Avifaunal Diversity Research Articles

Diversity and distribution of avifauna at Warathenna-Hakkinda Environmental Protection Area in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The present study was carried out in the recently established Warathenna-Hakkinda EPA in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka to investigate the avifaunal diversity and conservation threats. Sampling was conducted in two main habitat types: river islands and riverine forests. Both point count (10 m radius) and line transect (200 m long) methods were utilized and maximum of 30 minutes was used to sample the birds in each point. Food habit, niche type, endemism, abundance, and diversity indices (Shannon & Margalef) were calculated to compare the two habitats in this area. A total of 74 bird species belonging to 61 genera and 35 families were encountered from the study site. Among these, seven species are endemic: Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Sri Lanka Hill Mynah; while six were migratory: Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Indian Pitta, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail, and Grey Wagtail and the rest were non-endemic natives. Most of them were canopy and sub canopy dwellers associated with riverine forests and islands. According to the National Red List of Sri Lanka, three species, the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hill Mynah, and Alpine Swift, are listed as threatened. Ardeidae, Alcedinidae, Columbidae, Accipitridae, and Apodidae were the most species rich families in this habitat. Out of the sampled species, 31% and 25% of the birds were carnivores and insectivores, respectively, while 5% were nectarivores. According to the avifauna, the riverine forests are more diverse (Shannon index H’= 2.55; Margalef’s index M= 10.92) than the river islands (H’= 2.29; M= 5.07) in this landscape. The variety of habitats along the Mahaweli River at Warathenna appears to aid in sustaining a rich bird community and this Environmental Protection Area will help create a safe haven for the birds.

AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF NIHARI TAWI RIVER IN DISTRICT RAJOURI, JAMMU AND KASHMIR UT, INDIA

An avifaunal survey was conducted at river Nihari Tawi, district Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir for one and half year, starting from November 2015 to April 2017.The study reveals a rich avian diversity and a total of 122 species of birds belonging to 50 families were identified.As the water of the Nihari Tawi rich in dissolved oxygen and supports variety of aquatic fishes makes it suitable for birds and attracts many migratory birds in the particular region during the winters. Continuous monitoring of the avifaunal diversity is required to evaluate the ecological status of the birds and their habitats.Birds plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.Due to increase in urbanization and various anthropogenic activities,diversity and distribution of bird’s species is on declining trend all over the globe.Therefore,it is our prime concern to conserve the avifaunal diversity for maintaining the nature’s balance.

Rapid Assessment of Nocturnal Sciurid and Avifauna Diversity in Kadamaian – Kinabalu Park for Ecotourism Potential

A rapid assessment of sciurids and avifauna was done from 14th October 2020 – 20th October 2020 in Kadamaian – Kinabalu Park, Kota Belud, Sabah. Two sets of binoculars (Swarovski 8x30 and Bushnell 10x42) and two sets of Digital SLR cameras affixed with telephoto lens (Canon 7D; Tamron 150-600mm G2 F/4-6.3 and Nikon D500; Nikkor 200-500mm F/5.6) were used to aid in data collections. This assessment managed to record 5 species of Sciurids and 58 species of Avifauna in and around the Kadamaian-Kinabalu Park. Continuous biodiversity surveys are crucial in Kadamaian – Kinabalu, Sabah to maximize the potential ecotourism opportunity.

Birds diversity and faunogenetic structure of avifauna in forests parks of two megalopolises (Ukraine)

