Declining Kite (Milvus migrans govinda) Populations in Urban and Semi-Urban Landscapes of North East India — Tripura: Impacts of Food Scarcity and Habitat Change

Urban and semi-urban populations of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans govinda— locally often M. m. govinda) provide an essential scavenging ecosystem service in South Asia, yet regional reports indicate local declines in some cities. This review synthesizes published studies and regional surveys relevant to Tripura and nearby areas in north-east India to evaluate drivers behind observed declines. Primary drivers include changes in food availability (closure / management of open garbage / offal dumps), habitat change (loss of nesting trees and green patches), and anthropogenic mortality factors (poisoning, electrocution, collision). The literature indicates that while some large Indian cities (e.g., Delhi) host very dense and stable kite populations supported by plentiful anthropogenic food sources, other urban and semi-urban sites show decreased sightings and lower breeding success where waste disposal patterns and habitat quality have changed. The review identifies data gaps for Tripura (longitudinal population estimates, breeding success, toxicology) and outlines priority actions: systematic monitoring, urban waste-management planning that considers scavengers, protection of nesting trees, and community outreach to reduce poisoning and deliberate persecution.