Avifaunal Diversity Research Articles

Biodiversity and Soil Characterization of Ancestral Domain of the Tagbanua Tribe in Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines

This study was conducted to determine strategies to enhance the sustainable forest management practices of the Tagbanua tribe. Specifically to describe the biodiversity and soil characteristics of the ancestral domain. The modified belt-transect method for biodiversity assessment developed by B+WISER (2014), further modified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the assessment, was used in this study. Results of soil chemical analysis showed significant variations among various land uses. The ancestral domain had at least 73 plant species belonging to 34 families and 59 genera. Four (4) taxa whose SN/families were still undetermined and another three (3) genera under families Annonaceae, Meliaceae, and Sapindaceae were unidentified. It had 12 plant species that are threatened with one critically endangered based on the list of threatened Philippine plants of the DENR. On the other hand, a total of 372 birds representing 61 species from 29 families were recorded. The high Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’=3.69) and Shannon’s Evenness (HE=0.90) values indicate high avifaunal diversity and equitable distribution among the detected species. Most of the conservation priority species recorded in the area are Palawan endemic species. The survival of these birds is threatened by extinction due to habitat loss. This observation emphasized the importance of the ancestral domain as a refuge for these endemic species and conservation priority areas.

Avifauna diversity in the environmentally sensitive area: Alpha and Beta analyses in Kluang Forest Reserve, southern Peninsular Malaysia.

The Permanent Forest Reserve (PFR) is recognised as one of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Malaysia`s spatial planning. Incorporating biological factors alongside existing physical attributes is crucial to improve the classification of ESAs. It is important to attain biological diversity information to formulate biological factors, which include vertebrates such as bird communities. Birds are highly sensitive to changes within ecosystems; hence, they play a pivotal role in reflecting the overall ecological condition. Therefore, the study focused on assessing bird species' richness in the Kluang Forest Reserve (Kluang FR) and compared its bird diversity amongst five PFRs ESAs in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Methods such as mist netting, point count observations and call recording were deployed to calculate the alpha and beta diversity of the bird community. A total of 68 species comprised of 36 families were recorded and the white-rumped shama (Copsychusmalabaricus) was the most abundant species in all reserves studied. Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) revealed that the bird diversity in Kluang FR is more similar to bird santuary Panti Forest Reserve compared to the other four forest reserves and indicates that diversification of species richness. However, the absence of published species information in forest reserves poses challenges for comparing bird assemblages amongst different reserves. More extensive studies are needed in Johor and throughout Malaysia to provide data that can effectively assist and support biodiversity conservation and management.

Impact of Seasonal Changes on Avifauna Diversity in Nguru Wetland, Yobe State, Nigeria

The research on impact of seasonal changes on avifauna diversity in Nguru Lake of Hadejia-Nguru Wetland was carried out in two different seasons for the period of six 6 months, from April to June (dry season) and July to September (wet season). The aim was to evaluate the impact of seasonal changes on avifauna diversity and the species richness in the study area. A reconnaissance survey was carried out to select study sites and sampling points. Five (5) different points were selected which comprises of Madauka, Kayayyashi, Farin Ruwa, Badum and Guzan respectively and Point count census techniques were adopted. In each counting station, bird observation was carried out twice daily; morning between 6:00 am and 10:00 am and evening between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Data compilation was done using Microsoft Excel and were analysed using statistical software Past 326b. Bird diversity was calculated using Shanon-Weiner diversity index. The findings of this research showed that the majority of birds identified were Resident species (12,225 individual birds), Migratory species (8,186 individual birds) and Palearctic Migrants (10,876 individual) species in the study area. Dominant bird species in Nguru lake were Philomachus pugnax, Actophilornis africanus and Phalacrocorax africanus. A total of 5,538 individual birds’ was identified (Dry Season) in Nguru lake ‘’ belonging to 21 families in which Ardeidae family had the highest (7) species of bird. Shannon Diversity Index’ has 2.55 in dry season, while in Wet Season’ has 3.40. This indicated that there was relatively equal and high diversity of bird species in Wet Season in the study area and has the total species richness of 6,711. Overgrazing and other anthropogenic activities which affect the population diversity of avifauna species serve as major threats to the continued existence of Wetlands. Typha grass also remained pressing problem which create microhabitats reducing critical habitat for feeding, nesting and roosting habitat for birds, as well as hampers the smooth flow of water used by many water bird species. In view of the findings of this study, effective monitoring and strategies for conservation to restore the population of bird species, provide public enlightenment of the people around the wetland and management of Hadejia-Nguru Wetland promptly advice the significant importance of the wetland in serving as home for resident and migratory birdspecies.