Background. In the 21st century, landscape transformation processes are underway in large cities, which affects the stability of wildlife habitats. Habitat transformations often reduce species richness due to a decrease in the population sizes of some species, and therefore, small in number and rare species are eliminated from bird communities. Rare species can have unique consortive relationships, which makes them particularly important for the long-term ecosystem functioning. A study of the avifauna of forest parks makes it possible to develop an algorithm for the coexistence of human and birds. Methods. The number and distribution of birds were determined by route counting. The total length of the fixed route was 5.7 km in Kyiv and 3.5 km in Kharkiv. On each route, observations were carried out annually with three repetitions during the nesting period when the birds are most attached to their habitats (end of April–May–June). The average data for the total study period (2013–2017) were calculated for each city. For the average number, the standard deviation was calculated. An analysis of the faunogenetic structure of avifauna was carried out according to the method developed by V.P. Belik. A faunogenetic complex is a group of animal species associated by a common origin with ecosystems of a certain landscape-geographical zone. We also classified bird species into ecological groups according to the patterns of microhabitat choice. To compare the α-diversity of bird in the forest-park zones of cities, a number of commonly accepted indices that express the correlation between the number and density of species were calculated: 1) Berger–Parker dominance index: DBP = Nimax / N; 2) Shannon diversity index: H´ = -∑(Pi × LnPi); 3) Pielou evenness index: E = H´ / LnS; where: Nі– the number of each species; Nimax – the maximum value of Nі; N = ∑Ni – the total number of all species (pairs/km); Pi = Ni / N – the ratio of each species; S – total number of the species. Results. The study presents a comparative analysis of diversity and faunogenetic structure of avifauna in the forest park zones of Kyiv and Kharkiv, inhabited by 71 breeding species of birds that belong to 10 orders. In the eastern region, the proportion of birds of the boreal and the European forest-steppe complex decreases, but the share of the desert-mountain complex increases. The fauna of the European nemoral complex dominates (32.8 % in Kyiv and 40.4 % in Kharkiv). The basis of the communities are dendrophils: 83.6 % (n = 67) in Kyiv and 82.7 % (n = 52) in Kharkiv. The dominant species in all forest parks are the great tit (Parus major) and chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs). Conclusions. The differences in the faunogenetic structure of bird communities are due to the proximity of model forest parks on the territory of Kyiv to the forest natural geographical zone, and on the territory of Kharkiv to the steppe, which leads in the eastern region to a decrease in the proportion of birds of the boreal and the European forest-steppe complex while the proportion of desert-mountain complex increases. Dendrophils predominate significantly, and the share of sclerophils and limnophils in total is less than 20 % of the bird community in the forest parks of each city. As a consequence of the fragmentation of the Kiev forest park zone, the diversity of nesting birds communities in the forest-park zone of Kyiv is slightly lower than of Kharkiv, and the pressure of the dominant species is more significant.

Rangelands and crop fallows can supplement but not replace protected grasslands in sustaining Thar Desert's avifauna during the dry season

1. The Indian Thar Desert has lost much of its grasslands over the last few decades, mainly due to land-use change from pastoralism to agriculture. Expanding croplands and intensifying grazing pressures are popularly hypothesized to be the major drivers of biodiversity loss in the region. Our study aims to investigate the effects of contemporary land-use change on bird communities of the Western Thar Desert.2. We surveyed 59 randomly laid line transects in a ~2000 sq.km study area, to quantify parameters of bird community structure in three predominant land-cover types viz. protected grasslands, rangelands, and fallow croplands. Fieldwork for the study was conducted in the dry season (winter and summer) between December 2018 and April 2019.3. During winter, overall bird species richness and abundance was highest in protected grasslands followed by fallow croplands and rangelands. Protected grasslands also had a higher abundance of diet and habitat specialists. Compared to protected grasslands, density was lower in fallow croplands and rangelands for 35% and 10% of species, respectively. A majority of the negatively affected species were insectivorous grassland specialists.4. Contrary to the pattern in winter, overall bird species richness, abundance, composition, and guild structure in summer was similar across the three land-use types. Only one of the 17 analysed species had significantly lower density in modified land-use types.5. Overall, protected grasslands were the best habitat for birds and specifically important for diet and habitat specialists, more so during the winter. Rangelands and fallow croplands sustained most generalists at comparable densities but had severe negative impacts on specialist species.6. Synthesis and application: Our results point out that low-intensity agro-pastoral land-uses can supplement, but not replace, protected areas in conservation of Thar Desert's avifaunal diversity. This is in consonance with the idea of managing dryland habitats as agro-grassland mosaics with embedded protected areas, in order to reconcile human needs and biodiversity conservation at a landscape scale.

Factors affecting the species richness and composition of bird species in a community managed forest of Nepal

There exists limited information on biodiversity including avifaunal diversity and habitat condition in community forests (CF) of Nepal; thus we aimed to fulfill such gaps in Tibrekot CF of Kaski district. We used the point count method for assessing bird diversity and laid out a circular plot size of radius 5-m within 15-m distance from each point count station for recording the biophysical habitat characteristics. Bird species’ diversity, richness and evenness were calculated using popular indexes and General Linear Model (GLM) was used to test the respective effect of various biophysical factors associated with the richness of bird species. In total, 166 (summer 122, winter 125) bird species were recorded in 46 sample plots. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated as 3.99 and 4.09, Margalef’s richness index as 16.84 and 17.53 and Pielou’s evenness index as 0.83 and 0.84 for summer and winter, respectively. The influencing factors for richness of bird species were season (χ21, 90= 112.21; P= 0.016) with higher richness in the summer season and low vegetation cover (χ21, 89= 113.88; P= 0.0064) with higher richness in lower percentage cover. Thus, community managed forest should be protected as it has a significant role in increasing bird diversity, which has potential for attracting avifaunal tourism for the benefit of the local communities.

