Habitat Utilization and Feeding Pattern of Avifauna in Goalpara College Campus, Goalpara, Assam, India

Abstract

A study on habitat utilization and feeding pattern of avian diversity was carried out in Goalpara College campus of Goalpara district, Assam. A total of 44 species of birds belonging to 30 families were recorded and studied. Based on food type eaten, the birds were categorized into seven categories. Variation in number of species based on food type was tested and variation was found insignificant (p=2.22). However, insectivorous category was found to be dominating over other categories. The habitat selection of avian fauna of the campus was also analyzed, and the habitat type H-1 was found to be species rich (38.6%, 17 species) and H-4 type as species-poor habitat (13.6%, 6 species). The order of habitats in terms of species richness is H-1(38.6%, 17 species) > H-3 (27.3%, 12 species) > H-2 (20.5%, 9 species) > H-4 (13.6%, 6 species). The Shannon index for the recorded species showed highest diversity in the habitat type H-1 (H’=1.053) and least diversity in habitat type H-4 (H’=0.577). The study indicates that the college campus provide a suitable habitat for the birds species providing food materials, water, shelters, roosting, and nesting sites. Since birds play a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators, seed dispersers and help in regeneration of flowering plants and thereby reforestation, therefore an attempt has been made to determine the avian diversity of the college campus with special reference to their habitat utilization and feeding pattern. This study highlights the role of modified habitats to maintain the urban biodiversity. This study will provide base line information on avifauna of Goalpara town which could be useful for management of their habitats.