Point Count Method Research Articles

PENGGUNAAN STRATA TAJUK OLEH SATWA BURUNG DI DESA LORULUN KECAMATAN WERTAMRIAN, KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN TANIMBAR

This research aims to determine the use of canopy strata for birds and determine bird activity based on the use of canopy strata in Lorulun Village, Wertamrian District, Tanimbar Islands Regency. Bird watching in Lorulun Village uses the point count method which is made in five plots. To collect vegetation structure data vertically, namely using a canopy stratification approach, the technical implementation is by recording the types of birds found. The data obtained in this research was then analyzed descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of the research carried out were that there were 20 types of bird species found at the research location with distribution in strata A, there were 7 species of birds, Strata B, there were 7 species of birds, Strata C, there were 8 species of birds, Strata D, there was 1 species of birds. birds, Strata E there are 2 types of bird animals in the use of per strata, while in the use of vegetation strata there are bird species that use more than one stratum, 16 types of bird animals and activity patterns of bird species in each stratum include: rest activities, social activities and activities. Eat. Including the activity patterns of bird species in each strata, including: resting activities, social activities and eating activities.

Protected and Unprotected Areas as Refuges for Bird Conservation in Southeastern Coahuila, Mexico

Information gaps about the distribution of species hamper the evaluation of conservation status and decisions on biodiversity conservation, affecting areas with high species richness and endemism to a greater extent. In this context, carrying out biological inventories in protected and unprotected areas is an important tool to fill these gaps by providing data on the composition, richness, and abundance of species in each locality. The southeastern region of Coahuila (northeast Mexico) is a region where biodiversity research is required, as anthropogenic activities pose a serious threat to the avian diversity of this region. The present study aimed to compare the capacity of protected and unprotected areas to support the richness, abundance, and composition of bird species, as well as providing a list of bird species from eight areas located in this region. The point count method was conducted at the sites, and one-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of area type on species richness and abundance. Based on our field observations, literature review, and digital databases, the avifauna of these eight areas includes 388 species in 63 families. Of these, 5 species are endemic to Mexico, 6 species are of global conservation concern, and 35 species are of regional conservation concern. The species richness found in this study supports the importance of protected and unprotected areas in southeastern Coahuila. The results of our study highlight the need for further assessment to conserve the avian community, especially considering the increasing threats of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as additional studies that will allow for better characterization of the avifauna of the region. This will help to ensure the conservation of the birds currently threatened by strong anthropic pressure due to the conversion of semiarid ecosystems to agricultural and livestock areas as well as increasing urbanization.

Assessment of bird diversity and abundance in Mai-Nigus artificial reservoir and surrounding semi-forest in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundArtificial reservoirs are alternative habitats for bird diversity, and knowledge of the diversity and abundance of bird species contribute to the management of the ecosystem. This study was conducted to investigate the species diversity and abundance of birds in Mai-Nigus reservoir and its surrounding semi-forest from July 2022 to March 2023. Point count method with a total of fifteen count stations at an interval of 50 m radius was used to study the diversity and abundance of bird species in the semi-forest habitat while total count employed on the reservoir.ResultsA total of 123 bird species comprising endemic and globally threatened species were identified. Order Passeriformes had the highest number of species followed by Charadriiformes and Pelecaniformes. Family Scolopacidae was the most abundant followed by Ardeidae, Ploceidae and Anatidae. Bird species richness and abundance were not significantly varied across seasons and habitats (P > 0.05). The highest species diversity (H´=3.96) were recorded in the Semi-forest during the wet season, whereas the least was recorded from reservoir during the dry season (H´=2.66). The highest and lowest species evenness of birds was recorded in Semi-forest (E = 0.725) and reservoir (E = 0.448) during the dry season, respectively. Most birds that inhabited the area had frequent relative abundance followed by uncommon and common species.ConclusionMai-Nigus reservoir and surrounding habitat host high bird diversity and this requires critical conservation concerns for the long-term survival of birds.

