Diversity, Composition and Abundance of Avian Species of Oxbow Lake and Surrounding Area in Purbasthali, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Purbasthali oxbow lake is an important habitat for thousands of migratory and resident avian species. This study aimed to determine the current status of avifaunal diversity of Purbasthali oxbow lake and its surrounding area. During this study, diversity, composition and abundance, feeding guilds and the relationship between their habitat preferences and the numbers of individuals were determined. Direct observation, line transects and point count methods were applied for bird surveys for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2022. A total of 145 species of birds were documented, belonging to 19 orders and 49 families. Among the total species, 57 are migratory in nature and 47 are showing declining global trend. Quantitative diversity estimation were performed during the study are the Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson's Diversity Index, Shannon equitability index and relative diversity. Density and diversity of avian species was highest during post-monsoon and lowest in pre monsoon. This indicates the winter assemblages of many migratory birds choose this lake as their feeding and resting grounds.