Sari Beach Ecotourism Development Strategy, Pakis Village, Banyuwangi District, Banyuwangi Regency Kabupaten

Sariah Beach is one of the ecotourism potentials located in the village of Pakis, Banyuwangi with the characteristics of black sand, true mangrove vegetation, and associations, pine trees. This study aims to determine the development of community-based ecotourism and natural resources. The research method uses descriptive quantitative Focus Group Discussion (FGD), to determine IFAS and EFAS. Data analysis using SWOT analysis. The results showed alternative ecotourism development strategies which included increasing knowledge and technology in resource-based communities, improving supporting facilities and infrastructure, managing mangrove-based ecotourism, avifauna diversity, and maintaining turtle conservation. Furthermore, the integration of interests involving stakeholders at Sari beach.Keywords: ecotourism, mangrove, development, Sariah Beach

Bird Photography Tourism, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study from China

Determining how mountain communities in conservation priority areas can benefit from rich local biodiversity through sustainable development has been a challenge to governments throughout the world. The village of Hanlong in western Yunnan China has been developing bird photography tourism to capitalize on the extremely rich avifaunal diversity of the area. In this study, we analyzed the impact of the emerging tourism on local communities' livelihoods and identified the key areas of improvements for wider dissemination of the experiences. Bird photography tourism in Hanlong has contributed significantly to the sustainable livelihoods of local communities by providing a major new source of income, creating local employment opportunities, and reducing local people's dependence on the extractive use of forest resources. In the process, local communities have acquired new knowledge, skills, and social networks. They have also developed new institutions and governance mechanisms, which enable them to better adapt to the changing socioeconomic environment. Bird photography tourism offers new opportunities and hope for sustaining local livelihoods and biodiversity in conservation priority areas. Experiences in Hanlong offer an excellent heuristic example for sustainable community development, adaptation, and transformational change in conservation priority areas. They also contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi targets and thus have value for wider upscaling. Geographical location, local leadership, and external support are all important for the success of bird photography in Hanlong. We recommend that a landscape (including transboundary landscape) approach be adopted to integrate farming practices, other economic activities, and photography tourism. Farming practices and land uses that sustain bird diversity should be encouraged.

Avifaunal Diversity and Water Quality Analysis of Urban Wetlands of Colombo, Sri Lanka

The present study was carried out to determine the effect of water quality on the diversity and distribution of avifauna in urban wetlands. The bird aggregation and physical and chemical parameters of water bodies were assessed using standard field-based methods. The study recorded 67 bird species of 35 families. The bird population parameters were influenced by total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and visibility. The Shannon- Wiener species diversity index (Hˊ) ranged between 0.99±0.05 - 1.71±0.03. The density of aquatic birds and species richness ranged between 1677.45±137.2 - 4990.09±151.3 birdskm-2 and 14.85±0.36 - 22.07±0.68 respectively in the five wetlands studied. Shannon- Wiener diversity index (Hˊ) resulted in significant negative relationships with total dissolved solids (R2=0.716; p<0.05), and salinity (R2=0.919; p<0.01). Bird density was positively related with Secchi disk depth (R² = 0.457; p<0.05). Further, bird density negatively correlated with salinity (R² = 0.568; p<0.05) and total dissolved solids (BD = -0.003TDS + 3.903; R² = 0.566; p<0.05). The results of the principal component analysis indicated Secchi disk depth and dissolved oxygen were extremely influenced on Thalangama tank followed by Heen Ela marsh. For the wetland sites of Beddagana and Kiribathgoda, salinity and total dissolved solids were the extremely influential parameters, where Beddagana and Diyasaru Park had an influence from electrical conductivity on the variation of diversity, density, and species richness of the aquatic birds.

