A study on Avifaunal Diversity in and around the Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary near Tekkali in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Telineelapuram bird sanctuary was recognised as globally Important Bird Area (IBA) by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Birdlife International. It is located in Telineelapuram village near Tekkali Mandal of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. Survey was conducted from January 2015 to December 2016 to measure avian diversity in this sanctuary and its wetland vicinity. The Telineelapuram wetland is a winter home to a large number of migratory birds and also provides numerous wetland services to thousands people in the surrounding villages. The objective of the study was to identify the avian diversity in the sanctuary and its surroundings. Data was collected by direct census method. In total 132 bird species belonging to 42 families were recorded. It is an important foraging ground for nearly 650 spot billed pelicans and 1000 painted storks for every year and plays a major role in the sustainability of the bird population. Researchers of Andhra University found that the migratory movement of birds was first noticed over twenty years ago, when the number of birds exceeded 10,000. At present, the figure has been reduced to about 3500. Main threats identified to survival of birds were habitat degradation, pesticide usage and illegal hunting. The species richness and composition are important parameters for stability and functioning of an ecosystem, therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve the biodiversity of the sanctuary and its surrounding area. Any qualitative or quantitative changes in the wetland area will adversely affect the survival of these ‘Near threatened’ bird species. The conservation of habitats and threatened and endangered species is largely governed by the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972