Assemblage of Waterbird Species in an Anthropogenic Zone Along the Mahanadi River of Odisha, Eastern India: Implications for Management

Abstract

We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zone along the Mahanadi River in eastern India in the period August 2016 to July 2017. Fixed radius point count method was used to monitor the birds and estimating their population. A total of 58 species of waterbirds including 23 winter migrants in 15 families and five orders were identified. The species richness was observed highest (57 species) during February and March and lowest (28 species) during September. The species richness and their relative abundance varied significantly between different months (χ2 = 39.45, df = 11, P 0.05). Breeding activities of five globally threatened species: Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer and Near Threatened River Tern, River Lapwing and Great Thick-knee were recorded from the study site. Therefore, protection and conservation of the site deserves priority during breeding season. It can be achieved through regular community awareness to the locals. Our study findings also create opportunities to reassess the breeding ecology of the globally threatened waterbirds.