaboration in action.
However, challenges remain. This year, although new nests were spotted, no eggs or chicks have been found. Surveying the Finn’s Weaver is difficult. It is easily identifiable only in its bright yellow breeding plumage during the monsoons. For the rest of the year, it resembles a common sparrow.
Additionally, many wetlands remain un-surveyed for Finn’s Weaver. The bird’s shy nature makes it even harder to locate. The local school partners involved in the Wipro earthian program are now actively searching for sightings in different wetland habitats.
It remains uncertain whether the Finn’s Weaver can be saved. However, one thing is clear. When children from local communities are connected to their natural surroundings and provided with proper guidance, they can lead meaningful change. These young conservationists have the potential to advocate for preservation in ways that few adults can.
Nature Science Initiative has been a Sustainability Educator partner of the Wipro earthian Program since 2022. NSI’s educators have been actively involved in evangelizing the Wipro earthian program in Uttarakhand. They are spearheading community-led sustainability initiatives in the region’s schools.