Population status of Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Suliformes: Anhingidae) in Keoladeo National Park, India

Abstract

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster belonging to the family Anhingidae is a globally ‘Near Threatened’ species occurring in southern and southeastern Asia. The Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur, Rajasthan is also known to harbour some population of this species where this study was carried out to assess the population status. Eight wetland blocks were surveyed in different seasons from January 2021 to December 2021 in KNP. The average population of Oriental Darter was found to be maximum (112.8 ±43.8 SE, n = 8) in the winter season, whereas the least (1.8±1.1 SE, n = 8) in the summer season. The maximum population size of darters among the eight wetland blocks was witnessed in Block D of KNP harbouring a mean population of 84.3±20.2 SE (n = 12), whereas the minimum population occurred in Block F (0.3±0.16 SE, n = 12). However, seasonally the total number of darters recorded in all eight wetland blocks during winter, summer and monsoon was 287, 83, and 212, respectively. The findings of the current study reveal that the KNP sustains a viable resident population of Oriental Darters. Further studies are therefore recommended for understanding the seasonal movement pattern and other ecological aspects for its long-term conservation planning.