Abstract
Abstract Oussudu lake is a large, shallow wetland situated close to the city of Pondicherry, India. The lake harbours rich flora and fauna, and has been recognized as one of the important wetlands of Asia by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). This paper summarizes the results of a 5‐year study on the annual composition, richness, diversity and population density of the bird community at Oussudu. A GIS database was developed on the basis of field surveys and allied studies. The study reveals a declining trend in the number and diversity of the birds found at Oussudu with the exception of herons, egrets, plovers and lapwings. A relationship appears to exist between this decline in bird diversity and an increase in illegal fishing, cattle grazing, encroachments and pollution. These factors may have contributed to the decline of food and shelter for the birds. A strategy has been developed for the conservation and management of the Oussudu catchment which would help in reversing undesirable trends. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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