Species composition and distribution of birds in the area of Kyzyl airport (Republic of Tyva, Russia) and their impact on the ornithological situation

Aim. Study and identification of species composition and actual location of birds on the territory of the Kyzyl airport and in the airspace above it throughout the year and assessment of the intensity of the ornithological situation in order to ensure flight safety.The study of avifauna within the airport area within a radius of 15 km was carried out throughout a calendar year using the method of integrated route accounting and stationary observations on the runway. Statistical processing of the field materials was carried out using the Microsoft Excel program.In total, a fairly high species diversity was revealed within the airport territory – 76 species in zone I – R =2,5 km and 199 species in zone II – R= 15 km. The population density of birds points was calculated in points, the status of stay, seasonal fluctuations in the number and species diversity of avifauna and the intensity of the ornithological situation were revealed.Despite the rather high species diversity and significant fluctuations in the number of birds, ornithological intensity in zone II during the year is ‘calm’ and reaches the upper limit of the ‘satisfactory’ level occasionally on certain days of late summer – early autumn. A place of increased concentration of birds within airport area II is an urban landfill. The decision to move the landfill beyond a 50 km radius from the runway, the prevention of nesting of aircraft‐dangerous bird species within zone II and the use of visual repellents will allow maintenance of a low level of ornithological intensity throughout the year.

Avian and Mammalian Diversity and Abundance in Jhalana Reserve Forest, Jaipur, India.

We utilized camera traps to evaluate animal diversity, relative abundance, and the extent of anthropogenic activities in the Jhalana Reserve Forest (JRF), located in Jaipur, with a population of 3.9 million people. Between November 2017 and November 2019, camera traps were strategically deployed in the tourist zone and peripheral areas, capturing 16,328 photos. This study represents the first comprehensive baseline assessment of animal diversity in the JRF, documenting 39 species, including 18 bird species, 14 mammals, and 6 domestic species, alongside human activity. Among the 14 mammal species, 7 were carnivores. Notably, we identified 25 individual Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) during 2017-2018, comprising 8 males and 17 females, highlighting the leopard as the apex predator in the JRF. Concurrently, domestic animals accompanied by humans were observed within the JRF. However, rigorous conservation efforts and patrols by the Rajasthan Forest Department resulted in a notable decline in human activity, from 28.04% in 2017-2018 to 3.92% in 2018-2019, with domestic animal activity reaching zero in the latter period. Consequently, the relative abundance of wildlife species increased during the study period of 2018-2019, underscoring the positive impact of conservation strategies implemented by authorities. Our findings establish that camera-trapping methodology collates definitive baseline data, assesses mammal diversity, and evaluates relative abundance in reserve forests within human-dominated landscapes. We strongly recommend a further study to assess the avifauna diversity. This study provides critical insights to inform the development and implementation of conservation strategies in similar protected areas.

Assessment of Avifaunal Status, Diversity, and Conservation Implications in and around the Wetlands of Dharwad, Karnataka, India

The study shows an overall avifaunal diversity and status of selected wetlands in Dharwad district and conveys the presence/absence of bird species on habitat changes caused due to varying water levels (exposure/submergence of mudflats) and destruction of riparian vegetation such as the reed species. These wetlands have attracted bird species from local to migratory to forage, roost and breed in the area. The avifaunal diversity was found to fairly vary across the different wetlands. The data portrayed here are from the surveys during wintering months of 2017-18 and 2021-22. Line transects, point count and total count methods were used for surveying. Diversity indices (Beta, Shannon, Simpson, Evenness) and similarity matrices (Bray-Curtis cluster) were calculated using Past 4 package. The Pearson correlation, beta diversity and Bray-Curtis’s clustering were used to compare the wetlands for the similarity/dissimilarities in species composition. Overall, Shannon and Simpson diversity of the wetlands were H’=4.67 & D= 0.98 with total of 177 species, which portrays high degree of diversity. There were around 46 species of migrant birds and 133 resident species. The work also reports a few rare and coastal birds. The study suggests the management plans for the conservation of avifauna in and around the wetlands to prevent human disturbances and also considering the importance of faunal habitats before adopting lake developmental plans.

