A checklist of birds in and around Mangalore University Campus, Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction The study area included Mangalore University Campus, Mangalagangothri and nearby areas like Pavoor, Assaigoli, Someshwar and Nethravathi bridge area connecting Mangalore and Ullal (Figs. 1, 2). The Campus is situated at a distance of about 20 km south east of the city of Mangalore. It spreads over an area of about 350 acres over looking Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other side (12075'N and 74053'E; altitude 80m). Average temperature ranges from 200C to 350C. The vegetation found in this area mainly consists of naturally grown trees and shrubs like ficus (Ficus bengalensis), alstonia (Syzygium caryophyllatum), terminalia (Terminalia paniculata), ixora (Ixora coccinea), calotropis (Calotropis gigantia), etc. Cultivated plants like cashew (Anacardium occidentale), mangoes (Mangifera indica), banana (Musa paradisiaca); food crops like paddy (Oryza sativa); plantation crops like coconut (Cocos nucifera), arecanut (Areca catechu), etc. In addition some areas support monocultures like acacia, eucalyptus and casuarinas planted under social forestry scheme. During monsoon and until the end of post-monsoon period, i.e. up to November, the large, plain areas in the campus are covered with tall grasses, which remain lush green until October and starts drying in November and December. In summer these green patches disappear completely.