Abstract
Taranga is one of the famous pilgrim places of northern Gujarat. It is located (240 00’N & 72046’E) at starting point of Aravalli ranges. Climate of this area is semi-arid with irregular rainfall. Variable width line transect method was adapted to study the avifaunal diversity. Taranga Hill-forest has atleast 90 species of birds belonging to 11 orders, 33 families and 68 genera. Passeriformes being the largest family. All common residents appear to be adapted to the prevailing conditions. Red-vented Bulbul and Rock Pigeon were most abundant while Asian Paradise-flycatcher, Crested Bunting and European Roller were rare. White-naped Tit a globally threatened and endemic resident has been found as local migrant, scarce in number, common in occurrence and breeder in the tropical thorn-scrub habitat of THf. Plum-headed Parakeet may be a breeding possible species. In comparison to other places, the avian diversity is observed poor, because Aravallis are not on the migratory route or landing site of migratory birds. In addition, anthropogenic factors, presence of predators and loss of vegetation may be having a telling effect.
Highlights
Avian community studies are effective tools for monitoring a forest ecosystem
After considering all the available methods, the variable width line transect method described by Burnham et al (1981) was adopted, in which, the observer walks along a predetermined route at 0.58km/hr fixed speed, counting the birds seen or heard 10m on both sides of the path
According to Grimmett et al (1998), White-naped Tit (Parus nuchalis) a globally threatened and endemic resident has been found as local migrant, scarce in number, common in occurrence and breeder in the tropical thorn-scrub forest habitat of Taranga Hillforest (THf)
Summary
Birds are widely recognized as good bio-indicators of the quality of the ecosystems (Gill 1994) and health of the environment. They are responsive to change; their diversity and abundance can reflect ecological trends in other biodiversity (Furness & Greenwood 1993). Because of their highly specific habitat requirements, birds become increasingly intolerant of even slight ecosystem disturbance (Schwartz & Schwartz 1951). In similar lines an attempt has been made to study and assess the present status of birds in the Taranga Hill-forest
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