Birds of Surat-Dangs: a consolidated checklist of 75 years (1944–2020) with special emphasis on noteworthy bird records and bird hotspots from northern Western Ghats of Gujarat, India

Surat-Dangs, historically known as a Bhil State, is the northernmost tip of Western Ghats in the state of Gujarat. Despite being a part of an endemic bird area and global biodiversity hotspot, avifaunal diversity has been less documented in the landscape. Two protected areas, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary and Vansda National Park, are designated in the landscape. A handful of studies on birds have been conducted after Dr. Salim Ali’s collection in 1944–48. We surveyed the landscape (both protected and non-protected areas) in 2012–13 and 2015–2018 for documentation of the avifaunal diversity. We present a consolidated checklist of birds from our surveys as primary data and all published literature and eBird checklists as secondary data. We have reported a total of 297 bird species belonging to 70 families and 21 orders including the first record of Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon Columba elphinstonii for the State as well as Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, we have re-reported various species, which was suspected to be locally extinct from the protected area or landscape among other noteworthy bird records. We have identified bird-rich localities outside the protected areas based on the survey done by Salim Ali (1944–48) that can be used for future surveys. We also propose the landscape to be declared as an Important Bird Area (IBA) as per Global IBA criteria (A1, A2, & A3), which will pave the milestone for future conservation endeavors in the landscape.

Conservation status, feeding guilds, and diversity of birds in Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Karnataka, India

The present study was carried out to investigate the importance of habitat quality for the diversity, distribution, and abundance of avifauna in Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Ballari District from February 2015 to January 2016. A total number of 189 species of birds, belonging to 62 families and 18 orders were recorded during the survey. A family-wise analysis showed that the families Accipitridae (12 species), followed by Muscicapidae (11 species), Ardeidae & Alaudidae (8 species each), and Cuculidae (7 species) dominated the avifauna of the region. The residential status of birds revealed that 74% (140 species) were resident, 23% (44 species) were winter, 2% (3 species) were summer and 1% (2 species) was passage migrant’s species. The study resulted in the recording of fives globally Near Threatened category, viz, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter, River Tern, and Pallid Harrier; and two Vulnerable species, viz, Yellow-throated Bulbul and Woolly-necked Stork. The feeding guild analysis revealed that the insectivorous guild has the most number of recorded avian species (33%, 63 species), followed by carnivorous (31%, 58 species) and least by nectarivorous (1%, 2 species). This study provides baseline data for monitoring the avifauna in the sanctuary and demonstrates the importance of the area in bird conservation. The study also highlights the negative impact of anthropogenic activities as the main cause for the loss of diversity of both birds and their habitat and the urgent need to conserve this biodiversity-rich area with long-term monitoring programs.

A survey of Avifauna in aquatic habitat and their adjoining areas of Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India

The present study deals with the observation of avifauna in the aquatic habitat and their adjoining areas of Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The present study was carried out from January 2020 to December 2020. We have recorded a total of 145 avian species belonging to the 54 families during the study period. Among this, a total of 113 residents and 32 winter visitor species were identified. The percentage of resident and winter visitor avian species was 78.08% and 21.91%. During the study period, we also reported the four avian species viz., River Lapwing, River tern, Great Hornbill, and Alexandrine Parakeet are under the Near Threatened (NT) category and one species, namely Red-headed vulture is critically endangered according to IUCN Red data book. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that the selected study area has avifauna diversity of utmost importance which should be conserved by implementing specific strategies.

Avifaunal diversity and ecotourism opportunities: A case study from Barachaka tribal village of Bankura, West Bengal, India

Ethnic people throughout the globe are engaged in the conservation of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to measure the avifaunal diversity in heterogeneous forest and paddy fields surrounding the Barachaka tribal village of West Bengal, India and the prospect of development of ecotourism spot in this area. The study was conducted during June and July of 2019 and 2020. A total of 47 bird species belonging to 27 families were identified and recorded during the span of study. Among these bird species, Asian open bill stork (Anastomus oscitans) is predominant in the heterogeneous forest of this village and they usually used this place as a breeding ground during the rainy season. The study reveals that the safety and food security provided by the villagers encourage these birds to prepare colonial nests in trees very near to the human habitation. Shannon-Wiener diversity index value was recorded 2.49 within village forest and 2.33 in the paddy field during June 2019 and July 2019 and 2.62 within village forest and 2.47 in the paddy field during June 2020 and July 2020. Results obtained from the questionnaire survey revealed that tribal people of this village are directly attached to bird conservation in their area and these tribal people protect the bird generation after generation through their traditional knowledge. The community-based bird monitoring programs may protect birds as well as wildlife and encourage researchers who may gather scientific knowledge from these ethnic people. The village under study has the prospective to develop into a good bird watching site, where bird lovers may watch the birds in nature and thereby helping the socio-economic development of the tribal people of this village.