Avifaunal diversity assessment and conservation significance of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu: insights about breeding waterbirds

Avifaunal diversity assessment and conservation significance of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu: insights about breeding waterbirds

Avifaunal Diversity in and Around Katwal Tukum Lake, Tah-Bhadrawati, Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Abstract: The present study aimed to survey avifaunal diversity in and around Katwal Tukum Lake, located in Tah-Bhadrawati, Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Comprehensive field observations were conducted from October 2023 to April 2024 to compile a checklist of bird species, assess their migration patterns, and develop conservation recommendations based on the findings. A total of 92 bird species were recorded, representing 43 families and 16 orders, indicating a thriving and healthy ecosystem. Notable findings include the dominance of the Passeriformes order, which accounted for 33 species, followed by Anseriformes and Charadriiformes with 12 and 9 species, respectively. Additionally, Pelecaniformes, Coraciiformes, and Gruiformes were represented by 10, 6, and 4 species, respectively. Lesser represented orders included Cuculiformes, Suliformes, Accipitriformes, Podicipediformes, Columbiformes, Bucerotiformes, Ciconiiformes, Piciformes, Galliformes, and Stigiformes. The study identified 26 migratory species, 28 resident migratory species and 38 resident species, underscoring the vital role of the surrounding forests in providing essential resources and habitats for a wide range of avian species. This research contributes valuable data to our understanding of bird diversity and seasonal patterns at Katwal Tukum Lake and highlights the need for targeted conservation strategies and habitat management practices to protect this diverse avian community.

Avifaunal Diversity along River Tawi in Jammu Region of J&K, India

Avifaunal Diversity along River Tawi in Jammu Region of J&K, India

A neglected wetland in human-dominated landscape shields avifauna from seasonal harsh conditions in Gambella, western Ethiopia

To mitigate biodiversity loss, increasing the number of protected areas in terrestrial and marine habitats is becoming a pressing demand on a global scale. However, the rising human population and per capita consumption continue to limit protected area designations, especially in economically productive areas. There is a dearth of information on the potential roles of small wetland ecosystems in human-dominated landscapes in supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Here, we assess the roles of wetland ecosystems for avifaunal diversity within Gambella National Park and in the surrounding human-dominated landscape. We used a strip transect method to collect data on bird species during the wet and dry seasons. We evaluated whether each bird species are migratory or resident based on Birdlife International category and assessed their conservation status based on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We recorded 114 bird species belonging to 41 families and 16 orders from the study area. Though the overall diversity of birds is significantly higher within the national park when averaged over the two seasons (p = 0.001), we recorded higher species diversity (3.78 vs. 3.09), evenness (0.85 vs. 0.77), and richness (88 vs. 56) for the wetland located within the human-dominated landscape during the wet season. The reverse was true during the dry season where we recorded higher diversity (3.29 vs. 2.31), evenness (0.75 vs. 0.55) and richness (80 vs. 66) for the wetland located within the national park. Species turnover between the two areas was higher during the wet season than during the dry season (β = 0.22 vs. 0.1), showing the avifaunal similarity shared between the two systems seasonally fluctuates. Most bird species often depend on the wetlands outside protected areas for feeding and roosting in the wet season to escape widespread flooding within the park. Our results support synergy between the two settings for sustaining avifaunal diversity, illustrating the importance of near-natural ecosystems within human-disturbed landscapes for supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Besides focusing on protected areas alone, conservation agencies and decision makers should take into account the significances of such areas in human-dominated landscapes to ensure comprehensive and sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Bird-Ecosystem Relationship in an Urbanizing Habitat: Implications for Conservation and Ecosystem Stability

This study explores the association between birds and their urbanizing ecosystems. The study area was divided into 4 quadrats of area 2700 m2 each. Bird species as well as number of individuals of each species were counted using the Line Transect Method. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Windows Microsoft Excel and SPSS v.28. The investigation revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between bird species and the four distinct sites within the study area. These sites exhibit variations in vegetation composition and include notable features like water bodies. The findings underscore the heavy reliance of certain bird species in this region on specific types of vegetation for their survival and well-being. Removing even a single plant species could potentially disrupt the entire ecosystem. The study documented the presence of 42 bird species across 30 families, including one vulnerable species. Both local and seasonal migratory birds were observed during the research. Although the study identified a decline in bird diversity within the study area, it remains species-rich, displaying moderate to high diversity (Simpson’s Dominance Index: 0.0319; Margalef’s Richness Index: 4.0754). This research emphasizes the critical importance of conserving bird species and their associated vegetation to maintain ecosystem integrity. Strategic sustainable development practices along with habitat enrichment for birds is recommended to maintain the valuable avifaunal diversity of the study area. By highlighting the intricate relationship between birds and their habitat, the study highlights the significance of conservation efforts in safeguarding the overall health of the ecosystem.

