Habitat-dependent avian diversity in the agri-industrial zone of Jhajjar, Haryana, India

Abstract

The study was performed to evaluate the habitat-dependent avian diversity in the southern region of Haryana from March 2021 to March 2023. The study aimed to identify avian species diversity in three habitats (agrifields, human settlement, and industrial zone) along with diversity indices and relative diversity. A total of 5037 birds belonging to 17 orders, 41 families, and 88 species were investigated with Simpson’s diversity index of 0.973 and Shannon– Wiener index of 4.04. Analysis of threat status revealed 38 species with stable population trends, 19 increasing, 20 decreasing, and 11 species having unknown trends. Out of 88 species, the IUCN status of two species Aquila nipalensis and Psittacula eupatria was endangered and near threatened, respectively; the rest 86 belonged to the least concern category. Of the total, 81% of species were residential, 10 were winter migratory, and 7 were summer migratory. Among the three habitats, agrifields were the most diverse, followed by human settlement and industrial zone. Diversified assemblages of birds suggested the region as a suitable habitat for both resident and migratory birds. This study highlights the need for more regular investigations to assess yearly avian diversity and possible threats to design comprehensive conservation plans.