Avian diversity in river levee forest: the effect of microscale heterogeneity

Introduction: Levee forests exhibit a vertical stratification that may contribute to structural complexity allowing a great diversity of birds to thrive on the islands. In deltaic ecosystems there is scarce or no data to prove it. Objectives: To assess variations in the composition of the bird community within levee forests. Methods: Two areas of protected wetlands belonging to the Paraná River Delta in Argentina were sampled for three years. A comparative analysis of richness, abundance, and diversity was performed in different levee forests using the point count method. Results: Three distinct types of levee forests -open, intermediate, and closed- were identified based on the structure of their vegetation, hosting a total of 85 bird species. Variation in avian community structure among forest types revealed greater diversity in open forests during winter (3.26 ± 0.13, P < 0.01) and spring (3.58 ± 0.05, P < 0.01), and greater richness in autumn (35.33 ± 3.01, P < 0.01). The closed forests exhibited increased diversity during autumn (3.16 ± 0.13, P < 0.05) and summer (3.24 ± 0.06, P < 0.05), along with elevated abundance in autumn (114 ± 13.70, P < 0.05) and richness in spring (39.17 ± 4.71, P = 0.01). Due to the evolutionary history between sites, significant variation was observed in the most recently created national park, influencing abundance in winter (141 ± 22.06, P < 0.01) and spring (176 ± 12.83, P < 0.01), as well as diversity in winter (3.25 ± 0.10, P < 0.01) and spring (3.50 ± 0.10, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The microhabitat in the different levee forests allows the birds to organize differently. Focusing on microspatial dynamics is key to a deep understanding of the biological processes within subtropical islands and to plan conservation strategies and demonstrate the transition of a recovering riparian forest towards its natural state, where the pulse of the river and the effect of seasonality do not stop operating.

KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS KUPU-KUPU DI DESA BOMBA KECAMATAN LORE SELATAN KABUPATEN POSO

The Sintuwu Maroso KPH area, which is located in Bomba Village, South Lore District, has quite high biodiversity, one of which is butterflies. Butterflies are insects that belong to the order Lepidoptera. Butterflies play an important role in the ecosystem and maintain balance and enrich natural biodiversity. These insects are also important in agriculture, art, culture and human civilization. The Sintuwu Maroso KPH area, Bomba Village, South Lore District, Poso Regency, is a primary forest with maintained sustainability. Primary forest is a good place for butterfly habitat, so it is necessary to protect these butterflies. And research on these butterflies in the Sintuwu Maroso KPH area is still rare, as butterflies play an important role in plant pollination. Therefore, it is necessary to research the diversity of butterfly types. This research was carried out for 2 (two) months from October 2023 to November 2023, which took place in the KPH Sintuwu Maroso area, Bomba Village, South Lore District, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. Data collection and the number of individual types of butterflies used the Point Count method with eleven points. Data analysis used in the research is: species diversity index, species richness index, and species evenness index.

Keanekaragaman Kupu-Kupu (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) di Kawasan Ekowisata Dusun Kaliurang Timur, Yogyakarta

Butterflies act as bioindicators and pollinators of the environment. Ecotourism development poses a threat to butterfly life due to high human activity and land degradation. This study aims to determine the diversity of butterflies (Rhopalocera), diversity index, evenness index, dominance index, similarity index, and abiotic parameters at each sampling location. The data was collected at Tlogo Putri, settlements, and Tankaman Natural Park, whose location selection was based on purposive sampling and using the point count method. Based on the research obtained 55 species with a total of 294 individuals, diversity index (TP: 2.88; P: 2.51; TNP: 2.66), evenness index (TP: 0.86; P: 0.75; TNP: 0.84), dominance index (TP: 0.08; P: 0.14; TNP: 0.09), species similarity index (TP & P: 46.42; TP & TNP: 27.45). Abiotic parameters in the ecotourism area of Kaliurang Timur Hamlet are altitude of 814-889 meters above sea level, temperature of 26-28°C, air humidity of 10-45%, light intensity of 7571-4877x10 lux, wind speed of 0-1 m/s, and rainfall of 0-20. The conclusion of this study is that 55 species of Rhopalocera order were found, the diversity index is moderate, the evenness index is high, the dominance index and the similarity index are low at each sampling location. Abiotic parameters measured were in the normal range for Rhopalocera life in the ecotourism area of Kaliurang Timur Hamlet.

