Avian Diversity Research Articles

IMPACTS OF INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE ON BIRDS: A REVIEW

Intensive agriculture has had a negative impact on biodiversity and human health across the world. Specifically, bird populations have declined for many years due to soil degradation and agrochemical pollution. This review, which draws on 890 sources, including research articles and literature reviews, examines the interaction between birds and intensive agriculture to better understand its effects and conservation implications. Intensive agricultural activities have resulted in significant population declines among insectivorous and carnivorous birds, while generalist bird populations have increased. The heavy use of pesticides in intensive agriculture affects food availability for birds by reducing invertebrate and vertebrate populations as well as natural vegetation cover, which has a significant impact on bird diversity. Additionally, the accumulation of toxic compounds reduces bird reproductive success. In general, intensive agroecosystems have consistently had lower avian diversity than forest habitats and even lower-impact agricultural systems. However, some agroecosystems, such as rice fields, agricultural drainages, and canal systems, create alternative habitats that can benefit waterfowl. Future work should consider strategies such as restoring and enhancing vegetation edges, preserving natural vegetation, implementing organic farming practices, maintaining water bodies, and providing economic incentives for landowners to conserve biodiversity on their land to promote bird diversity conservation.

Human–wildlife coexistence on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: The correlation between Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and avian community composition

Abstract Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are widely distributed throughout the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and are significant locations for human–wildlife coexistence. Given the significance of their historical and contemporary social influence, it is crucial to ascertain whether there exists a non‐negligible correlation between these monasteries and their surrounding wildlife. In contrast to sacred mountains and lakes, there have been few studies that have examined the relationship between Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and wildlife communities. Using birds as a model ecological community, generalized mixed effect models (GLMM) were employed to examine relationships between the presence of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the number of individuals (relative abundance), avian species richness and diversity, using data from bird‐watching checklists (n = 262) obtained from the China Bird Report. Our models also included landscape‐wide environmental factors, including the ratio of woodland habitat, grassland habitat and open habitats, human footprint index, distance to nearest human occupation (villages), distance to water, altitude, time, presence of monastery and their interactions. Observation time was included as a model covariate. The presence of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the interactions between the presence of monasteries and environmental variables exhibit a significant correlation with the number of individual birds recorded (relative abundance), but not with observed species richness or diversity. Moreover, the relative abundance of birds was found to be significantly higher in areas around monasteries compared to those without monasteries. The abundance of species from eight families, namely Accipitridae, Corvidae, Columbidae, Passeridae, Leiothrichidae, Friningillidae, Musciapidae and Turidae, was significantly positively correlated with the presence of monasteries. Notably, the positive correlation of Accipitridae with the presence of celestial burial grounds around monasteries suggests a relationship between celestial burial practices and Accipitridae abundance at these sites. Our study reveals a significant positive correlation between Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and aspects of avian community composition in the eastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, thus highlights their potential role in the preservation of avian populations in fragmented landscape habitats. We encourage the government and relevant national parks stakeholders to implement targeted management strategies that take into account the unique patterns of human–wildlife coexistence in these areas, and to leverage the cultural advantages of the region to promote ecological conservation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Bird species richness and diversity responses to land use change in the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya

