Assessing avian biodiversity in Swamithoppu saltpan with the fuzzy matrix approach

Abstract

Fuzzy matrix is an invaluable tool in determining the biodiversity of a particular area. It is used to measure the species richness and abundance of a given area, as well as account for the presence of rare species. This study used fuzzy matrix analysis Initial Raw Data Matrix (IRDM), Average Quantity Dependent Data Matrix (AQDM), Refined Quantity Dependent Data Matrices (RQDMs), and Combined Effect Quantity Dependent Data Matrix (CEQDM) to determine the distribution and diversity of wetland birds in Samythoopu. The results showed that the maximum number of birds chose the sites of J1, J2,J3, S4, and S5, while the S2 point was identified as the most disturbed site and the birds were facing threats in sites including J4, S2, S3, S5, U1, U2, and U3. This fuzzy matrix can help predict the exact places with more anthropogenic disturbance to disturb the diversity and distribution of wetland birds.