Shillong: The forest department has taken up the case of more than 10 birds that died after colliding with a glass-fronted car showroom in Mawlai, highlighting the risks posed by transparent structures to wildlife.
The incident occurred on January 23, after 3.30 pm, at the Mahindra showroom in Mawiong, when a flock of long-tailed broadbills flew into the building’s glass façade.
The birds, numbering around 15 to 20, were believed to have come from the Umiam lakeside before striking the transparent panels, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Forest officials said the matter came to their notice through social media posts on the same day.
Acting on the reports, the Assistant Conservator of Forests and the Range Forest Officer visited the site on January 24 to assess the situation.
According to the department, the long-tailed broadbill, scientifically known as Psarisomus dalhousiae, is particularly vulnerable to such accidents due to its flight patterns and habitat preferences.
Officials explained that birds often fail to recognise clear glass as a solid barrier, leading to fatal collisions.
The department outlined several possible reasons for the incident, noting that birds may perceive transparent glass as an open passage or mistake reflections of surrounding greenery for actual forest cover.
Another possibility cited was that the birds were attempting to escape a predator and inadvertently flew into the glass.
Among these, officials said the reflection of the nearby forest on the glass surface was the most likely cause.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the forest department has advised the showroom owner to take remedial measures to reduce reflections on the glass panels.
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Suggested steps include placing visible designs, lettering or markings on the glass to make it more detectable to birds, or installing physical barriers in front of the panels.
The department has also recommended the use of strong, bright floodlights focused directly on the glass during the early evening hours.
Officials said this would help minimise reflections created as sunlight fades, thereby reducing the risk of birds mistaking the glass for open space.
Forest authorities said such preventive measures are essential in areas close to natural habitats to ensure that urban structures do not pose unintended threats to wildlife.
