Study of Diversity of Wader Birds in Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Agra

Abstract

Wetlands are important ecosystems as they play a critical role in maintaining various natural cycles and support a wide range of biodiversity. Wader birds are a significant group of wetland-dependent birds that help in the proper functioning of wetlands. This study presents the diversity of the wader birds in the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Agra district. Different spots were located around Keetham Lake and monitored on random 10 – 15 days a month mostly twice a day i.e., early morning and evening hours as per the study required. The study has been conducted for 1 year (January 2021-December 2021). Bird counting was done with the help of binoculars (Celestron 10x50) and the Point Count method was applied during the survey. A total of 42 species of large and small waders were recorded and identified representing 4 orders and 9 families. 14 out of 42 species were winter migrants and 7 threatened species are recorded which signifies this bird sanctuary is an important bird area and needs to be maintained well to sustain and improve its biodiversity.