The increasing demand for cultivated lands driven by human population growth, escalating consumption and activities, combined with the vast area of uncultivated land, highlight the pressing need to better understand the biodiversity conservation implications of land use change in Sub-Saharan Africa. Land use change alters natural wildlife habitats with fundamental consequences for biodiversity. Consequently, species richness and diversity typically decline as land use changes from natural to disturbed. We assess how richness and diversity of avian species, grouped into feeding guilds, responded to land use changes, primarily expansion of settlements and cultivation at three sites in the Lake Victoria Basin in western Kenya, following tsetse control interventions. Each site consisted of a matched pair of spatially adjacent natural/semi-natural and settled/cultivated landscapes. Significant changes occurred in bird species richness and diversity in the disturbed relative to the natural landscape. Disturbed areas had fewer guilds and all guilds in disturbed areas also occurred in natural areas. Guilds had significantly more species in natural than in disturbed areas. The insectivore/granivore and insectivore/wax feeder guilds occurred only in natural areas. Whilst species diversity was far lower, a few species of estrildid finches were more common in the disturbed landscapes and were often observed on the scrubby edges of modified habitats. In contrast, the natural and less disturbed wooded areas had relatively fewer estrildid species and were completely devoid of several other species. In aggregate, land use changes significantly reduced bird species richness and diversity on the disturbed landscapes regardless of their breeding range size or foraging style (migratory or non-migratory) and posed greater risks to non-migratory species. Accordingly, land use planning should integrate conservation principles that preserve salient habitat qualities required by different bird species, such as adequate patch size and habitat connectivity, conserve viable bird populations and restore degraded habitats to alleviate adverse impacts of land use change on avian species richness and diversity.

Avian Diversity and Abundance in Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya

This study sought to determine bird abundance and diversity within Ololunga town, Narok County, Kenya. Using point counts and line transects, a rapid assessment of three habitats, based on levels of human disturbance was conducted. A total of 394 (n=394) birds belonging to 25 families and 34 species were recorded, with bushland recording the highest abundance and species richness (43.15%; and 26), followed by farmlands at 31.47% and 15; and human settlement recording the least (25.38% and 10). The Tukey HSD test established a significant difference in bird abundance between bushlands and human settlement areas (p = 0.014), with no significance between bushlands and farmlands (p = 0.082); nor between farmlands and human settlements (p = 0.356). Jaccard index / similarity coefficient across habitat scores noted a reducing similarity across avian sighted habitats at 0.316, 0.281 and 0.2 for human settlements-farmland; farmland-bushlands; and human settlement-bushland, respectively. Study results demonstrate that human influence has an impact on avian species composition, distribution, and abundance, especially within peri-urban areas of Narok, Kenya. Our study proposes creation of avian sensitive buffer zones within the habitats and ecotones; targeted community education on impacts of anthropogenic activities on avian diversity; and a deeper appraisal on seasonal and functional diversity in habitat types and overlapping ecotones on avian species, with a lens on resource availability.

Avian Diversity in and around Wetland of National Importance ‘Pariyej Community Reservoir’, Gujarat, India

The Pariyej Community Reservoir (PCR) is a freshwater reservoir in the Kheda district of Gujarat State, India. The PCR is also listed in Asian Directory of Wetlands. It is an important water storage reservoir; falls in the 4-B Gujarat Rajwara region of Central Gujarat, India. The present study was carried out for the period of one year (March, 2021 to February, 2022) to assess the status of avian diversity in terms of its species richness, abundance, and density. 116 bird species from 20 orders, 51 families, and 100 genera were documented. 75 species (64.4%) were resident, whereas 41 (35.3%) were migratory or seasonal. With respect to abundance, 41species (35.34%) were abundant, 39 species (33.6%) common, and 36 rare species (31.0%). The maximum total abundance (1707 individuals) was found at Site 1 in winter season with mean abundance of 427 individuals, total density (114 individuals/sq.km)and mean density (29 individuals/sq.km). The minimum total abundance (288 individuals) was recorded at Site2 in monsoon season with mean abundance of 72 individuals, total density (19individuals/sq.km) and mean density (5 individuals/sq.km).The present investigation reflects the good species richness of avian specieswith respect to order: family: genera: species ratioi.e., 1: 2.55: 5.0: 5.8. This indicates the flourishing harboring capability of PCR during peak winter period, which could be due to sustenance of rich biotic elements. The PCR has been declared as Sanctum sanctorumfor the refuge of migratory as well as local migrant birds, which is proved to be a wetland of national importance.

