The Subterraneans: Into The Caves Of The Swiftlets

Beneath the canopy of lush rainforests on the Andaman Islands, atop a hillock, deep inside damp caves, reside the famous EdibleNest Swiftlets – endangered yet persistent, provoking critical questions in the minds of visitors who make it this far.

- Pooja Yashwant Pawar

The Andaman Islands, as described by many, are a paradise with stunning white sandy beaches, rich marine life, pristine forests, and national historical monuments such as the Cellular Jail. The islands attract thousands of tourists, explorers and researchers from around the world owing to their panoramic beauty. Last summer I got to see it for myself and to admire the marine ecosystem while experiencing the island life. Besides exploring the islands, my aim was to find out a bit more about the tiny birds called ‘Edible Swiftlets’. Until then, when I thought of birds’ nests, I knew only birds who weave their nests with sticks, hay, and leaves, in rocks, cliffs and sand, but birds making nests that are edible was something I had never heard of before.

With some reading and internet surfing, I learnt that these are cave dwelling birds, and are known to nest in limestone rocks, cliffs and caves along the sea shore. The nests of these birds are made up of their saliva and are harvested for consumption and preparation of a soup, hence the name ‘Edible-Nest Swiftlets’. This soup is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asian countries, and is popularly known as the ‘caviar of the East’. Overall, the species is confined mostly to Southern Asia, and in India they are found only in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Indian government has accorded the species the highest level of legal protection due to its narrow distribution and endangered status.

WAITING FOR THE CROSSOVER