Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the eco-biology of insect predator avian species and the effects of environmental factors on the eco-biology and bird populations in Punjab, Pakistan. Data on ecology and other aspects of bank myna was collected from three districts of Central Punjab including Faisalabad (an industrial area with large effects of heavy metals by usage of sewage water of industries in irrigation & pesticides), Sargodha (with medium level of industries & pesticides use) and Mandi Bahauddin (no industry and low use of pesticide). Specimens were collected to observe gut contents. Gut contents were analyzed to account for the prey and feeding niche. Major insect pests of crops were identified and listed from gut contents. Relative population density of useful birds was assessed and continuously monitored for population trends around the year. Breeding ecology of both predacious birds was studied to evaluate breeding success, mortality rate and to weigh up the effects of pesticides used and pollution. Breeding ecology, population dynamics and gut contents analysis were significantly (P ≤ 0.001; R2 ≥ 0.75) influenced by the use of pesticides. It was concluded that use of pesticides without studying their toxic effects is detrimental to these predacious birds. Blind sprays should be prohibited and alternatives should be adopted to conserve the predacious birds in order to achieve effective biological control. Keywords: Predacious birds; Eco-biology; Population dynamics http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2016.50150
Highlights
F Central Punjab including Faisalabad, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin
It was concluded that use of pesticides without studying their toxic effects is detrimental to these predacious birds
Blind sprays should be prohibited and alternatives should be adopted to conserve the predacious birds in order to achieve effective biological control
Summary
Measurement(cm) 40-50 8-10 75-300 gm Clutch size Clutch size of bank mynah on average in non-treated areas, was the largest at Mandi Bahauddin (4.00±0.87) with average egg size of (1.08 x 0.86), followed by Sargodha (3.83 ± 0.76; 1.08 × 0.86) and . The largest material was found in the gut of birds in non-treated areas of Mandi Bahauddin (5.89±0.40 grams) which ranged from 4.2-6.25g. The smallest contents were observed in the crops of birds from treated areas of Faisalabad (5.14 ± 0.95 grams) that ranged from 3.2-6.2 g. Insect material was recorded the largest from non-treated areas of Mandi Bahauddin (3.76 ± 0.51 grams) and the smallest from treated areas of Faisalabad (2.71 ± 0.55 grams). Weight of fed material other than insects was recorded the largest from treated areas of Faisalabad (2.44±0.73 grams) and the smallest from non-treated areas of Mandi Bahauddin (2.13±0.47 grams). Percentage (%) of harmful insects fed was different in different areas It was observed the largest in nontreated areas of Mandi Bahauddin (85.42%) and the smallest in treated areas of Faisalabad (41.67%). Faisalabad Non-treated 5.14 ± 0.95A 2.71 ± 0.55B 2.43 ± 0.62A 51.76±7.63B 41.67B
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