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON DIVERSITY OF AVIFAUNA IN KATWA, PURBA BURDWAN, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Birds are used as bio-indicator due to their sensitivity to minor environmental changes. A survey was done from July 2022 to February 2023 to study the avifaunal diversity of Katwa. A total of 67 bird species were recorded during the study period. The species were categorized in three namely common resident (CR), not common resident (NCR) and migratory (M) of which 40 are common resident, 24 are not common resident and 3 are migratory. The found common birds species were house crow, common myna, red vented bulbul, house sparrow, spotted dove, asian koel, little ringed plover etc. Among the not common resident avifauna were Long-legged Buzzard, Cotton teal, Pied-cuckoo, Grey Wagtail, yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail etc. and the three migratory birds were Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and Northern Pintail. Katwa and adjoining Ajay Baadh has wide variety of trees, wetland, grassland and agricultural land which is the major contributing factor for the rich avifaunal diversity found during the short study period. This is a preliminary effort for documentation of the avifauna, but more studies and suitable conservation strategies are required in the study area.

Diversity and ecology of avifauna in some selected lakes of Tumakuru city, Karnataka, India

Diversity and ecology of avifauna in some selected lakes of Tumakuru city, Karnataka, India

Influence of seasonal change and anthropogenic activities on the avifauna composition in a seasonal wetland of India

Abstract Seasonal wetlands harbour a mosaic of habitats that support a variety of niches for bird species. When seasonal change and anthropogenic activities are coupled with the landscape, the species richness and species composition are presumably influenced by such factors. This study aimed to evaluate avifauna diversity, to investigate feeding guilds, and to determine the impact of seasonality and tourism pressure as anthropogenic disturbance on the avian community of a wetland. Comprehensive surveys were conducted to gather all necessary data, followed by the application of analytical methods to assess the hypotheses formulated in the current research. A total of 61 bird species belonging to 14 orders have been recorded during this year-round study, where Passeriformes was the most dominant order with 27 bird species. The species richness was highest in winter, and five feeding guilds were identified. This study revealed a significant role of seasonality, and tourism pressure on avian species richness of Bortir Bil. The outcomes of the present study could serve as an important baseline to adopt sustainable and bird-friendly management plan for this seasonal wetland.

Avifaunal Diversity of Cantonment Area, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Birds have always fascinated mankind with their naturally attractive plumage, harmonious songs and creative behavior. Avifaunal Diversity is one of the most important ecological indicators, displays the environmental quality of an area, its pollution level, safety and accessibility of food and habitat. Cantonment area is one of the distinctive locations represents a sub-urban area of Lucknow. Cantonment area is an abundant green area around 23.43 square kilometer, preferred by number of bird species at its different types of habitat like shaded trees, bushes, grasses, grounds some parks and buildings etc. They provide food and shelter for the urban terrestrial bird’s community. The study was performed in Cantonment area for six months from February, 2022 to July, 2022. Bird surveys were carried out using the Line transect method across four different transects at this area. As a result of six months observation, 55 bird species were recorded belonging to 15 orders and 29 families. Majority of species were observed in the order Passeriformes and family Muscicapidae. Data analysis showed that 29 avian species were Common, 12 were Fairly Common, 6 were Uncommon and 8 were Rare, whereas 52 avian species were residents and 3 avian species were migrants.

Relative Abundance, Diversity and Threats of Avian Fauna at Dhanmondi Lake in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A study was conducted on the relative abundance, diversity, and threats of avifauna in Dhanmondi Lake, Dhaka, Bangladesh from March to December 2021. Data was collected by following the line transect sampling method and direct field observations, where four days were spent every month in the study area. A total of 34 species of birds were observed, belonging to 9 orders and 20 families. Out of 34 species of birds, 94% were residents and 6% were migrants; of them, 55% were non-passerines and 45% were passerines. The relative abundance of avifauna was also estimated as 29% of species being very common, 15% being fairly common, 27% being common, and 29% being few. The highest number of individuals was observed in December (209 individuals), followed by 199 individuals in April, 189 individuals in March, 187 individuals in October, 178 in November, 177 in August, and 170 in June. The Shannon-Weiner index was estimated to be at its maximum (H′ = 2.98) in March-21, and its minimum value was obtained (H′ = 2.62) in June-21. Similarly, the value of Simpson’s index of diversity was obtained to be maximum (D = 0.09) in June-21 and minimum (D = 0.06) in December-21. Human activities such as large gatherings, random assemblies, festivals, dumping of waste, throwing of papers, polythene, and plastics here and there, and finally, noises from the different vehicles, were identified as major threats to avian species. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 95–109, 2023 (June)

Heterogeneric Diversity and Richness of Avifauna in a Degraded Landscape of Arial Beel in Bangladesh

