A picture of hundreds of birds dying in Chennai's hot weather and rising temperatures has gone viral on social media but wildlife conservationists claim it to be a hoax.

“The picture that has been circulating on social media is not true. The picture has been made by using the editing software Photoshop. It can be clearly figured out by seeing the people’s costumes also. If it happens in Chennai (birds dying en masse), we will be the first ones to be informed about it,” said Shravan Krishnan of Chennai Wildlife Rescuers.

He added that this picture was taken seven years ago in Bihar when birds died after eating seeds which had a high dosage of pesticides.

While questioning the authenticity of this news, conservationists say birds may die in temperatures Chennai is currently experiencing if not provided with sufficient food and water.

“In urban areas especially, birds may die due to lack of food and water in such high temperatures. People should start keeping water outside their homes and it should also be well maintained so that the water does not turn hot,” said Saravanan, Trustee, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust.

Another conservationist has proposed ways for people to help birds and animals suffering in summer. “Many birds may die in this heat. The main problem is no one is ready to provide water for the birds or other animals. Why can’t we just keep a bowl of water outside our homes?,” said Sadiq Ali who works with the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust.