Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Introduced species may pose one of the biggest threats to biodiversity conservation. Today, monitoring their status, distribution and abundance constitutes an important part of ecological and conservation studies throughout the world. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), avian introductions have attracted the attention of many researchers, but there is a lack of a comprehensive review of this subject on a continental scale. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution, threats and control measures of birds introduced to sub-Saharan Africa in the last 200 years. This review lists 146 bird species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Only 49 (33.6%) of them have developed viable populations and only 7 (4.8%) became invasive species, namely Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Columba livia var. domestica, Psittacula krameri and Pycnonotus jocosus. Data on distribution of most introduced species are provided, together with information on the place and year of their first introductions. For Passer domesticus and Columba livia var. domestica, data on population densities are also provided from several southern African towns. The most speciose groups of introduced species were parrots (Psittaciformes), comprising 33.6% (including Psittacidae: 13.7%; and Psittaculidae: 15.1%); Anatidae: 12.3%; Phasianidae: 11.0%; and Passeriformes: 30.1%. Most avian introductions in sub-Saharan Africa took place in Southern Africa (mainly the Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg areas) and in Madagascar and the surrounding islands (mostly Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles). Most introduced species which have developed viable populations originate from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions (altogether 78%), with only 2% from the New World. The proportions among the introduced species which have not established viable populations are quite different: 29% from the New World and only 60% from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions. The main factors affecting successful avian introductions and introduction pathways have been identified. A review of the control measures undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa (mainly in small oceanic islands) is outlined for the following species: Passer domesticus, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Pycnonotus jocosus, Foudia madagascariensis, Psittacula krameri and Agapornis roseicollis.

Out of 225 birds, distributed over 26 species, examined from Punjab, India, during 1973–75, a total of 269 mites were discovered from 7 bird species. These mites belonged to 7 families and 5 genera. The mites discovered from different hosts were:CHEYLETIDAE—Bakericheyla sp., from house sparrow (Passer domesticus); EPIDERMOPTIDAE—Strelkoviacarus sp., from house sparrow, common myna (Acridotheres tristis), common house crow (Corvus splendens) and bank myna (Acridotheres ginginianus); GABUCINIDAE—Gabucinia sp., from common house crow, common myna and house sparrow; HARPYRHYNCHIDAE—from common house crow; PROCTOPHYLLODIDAE-Proctophyllodes picae (Koch), from tree pie (Denddrocitta vagabunda), house sparrow, common myna and bank myna, and Proctophyllodes orientalis Gaud from house sparrow; RHINONYSSIDAE—from house sparrow and bank myna; TROUESSARTIIDAE—Trouessartia sp., from bank myna.

Commensal bird species i.e. Rock Pigeon, Common Myna and House Crow were studied in relation to their spatial and temporal assemblages at four locations i.e. location 1 (Rajguru Nagar), location 2 (Agar Nagar), location 3 (Phase-3, Dugri) and location 4 (Punjab Agricultural University) comprising of 12-point sites at each location in urban landscape of Ludhiana city, Punjab. Structural features consisted of maximum build area at location 2 followed by location 1, 3 and 4 whereas vegetation area was highest at location 4 followed by location 3, 1 and 2. Rock Pigeon was most spatially distributed species at all locations followed by Common Myna and House Crow at location 1 and 3; House Crow and Common Myna at location 2 and 4. Rock Pigeon was maximum at point 8 (location 1) due to presence of well-planned housing structure and wide roads, Common Myna was maximum at point 32 (location 3) and House Crow was maximum at point 33 (location3) due to presence of vegetation and modernized housing structures. Temporal variation in three urban commensal bird species was also recorded across four locations which revealed that Rock Pigeon, House Crow and Common Myna showed distinct monthly fluctuations in abundance, with peaks and declines varying by location site. The spatial and temporal distribution of Rock Pigeon, Common Myna and House Crow in Ludhiana observed due to variation in built-up and vegetation areas that collectively shape commensal bird assemblages in urban environments.