Diversity of Birds in Highland Reservoirs and Adjoining Areas of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation

Avian diversity is among the key components of the earth’s biodiversity that serve as unique barometers for environmental change. Bird diversity in unprotected habitats such as reservoirs in the Tigray region is less known. A study was conducted to assess the avian diversity in highland reservoirs of the Tigray region, particularly at Maygundi and Maysye reservoirs and their adjoining habitats from August 2022 to March 2023, covering both wet and dry seasons. A line transect and point count methods aided by binoculars were used to estimate avian species diversity and distribution. Biodiversity indices and Two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. A total of 1,813 individual birds belonging to 151 species, 17 orders and 51 families were recorded during the study period. Egyptian goose was the most abundant species (19.58 %), followed by Little Grebe (10. 86 %), Eurasian Coot (7.00 %), Ruff and Yellow Mantle Widowbird (3.31 % for each). A significant variation in the number of bird species between wet and dry seasons (F = 1225, df = 1, P = 0.02) and between reservoirs (F = 484, df = 1, P = 0.03) was observed. However, there was no significant difference in abundance of birds between wet and dry seasons in both reservoirs (P > 0.05). Maysye reservoir had high bird species diversity (H′ = 3.66), while Maygundi reservoir had the lowest (H′ = 3.24). The study shows that sedimentation and habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities, including the expansion of settlements; agriculture and livestock grazing were the main threats to bird diversity. The highland reservoirs and their adjoining habitats support high avian species diversity including endemic and endangered species revealing the importance of the sites for bird conservation. Therefore, urgent conservation measures are recommended for long-term bird conservation.

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

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.

Assessment of Avian Diversity and Water Parameters of Narsinh Mehta Lake, Junagadh City, Gujarat, India: A Case Study of Revamping Habitat

Landscape changes due to habitat alteration and fragmentation can result in complex changes in biodiversity. In the present study, Narsinh Mehta Lake located on the center of Junagadh city was studied for avian diversity during March 2021 to December 2022. The lake, a vital ecosystem within an urban setting, presents a unique opportunity to investigate how avian species composition and abundance are influenced by various water quality parameters. A total of 85 avian species belongs to 14 orders and 36 families and 69 genera are recorded including 5 near threatened and 3 vulnerable species. Amongst the recorded species, 22 were migratory and 63 resident birds. The carnivorous feeding habit was shown by the maximum number of species while nectarivores and frugivorous bird species were in the least numbers. The rich avifaunal diversity of Narsinh Mehta Lake confirms it as a suitable habitat for both migrant and resident bird species. Furthermore, variations in water parameters appear to influence the distribution and behavior of avian species, highlighting the importance of maintaining suitable water conditions for avian populations. Such insights are critical for effective conservation and management strategies aimed at preserving both avian diversity and the integrity of Narsinh Mehta Lake ecosystem. It is worth to mention that the lake is selected for beautification to attract tourists which may affect the biodiversity of the lake.

Avian Diversity and its Associated Threats in Gharo Creek, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

Avian Diversity and its Associated Threats in Gharo Creek, District Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

Temporal and Spatial Variation in Avian Diversity at Lake Qaroun, Egypt

Temporal and Spatial Variation in Avian Diversity at Lake Qaroun, Egypt

Diversity and Distribution of Avifauna in the Northeast of Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia.