Bird diversity and richness reflect the habitat quality of ecosystems. The species composition, diversity, and richness of birds were studied at Shologhar Union, a degraded landscape of Arial Beel, from March 2016 to February 2017, using line transect and point count methods. A total of 75 species of birds belonging to 14 orders and 35 families were recorded; most of them were residents (83%). Non-passerine birds were predominant (40 species, 53% of total species), with 18 families and 38 genera. Only one near-threatened species (Yellow Wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus) was recorded. Among resident birds, Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) was dominant, and the Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) was predominant among migratory birds. Most species were terrestrial (51 spp., 68% of total birds), contributing only 23% of the population. The individual rarefaction revealed the highest species richness in March and the lowest in May and June. The highest population was recorded in winter (38%), and insectivore species (40%) were the highest. No significant seasonal variation occurred in the richness of birds (Kruskal-Wallis test: K = 0.05 df = 2, p = 0.971) and in different feeding guilds (Kruskal-Wallis test: K = 0.86, df = 5, p = 0.65). Ardeidae and Sturnidae represented the highest diversified families (6 species in each, RDi = 8), and Baya Weaver contributed the highest (26%) population. The presence of different species of birds suggests that this site could provide a suitable habitat for wild birds, and restoration management of this part of Arial Beel should require conserving the habitat of avifauna. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 19-44, 2023 (June)

Avifaunal diversity of Moharli Lake, near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Chandrapur (Maharashtra)

Lakes and their basins are major repositories of biodiversity. Monitoring the basin and their respective water bodies requires an assessment of avifaunal diversity, as birds are a health indicator of the ecosystem. The present investigation focused on the avifauna diversity of Moharli Lake and its environs. Moharli Lake is located a short distance from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Serving as one of the primary entrances to TATR, the Moharli gate overlooks this perennial freshwater lake. Abundant in nutrients, the lake supports a diverse avian population, including migratory bird species. The lake and its environs were surveyed nightly throughout the study duration, spanning from June 2014 to April 2015. The birds were classified into five distinct groups based on their habitat. A total of 81 species, representing 67 genera across 31 families within 13 orders, were documented and classified according to their status and occurrence, including migratory species. The presence of birds was meticulously documented alongside their dietary inclinations and feeding behaviors. The diverse bird community within the study area indicates a conducive habitat for both breeding and sustenance. A comprehensive analysis of avifaunal diversity in this region will aid in formulating conservation strategies for the future.

Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Population Studies on different agricultural and other bird species were carried out at Students farm, College farm, Agri biodiversity park, and Agricultural Research Institute farm areas of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Campus in semiarid region of Telangana state covering an area of about 36 Sq.km. for a period of eleven years (2012 to 2023). Population diversity of 92 species of different birds, and their distribution within the university campus farm areas were recorded. Important among them are 9 species namely: Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri),Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Baya weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus), White throated munia (Lonchura malabarica), and Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which depredate experimental field crops among them only few birds such as: Rose ringed parakeets, House crows, House sparrows, Pigeons, Baya weavers, Peafowls and Munias were serious bird pests to major agricultural and horticultural crops. The University farm areas were found to be the most preferred habitat for many of these birds, it could be due to availability of food, breeding, roosting and resting sites in abundance because of more agricultural croplands and agro forestry trees.

Unveiling the avian community structure, habitat preference, and conservation concerns in the sal forest of central bangladesh

A study on avifaunal diversity was conducted in Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh, from November 2020 to October 2021 using direct field observation. The study area was divided into five sites based on the habitat structure. A total of 138 bird species and 1,808 individuals were directly counted, representing 17 orders and 49 families. The order Passeriformes and the family Cuculidae had the highest number of species. During the winter season, the richness, abundance, and diversity was the maximum (116 species, 1132 individuals, H= 4.151, Ds= 0.976), with resident bird surpassing migratory species. Among the five study sites, the deep forest area exhibited the greatest number of bird species (75 species, H= 3.983, Ds= 0.975) and trees were the used microhabitat for the birds (101 species, 1521 individuals, H= 4.1, Ds= 0.977). Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata) had the maximum relative abundance and the ten most abundant species constituted 36.7% of total individuals. A total of 25 habitat generalist species was observed using more than one habitat during the study, while the rest were found in single habitat. Among all the bird species, 136 were Least Concern, one was Near Threatened, and one was Data Deficient. Based on the observation status, it was determined that the majority of bird species (97 species, 70.28%) were classified as few, while 25 species (18.11%) were as uncommon, 12 species (8.69%) as common, and 4 species (2.89%) as very common. The area was noted for its widespread use for recreational activities, and the disturbance caused by visitors lacking awareness poses a significant threat to the local bird population and biodiversity.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(1): 1-21, 2024 (January)