There are about 18 species of depredatory birds listed on Sorghum and Sunflower. Majority of the damage is done by Rose-ringed Parakeets, Common Myna, House Crow, Scaly-breasted Munia and Baya Weavers. Unusual instance of Red-breasted Parakeet in Hyderabad feeding on Sorghum was observed. Similarly, unusual instances of Great Tits, Indian Peafowl and Large Grey Babbler were observed to feed on Sunflower heads.

Nest-site competition between invasive and native cavity nesting birds and its implication for conservation

The occurrence and population density of Enterobacteriaceae in the excreta of six bird species: blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), common myna (Acridotheres tristis), house crow (Corvus splendens), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), and red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) was studied. A total of 12 excreta samples were analyzed from approximately 60 pellets. Bacterial isolates were identified through biochemical characterization using a standard biochemical test kit. The isolates belonged to Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, all of which are members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and are known to be pathogenic to humans. Among pigeon samples, E. coli showed the highest prevalence (75%), while C. freundii, E. cloacae, and K. pneumoniae were detected in 25% of samples. House crow excreta showed 100% prevalence of K. pneumoniae. The bacterial counts(cfu/g) varied among bird species. Overall, 73% of excreta samples were positive for E. coli, while 64% showed the presence of C. freundii, E. cloacae, and K. pneumoniae. These findings indicate that bird excreta may serve as a significant source of zoonotic bacterial pathogens, posing a potential health risk to themselves and human beings.

Keratinophilic fungi were isolated from feathers of most common Indian birds, viz. domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus), domestic pigeon (Columba livia), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), house crow (Corvus splendens), duck (Anas sp.), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Out of 87 birds, 58 yielded 4 keratinophilic fungal genera representing 13 fungal species and one sterile mycelium. The isolated fungi were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 28 +/- 2 degrees C. Chrysosporium species were isolated on most of the birds. Chrysosporium lucknowense and Chrysosporium tropicum were the most common fungal species associated with these Indian birds. Maximum occurrence of fungi (47%) was recorded on domestic chickens and the least number of keratinophilic fungi was isolated from the domestic pigeon and duck. The average number of fungi per bird was found to be the 0.44.

Urbanisation leads to anthropogenic modifications of natural habitats of bird species. These modifications can cause a change in the community composition of animals, a larger proportion of which would be more adaptable species whereas a smaller proportion would be less adaptable species. The bird species that show a positive response to urbanization and primarily dependent upon human influenced variables for food, habitat, dispersal, etc., are known as full synanthropes or urbanophiles. The objective of present study was to study the adaptability of avifauna towards urbanization through synanthropy. The study was conducted from December 2015 to August 2016, in two sites in Peradeniya, i.e., Hanthana and Gannoruwa, covering three habitat types which represent an urbanization gradient. Two belt transects were laid starting from urban habitat to forest habitat. Statistical analyses were done using MS Office Excel 2010 and PRIMER 7 Software. Bubble plots on abundance and distribution of identified, commonly known urbanophilic species showed a distribution restricted only to forest edge, suburban and urban habitats and their absence in forest core habitat. These urbanophilic bird species included Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), House Crow (Corvus splendens), Common Myna (Acrido theres tristis), Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis), Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), Pale-billed Flower pecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos), Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica), and Long Billed Sunbird (Cinnyris lotenius). The proportion of urbanophilic individuals were 55.29%, 81.70%, 51.97% and 66.81% in Hanthana-suburban, Hanthana-urban, Gannoruwa-suburban and Gannoruwa-urban habitats respectively. These species were observed feeding on human influenced food variables in garbage dumping areas, bird feeders, ornamental or cultivated plants, etc. Most of the identified urbanophiles in this study were omnivorous, grainivorous, insectivorous or nectarivorous species. Furthermore, species that exclusively feed on seeds such as the Rock Pigeon were present only in urban habitats. Apart from feeding, they were using human-made structures and trees in parks in urban matrix for perching and sometimes for nesting as well. However, urbanization favors habitat generalists and it suppresses habitat specialists; hence omnivores are more abundant in modified habitats. Food provided by humans has a major impact on bird community. These urbanophiles tend to be opportunistic feeders according to food availability and hence they tend to exploit new food sources. As a result, availability of food and habitats in urbanized environments strongly favor few ground-feeding or omnivorous bird species such as House Crow and Common Myna.Keywords: Urbanisation, Syananthropy, Adaptability, Resources, Opportunistic