Exploring avian species diversity and distribution patterns is vigorous for conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich countries such as Ethiopia. Compared to other species, birds are relatively well-known and easily observed, making them great markers of productivity or biodiversity. Although bird species are found all across the world, their survival and range have been negatively impacted by habitat loss, fragmentation, and destruction. Thus, the goal of this study is to provide baseline data on avifaunal diversity in the Northeast of Addis Ababa, including species richness, distribution, and relative abundance in various habitats conducted from January 2023 to September 2023 using a stratified sampling design into three habitat types: settlement, farmland, and abattoir. A fixed-width line transect sampling method was used at the farmland and settlement, and a point transect was employed at the abattoir site to collect the bird data. The data were compared using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests in both seasons and habitat types. A total of 42 bird species belonging to twenty-three families, and nine orders were recorded during the study period. Of these, blue-winged goose and wattled ibis are endemic to Ethiopia. Hooded vultures and White-backed vultures are critically endangered species. The mean abundance of bird species significantly varied in the three habitat types (χ2 = 13.6, df = 2, p=0.001). The abundance of bird species was nonsignificant difference between wet and dry seasons (U = -0.874, p=0.381). The highest diversity (H' = 2.74) was recorded at settlement, and the lowest diversity index (H' = 1.09) was recorded at the abattoir in the dry season. In the wet season, the highest diversity (H' = 2.66) was recorded in the farmland, and the lowest (H' = 1.08) was recorded at the abattoir. The highest evenness (J = 0.94 and J = 0.93) was recorded on the farmland in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. In the study area, urbanization is extremely impacting the environment and altering ecosystem services upon which human civilization depends. Most of the avian species observed in the study area are capable and tolerant of human-induced habitats in the city. Therefore, city planners must consider conserving urban bird species' habitats and feeding sites.

Socio-Cultural Impact of Avian Diversity in the Himalayan Region: A Comprehensive Study of Bird Species in Huddu Village, Chopta, and Deoriatal

The study employed a random visualization method to count and describe bird species in the Huddu Village, Chopta, and Deoriatal regions of the Himalayas. The data, collected through global positioning system (GPS) recordings between March and April, revealed 48 bird species across these areas, belonging to 20 different families and varying orders. The observations included 33 bird species in the Huddu region, 10 in Chopta, and 9 in Deoriatal, each displaying different elevations and geographical coordinates. Aside from birds, the fieldwork documented various flora and fauna species. The research detailed the relative abundance, distribution, and feeding habitats of bird species through recorded tables. Notable high-abundance species in Huddu Village included the streaked laughing thrush, common myna, various drongo species, grey treepie, and yellow or red-vented bulbul. Conversely, low-abundance species like alpine chough, Asian koel, scarlet minivet, and fire-breasted flowerpecker were rare, with their occurrences graphically depicted in the results. The identification of bird species utilized diverse methods, including internet resources and field guides. The study contributes valuable insights into the avian biodiversity of the Himalayan regions, emphasizing the importance of random visualization techniques and recording detailed ecological characteristics.

Composition and status of avian diversity in the Mandothi wetland habitat of Jhajjar, Haryana, India

Composition and status of avian diversity in the Mandothi wetland habitat of Jhajjar, Haryana, India

Assessing and understanding diversity and foraging guilds of bird community structure in Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar and Jharkhand, India

This study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2018 to assess the bird community structure, diversity, feeding guilds, and the residential status of birds in Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary (GBWS). Avian diversity and guild organization in five different habitat types were classified according to the forest type present in the landscape. The results indicated a total of 99 avifauna that belongs to 48 families, distributed in 16 orders. Among the 99 species, 77 were residents, 17 were winter visitors, four were summer visitors, and only one was a passage migrant. Based on the feeding guild evaluation, the majority were insectivorous (47%), followed by omnivorous (24%), carnivorous (14%), granivorous (8%), frugivorous (4%), insectivorous (1%), and piscivorous (1%). The scrubland, among other forest types, represented the highest diversity value for the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (3.2), evenness was recorded highest in riverine habitat (0.63), whereas utmost Simpson’s dominance (0.98) and Fisher’s index value (41) were in human settlement. These findings of our study illustrate the outstanding potential of GBWS as an important protected site for mixed bird diversity and specific feeding guilds, precisely in terms of the insectivorous and omnivorous communities. Hence, the study outcomes set a notable landmark for understanding birds and their habitats.

