Avian diversity and its association with vegetation structure in different elevational zones of Nainital district (Western Himalayan) of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Avian diversity was studied in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India at different elevations. A total of 174 bird species belonging to 38 families were identified along with the elevational zone of forest habitats. We sampled in different elevational forest habitats to understand the vegetation structure and its effect on avian community. Field studies were conducted during January 2006 to January 2008. Results illustrate that bird community value in terms of species richness (7.74) and species diversity (3.68) was higher at mid elevation (1450 to 1700 m asl). Avian species diversity and richness were positively correlated (r = 0.21, 0.78, 0.22, 0.95, 47, 92, 0.95 and 0.83) with the plant species diversity (BSD versus PSD, r = 0.95 and BSR versus PSD, r = 0.83) and foliage height diversity (BSR versus FHD, r = 0.78 and BSR versus FHD, r = 0.92). It is suggested that vegetation structure of the habitat seems to be one of the key features which influence the avian species at local level. Key words: Avian diversity, vegetation association, elevation zone, Nainital district, bird species diversity.