Hematological changes produced by lindane (γ-HCH) in six species of birds

Birds are an integral part of biodiversity and ecosystems. However, they can still cause significant economic damage to crops, especially in standing crops such as maize, sunflower, wheat, sorghum, barley, rice, broad beans, and legumes, as well as fruits like guava and grapes. Farmers incur significant annual losses in terms of production and economic return due to bird depredation. Some of the birds causing significant damage to crops are the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), the baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), the parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and the peafowl (Pavo cristatus). This article explores the impact of bird depredation on agriculture and synthesizes the literature on the extent of crop damage caused by various bird species along with different conventional control methods as well as recent technological advancements. This article presents various traditional and modern management strategies, along with the challenges associated with these methods. Conventional techniques such as auditory-visual deterrents, chemical repellents, Physical barriers, habitat modification, and lethal measures are studied, and their efficacy and limitations are reviewed. The article also explains the high potential of the Internet of Things, including smart scarecrows and ultrasonic repellers for bird management. A clear understanding of the behavior and patterns of crop damage by birds is necessary to develop cost-effective and practical means for bird management. This article aims to enhance knowledge sharing among farmers, researchers, and policymakers in the formulation and implementation of effective strategies for reducing bird damage in agriculture.

Putrescible waste landfills in urban settings are known to attract large number of birds. As these man-made ecosystems are reliable and rich sources of food, they can support large communities of avifauna belonging to different feeding guilds. Studies conducted elsewhere have identified putrescible waste landfills as the primary cause for increased abundance of certain bird species in local and regional scale, as the carrying capacity has reached new levels due to ample availability of food within landfills. Although birds on landfills perform valuable ecological functions, unusually high population inflations of few bird species can have severe impacts on the overall ecological balance. On the other hand, birds may cause conflicts with human interest with respect to noise, birds carrying litter off site, possible transmission of pathogens in bird droppings, pollution of water near roosting sites due to droppings, and increased risks of bird-strikes/collisions. As any major changes in waste management and disposal practices on landfills can potentially have sizeable impacts on bird populations dependent on landfills, better understanding on the extent and patterns of daily use of landfills by birds and dynamics in abundance of birds is highly important. The abundance of birds was estimated in the study at Karadiyana landfill, an urban landfill located between Thumbowila and Werahera in Kesbewa D.S. Division, Colombo. Bird censuses were performed using block counts in two different sites on the landfill, i.e., active dumping area and inactive dumping area, during the period of April to September 2015. 24,553 individual birds are recorded belonging to 20 species and 12 families with Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), House Crow (Corvus splendens), Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) and Common Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) being the most abundant. Abundance and density of birds was much higher in the active dumping area. However, the inactive dumping area accounted for the highest avifaunal diversity (Shannon-Wiener index: H‟=1.81) and species richness (Margalef‟s index=1.39). The abundance of Cattle Egret, House Crow, Feral Pigeon, Common Mynah, Black headed Ibis, and Brahminy Kite was significantly high in active dumping area (p<0.05). This suggests the ample availability of food sources for these species in the active dumping area. Feeding guild comparisons between the two sites further indicated that the active dumping area is dominated by omnivores (t=5.876, p=0.000), followed by carnivores (t=2.996, p=0.003). Carnivore feeding guild in the active dumping area mainly represented by migratory Cattle Egret population seems to be replaced by omnivores with the onset of migration by Cattle Egrets, indicating possible feeding overlaps and competition among species. Keywords: Avifaunal diversity, Urban landfills, Feeding guilds, Abundance, Karadiyana landfill

Recently, there have been several reports from different parts of the World on the declining populations of the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). In order to assess the population of this species in the National Capital Territory of Delhi-India, this study was conducted during June– August in 2007. Twenty-eight Fixed-Radius Point Count stations were established in five habitat types viz. High-density Urban Area, Medium-density Urban Area, Low-density Urban Area, Agriculture Area, and Forested Area, within the study area. The results show that the House Sparrow is still a dominant species in the agriculture area. However, its density is very low in the urban areas as compared to the other co-occurring common bird species viz. Rock Pigeon (Columba livia domestica), House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis). As, this study was conducted only over one season, the data is not sufficient to provide a clear picture of the population trend of the House Sparrow. Further studies are therefore required to investigate the relationship of the House Sparrow with other co-occurring common species, and to analyse the data on the type and quality of greenspaces and their relation with the House Sparrow in the study area. A long-term monitoring and conservation programme involving local people may be a good approach for maintaining the population of House Sparrow in the study area.