Avian Diversity in Walayar Lake, Palaghat District, Kerala, India

Investigation of avian diversity and their natural ecosystem at the local and regional level is the first step to understand and classifying a specific region's ecological importance and, in this regard, the present work is undertaken. Walayar Lake is located at Westernghats having rich aquatic vegetation and harbors several kind animals including birds. The present study deals with the avifaunal diversity in and around the Walayar lake. A study on the avifauna diversity was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019. In this survey conducted for a period of 2 years, forty-three species of birds belong 14 different orders and 28 families were recorded. Of these 43 species, 19 were resident to this area. 9 were migrant species while 7 were winter migrant species, 6 local were migrant species and 2 were resistant migratory species. Regarding the occurrence, 28 species were common to the place, 7 species were uncommon, 3 were fairly common and 2 were found occasionally. Regarding feeding habits, 21 were insectivores, 13 species were carnivores, 6 were omnivores followed by 2 frugivores and 1 granivore. As per IUCN Status, 38 species are least concern (LC) and 5species near threatened (NT). There are so many conservation challenges such as anthropogenic alteration of the habitats in and around the lake is a major threat to the biodiversity of avifauna.

Identification of Aves Diversity in Samudra University Area

Birds, or avians, are living organisms classified in the animal kingdom and share characteristic features such as a body covering of feathers that enables them to fly. Birds are also a biodiversity asset that needs to be conserved and preserved due to their significance and roles in human life. Samudra University, with its expansive grounds adorned with various trees, provides a potential habitat for birds. This research, conducted in October-November 2023, aims to explore the diversity of bird species within the Samudra University area. The study employs a quantitative descriptive method, covering four locations, Location I in the Faculty of Agriculture, Location II by the sea, Location III in the Student Building, and Location IV in the Faculty of Primary School Teacher Education. The findings reveal four avian species from four families in the Samudra University area: Passer montanus, Ardea alba, Geopelia striata, and Todirhampus chloris. The avian diversity index in that area is considered moderate.

Avian functional diversity across the neotropics: current knowledge and perspectives

Avian functional diversity across the neotropics: current knowledge and perspectives

Bird species richness and habitat guilds at isolated forest patch in Turahalli Minor Forest, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Analyzing habitat preferences and foraging dynamics can be useful in understanding how birds adapt to changing physical environments. This is the first-ever study that was carried out on Avian feeding and Habitat guild of the Turahalli minor forest. Our study compares foraging patterns and habitat preferences among bird species by using One-way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparison test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U tests. Observations based on habitat and diet affinities accounted for rich avian diversity with a total of 139 bird species recorded from five different habitats from October 2020 to November 2022. Large trees (95 species) harbored more species followed by shrub and thorny (30 species) and open ground (8 species). Bird assemblages were richer in large tree habitats and shrub and thorny habitats and findings showed that there was no significant difference in bird species richness between the habitats. Insectivorous species (39%) and carnivorous species (30%) exceeded other feeding guilds in the study area. Results of the study showed that different functional groups of avifauna behaved differently, primarily persuaded by choice of food. By providing birds with stable foraging, roosting, and nesting options, habitat heterogeneity supported avifaunal persistence.

Bird Diversity in Bhaludhunga: Exploring Avian Diversity in Eastern Mid-hills of Nepal

Birds are crucial to biodiversity and serve as an indicator of habitat quality, productivity and stability. This study documents the avian diversity in Bhaludhunga Community Forest and associated tea garden in Ilam, which is a part of the Mai Valley Forests Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. It addresses the limited research on avi-faunal diversity in eastern Nepal, particularly outside protected areas. MacKinnon’s Listing method was used to collect the data following the existing trail transect walk in the study area. During the study period, a total of 132 bird species from 41 families of 10 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes were the most dominant order with 102 species followed by Accipitriformes and Columbiformes. Muscicapidae was the most commonly represented family with 19 species followed by Phylloscopidae, and Pellorneidae. One globally endangered species, Steppe Eagle along with five nationally threatened species was recorded during the survey. Two Restricted Range Species from the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area Spiny Babbler and Yellow-vented Warbler were also recorded in the area. However, extensive survey in the different seasons is required for further exploration of bird community, which might play a crucial role in developing baseline information and implementing conservation implications.

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

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.