Community composition and status of avifaunal diversity in and around Ottu reservoir of Sirsa, Haryana, India

Assessments of avian communities’ composition in different habitats give an emphasis in monitoring environmental perspective. Depending on specific habitat functioning, their population pattern helps to determine the ecological health of an area. Bird surveys were accomplished on a fortnightly basis from October 2019 to September 2020 using Scan sampling, Point count and Line transect methods for evaluation of species abundance and richness in and around Ottu Reservoir, district Sirsa, Haryana (India). A total of 114 species comprising 91 genera, 47 families and 18 orders were recorded, among which 76 species were resident, 30 winter migrants and 8 summer migrants. Out of reported 114 species of birds, one species was vulnerable, 6 Near-threatened as listed by IUCN. Three bird species were listed under Schedule-I and the remaining species under Schedule-IV of IWPA (1972); six species under appendices of CITES (2012). Species such as Rock dove Columba livia, Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica and Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos with decreasing IUCN population trends were reported abundantly in the study area. Analysis of feeding guilds results revealed that Carnivores as predominated guild due to enriched food material. The presence of diverse plantation, aquatic body, serenity and agricultural fields serve the reservoir as potential habitat for residential and migratory species. Therefore, effective measures must be taken for the conservation of this area as a potential site for avian diversity.

Species composition of birds in converted coastal area of Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sulawesi, the largest island in Wallacea region is well-known for its avifauna diversity and endemism. The island is mountainous and surrounded by long coastline with mangrove and wetland ecosystems. To date, most of coastal area converted into fishpond, rice field and settlement. As a result, many species are seriously threatened by land conversion. Nevertheless, species composition of birds in the converted coastal area has poorly studied. To fill in the information gaps, we conducted research in Universitas Hasanuddin fishpond. The fishpond situated in Tanjung Kupa, a small peninsula in Mallusetasi subdistrict, Barru regency, South Sulawesi. This research aimed to figure out the species composition, ecological niche, conservation status and feeding guild of the bird at converted coastal area. Data were collected using MacKinnon list method in the morning at 06.30-09.30 and in the afternoon at 15.30-17.30 from August to September 2020. From the observations, we recorded 37 bird species from 25 families consist of 29 resident, 4 migratory, 3 introduce and 1 endemic species. Most of common birds species dominated by open-country specialist which indicates a change in the composition of bird species in the converted coastal areas of Barru Regency.

A review of the diversity of aquatic avifauna in Mizoram, India

Aquatic avifauna are an important bio-indicator of an ecosystem changes. Mizoram, one of the north-eastern states of India, lies in one of the richest biodiversity hotspots of the world. Along its water bodies, it is home to several species of resident birds, and is also a temporary home for migrating birds in different seasons. These resident and migratory avifauna form an important component of most wetland ecosystems, as they are vital components of the food webs. While only the Tamdil and Palak Lake are recognized as wetlands, there are several rivers and smaller water bodies around which aquatic avifauna exist. However, official records comprise of about 14 species of waterbirds belonging to 6 orders and 8 families. Of these, Anatidae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Anhingidae, and Podicipedidae are represented by one species each, while the Ardeidae are represented by four species. Among the 14 species reported so far, two species of the Order Pelicaniformes, namely Anhinga melanogaster (Family Anhingidae) and Ardea insignis (Family Ardeidae) are highly endangered. However, detailed studies are wanting and, while there are sporadic reports of sightings on social media, there is a need for a more comprehensive study of the diversity and seasonal variations of aquatic avifauna around the different water bodies of the state of Mizoram.

Avifauna Diversity in the Gate between Humid Atlas and Saharan Desert: Midelt Province, Morocco

The analysis of biological diversity at a regional scale is the first step to understand and classify the biological importance of a specific region and therefore the adoption of implementing conservation strategies. We conducted weekly bird counts by using the point count method from January 2015 to December 2017 in Midelt province, Morocco. A total of 130 bird species were observed, among breeding, migrant, and wintering species belonging to 42 families. Accipitridae (15 species), Muscicapidae (9 species), and Alaudidae (9 species) were the most observed families. Order of Passeriformes was the dominant order represented with 16 families and 68 species. Moreover, five species of conservation concern were recorded such as the vulnerable European turtle dove, houbara bustard, and Dupont’s lark; the near threatened ferruginous duck and bearded vulture; and the endangered Egyptian vulture. On the other hand, the results of the diversity analysis (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson index) showed the highest diversity in wetlands, forests, steppes, and farmlands, while cliff, landfills, and urban areas were the least diversified habitats. Finally, with its geographic situation between humid Atlas and Sahara desert, as well as the diversity of habitats and avifauna, Midelt region needs advanced analysis in terms of biodiversity and environmental characteristics, in order to provide effective conservation management.