Globally, various avian species have been introduced accidentally and deliberately by humans through different pathways. Some of these species were able to establish, multiply, and become invasive. In this study, we identified areas that are climatically suitable for seven introduced invasive bird species and assessed the environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the selected bird species in South Africa. We used present distribution records to predict potential climatic suitability distributions and used the Generic Impact Scoring Scheme to assess the impacts associated with seven invasive bird species in South Africa. We found that all the seven species were climatically suitable to South Africa and Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, and Anas platyrhynchos each had relatively large climatic suitability distributions. The climatic suitability for all the species was within their occurrence ranges in and outside South Africa. For impact assessments, we found that all seven selected species had impacts, with A. platyrhynchos, Acridotheres tristis, Columba livia, and Psittacula krameri having the highest overall impacts respectively. The socio-economic impact ranked higher than environmental impact for all species. The socio-economic impacts were frequently through agricultural production and human infrastructure, while the environmental impact was mostly through impacts of birds on other animals and competition. These need to be incorporated in decision-making and eradication plans for these alien invasive birds in South Africa.

The present study was conducted with two objectives; first was to assess the feeding preferences of bird species and second was to evaluate depredatory bird management techniques at its sowing-seedling and ripening stage in spring maize crop (PMH 10). Four treatments namely netting (T1), combined scare balloons and paper bag wrapping (T2), reflective ribbons (T3), combined bioacoustics and leaf wrapping (T4) were carried out. One control plot (C) without any management method was selected at maize experimental fields in Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus, Ludhiana. No management method was used in control plot. Maximum numbers of insectivorous bird species 18, 20, 21, 24 and 22 were found in treatment plots T1, T2, T3, T4 and one C plot respectively at knee height stage among four developmental stages of maize crop. Major depredatory bird species, House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) were observed at sowing-seedling stage and ripening stage respectively in the selected maize crop fields. House Crow has relative abundance values to be 8.99%, 12.65%, 10.41% and 13.61% at sowing-seedling stage in T2, T3, T4 and C plot respectively. Rose-ringed Parakeet has relative abundance values to be 13.45%, 12.62%, 22.23% and 34.12% in T2, T3, T4 and one C plot respectively at ripening stage. Depredatory bird scaring methods were effective in reducing the feeding and abundance of depredatory bird species in treatment plots as compared to control plot, as percent seedlings and cobs damage was highest in Control plot and very least in treatment plots. From economic point of view, two most effective methods found were reflective ribbons and combined scare balloons and tussel bag wrapping.

Antibiotic resistance, commonly known as antimicrobial resistance, is a major global health concern. In Bangladesh, resident wild birds such as the house crow, common myna, and house sparrow can be found near human settlements all year. As a result, these birds could carry fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli. We collected 134 freshly dropped fecal samples for this study. E. coli was confirmed using morphological characteristics from culture plates as well as PCR. The Antibiogram of the target isolates was determined by a disk diffusion method and the presence of any resistant genes in the isolates was determined by PCR. About 83% of the common wild birds were found positive for E. coli in their fecal samples. In the antibiogram study about 16 to 40% of isolates were found resistant to different fluoroquinolones. Forty-five percent of isolates were found to carry the fluoroquinolone-resistant gene qnrA, whereas the qnrS gene was absent in all the isolates. All of the isolates examined were found to be resistant to ampicillin and ceftazidime. There are no published data on fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli isolated from common resident wild birds in Bangladesh. Our data imply that house crow, common myna, and house sparrow could be a possible source for the spread of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli in the environment. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 83-88, 2024