Checklist of Birds in Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present work covers the avifaunal diversity documented from February to July 2023 from the Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 66 bird species belonging to 8 orders and 35 families were recorded. The Passeriformes order was the most diverse and abundant with 80% families and 305 individuals. The analysis of IUCN conservation status conveys the presence of 1 vulnerable species (VU), 1 near-threatened (NT), and 64 Least Concern (LC). The 44 species were observed from the harsang bhajji beat, 34 species were reported from the chandi beat, 26 species were surveyed from the Kangri beat, and 15 species from the matrech beat. The richness of bird life in the sanctuary is due to its location in a transitional zone, where it accommodates both low-elevation and high-elevation bird species. This sanctuary is home to vulnerable Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallichii) and near-threatened Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis). But Various factors, including climate change, fire, and habitat degradation, have been observed to affect the composition of bird species in the sanctuary. Therefore, the preservation of habitats effectively demands the implementation of management techniques.