An appraisal of avian species diversity in and around Purulia Town, West Bengal, India

Purulia, the westernmost district of West Bengal, India is least explored with respect to the biological diversity and relatively little information is available to date. The present study was conducted from February 2017 to January 2018 to document avifaunal diversity in Purulia Town and surroundings. Sampling was done through the line transect method with photographic documentation and subsequent identification following suitable keys. Species richness and seasonal abundance were calculated. Altogether, 115 species of birds belonging to 19 orders and 43 families were recorded during the study period. Passeriformes was the most dominant order represented by 46 species during the study. The Shannon-Wiener (H’) value was highest for January (1.564). A large number of migratory birds visit Purulia every year mostly during winter and it is reflected in the present study. Diverse foraging habit among the birds was observed during the study period and omnivorous birds (29%) were found in highest number followed by invertivores (26%), carnivores (25%), granivores (8%), herbivores (7%), frugivores (3%), and nectarivores (2%). The present study is a preliminary effort to document the avifaunal diversity of Purulia and a more extensive systematic study should be carried out to investigate and protect the avifaunal diversity of this region.

The effect of microhabitat features, anthropogenic pressure and spatial structure on bird diversity in southern Tunisian agroecosystems

AbstractIn southern Tunisia, oases and olive orchards are the two main agroecosystems, hence the importance of investigating their value for native fauna. Using generalised linear mixed models, we assessed the relative value of oases and olive plantations over the wintering and the breeding periods by comparing their avifauna diversity using the Shannon diversity index. We also used data on a series of microhabitat features, anthropogenic pressure and spatial parameters to identify the best predictors of bird diversity. In total, 32 species belonging to 18 families were recorded. Sedentary birds accounted for 47% of the counts. Our results showed that bird diversity depends on habitat type, being higher in oases than in olive plantations, but not on the season as no difference was recorded during the two periods of wintering and breeding. The assessment of the effects of microhabitat features, anthropogenic pressure and spatial structure revealed that bird diversity was positively influenced by the cover of trees in oases and olive orchards, negatively affected by distance to edge and that to the paved road in the olive orchards and spatially structured in both agroecosystems. Variation partitioning analysis revealed that the pure effect of microhabitat features (tree cover) was important in explaining the bird diversity both in oases and olive orchards. The identification of factors affecting bird diversity is of great importance for the efficient management of these agroecosystems. Special attention should be paid to keeping a good tree cover. This cannot be performed without: (a) increasing irrigation frequency, (b) adequate tree maintenance (pruning) and (c) reduction of pesticide application. Also, the synergy among owners, farmers, managers and researchers is recommended for the conservation of bird diversity in this North African arid agricultural region.

Diversity, status and habitat usage of avifauna at sadar upazila, magura, Bangladesh

A study on diversity, status, and habitat preference of avifauna was conducted from November 2017 to October 2018 in Magura Sadar upazila, Magura. Data was collected through direct field observations using line-transect method. Field surveys were made for three days per month in both rural and urban sites. A total of 140 species of birds belonged to 18 orders and 48 families were reported. Among the total species, 55% (77 species) were non-passerines and 45% (63 species) passerines with the highest individuals were counted under order Passeriformes. Resident bird species were dominant (106 species, 75.71%) over migratory (34 species, 24.28%) species. Species richness was the highest in the rural areas (124 species, 88.57%) and occurrence was the highest in winter season (97 species, 69.29%). The maximum species were recorded from trees (87 species, 62.14%) as preferred habitat. In this study, in total 4,060 individuals of birds were counted and among them, 51.55% (n=2093) were observed in the rural areas and 48.45% (n=1967) were in the urban areas. The highest number of birds was found in December (10.34%, n=432) and seasonal abundance was the highest in winter (40.15%, n=1630). Abundance was the highest for Common Myna (5.76%, n=234) among all recorded species. Diversity indices showed that the bird species were the most diverse in the rural areas in the winter season and in July. Habitat diversity indices were the highest for trees and birds used different types of habitats at different times for roosting, breeding and feeding. Regarding the observation status, 29.28% species was very common, 4.28% common, 31.42% fairly common, and 35% were few. This baseline data indicate that this study site is significant from the ecological and conservation point of views. Therefore, further research is necessary to understand how this avian diversity is maintained in this ecological setting.
 Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(2): 441-456, 2020