Habitat use by a bird community in a Caatinga area: habitat seasonality and overlap

Habitat degradation is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, a phenomenon that significantly manifests in the Caatinga domain, where extensive habitat areas undergo modifications. Therefore, understanding how organisms select their habitats becomes crucial for effective conservation management. In this context, the present study aims to analyze habitat use, seasonality, and overlap within a bird community in an area located within the Caatinga domain, specifically at Fazenda Aba. Twelve monthly expeditions were conducted using the point-count method to estimate usage areas, habitat intensity, and overlap during both dry and rainy periods. Usage areas were measured using the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP 100%) method, while the Kernel 95% estimator was employed to assess habitat intensity. Overlap was calculated using the Utilization Distribution Overlap Index (UDOI). The results revealed comprehensive use of the study area by the bird community, with more pronounced usage intensity in riparian forest environments. Additionally, an increase in usage areas was observed during the rainy period compared to the dry season, reflecting greater overlap during the scarcity season. It is suggested that riparian forest habitats play a fundamental role in maintaining avifauna, especially during droughts, promoting seasonal movements of species that tend to shift to areas with higher resource availability, resulting in convergence of utilized areas.

SEASONAL VARIATION AND ABUNDANCE, RESIDENTIAL AND IUCN STATUS OF AVIAN DIVERSITY IN FOREST COMMUNITY IN JASHPUR DISTRICT (C.G.)

Birds are one of the most important units in the food chain on this planet. They play significant role in the environment. They are good indicators for understanding climate changing in the ecosystems. Birds attract peoples due to their fascinating colors, courtship behavior, sound and their beauty. The present study was carried out in Forest Community in Jashpur District (C.G.) between January to December 2021 with the objectives to explore the bird diversity and seasonal variation along with the factors affecting bird diversity in the study area. Mackinnon’s Listing Method and Point Count Method were used for bird survey during winter and summer seasons. In the present study, attempt has been made to collect the relevant information regarding the avian fauna of around the study site Jashpur (C.G.). The periodic survey of the study area, showed great deal of avian biodiversity. During the study period, a total of 102 bird species during the two year periods belonging to 15 orders and 39 families were reported were recorded. Various bird species recorded during the whole period of study in “Forest area near Sarudih tea garden area (Site A), nearly village Gamharia (Site B) and near Neemgoan dam (Site-C) Jashpur (C.G.).” were given the IUCN status (Table 5.9) so that the conservational measures could be suggested/adopted accordingly. A comparison of the recorded avian species was made with the recent Red Data List published by IUCN. Accordingly, these bird species were categorized into two IUCN categories, namely, Least Concern (LC) and Endangered (EN). According to Red Data Book of IUCN 102, “Globally threatened” species were also recorded from the study area. Out of 100 globally threatened species, and only 2 species was in endangered category.

An annotated avian checklist of Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India

The Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) boasts a variety of habitats, including forest, riparian, degraded forest, and transitional zones located near human settlements and cropland. From 2019 to 2022, a thorough avian survey was conducted using the point count method, covering all habitats and seasons. The study documented 227 avian species from 65 families and 18 orders. Of the bird species observed, 72.3% were resident, and 27.7% were migratory. Over the study period, one Endangered species, three Vulnerable, and six Near Threatened species were recorded based on their IUCN Red List status. The avian diversity pattern in BWS is influenced by a variety of factors, including forest contiguity and heterogeneous habitat. Proper evaluation and management of habitats are essential for the recovery and preservation of fragile environments susceptible to decline in the region.

New distribution and breeding location of the Stock Dove Columba oenas in Algeria

Abstract Algeria hosts seven species of the Columbidae family, including pigeons and doves, the majority of which have been the subject of numerous studies, but none have been conducted on the Stock Dove (Columba oenas). Data on this species are still scarce, and its distribution is limited only to Kabylie in northern Algeria. Species occurrence data were collected from September 2022 to August 2023 using the point count method. However, the species was recently recorded in several new localities (20 stations) in West Algeria, at Sidi Bel Abbès and Tlemcen. All our observations were made in a semi-arid bioclimatic area at an altitude ranging between 750 and 1,216 m. Nesting sites were located on woodland and forest edges, not far from water sources, and feeding sites were located in open, natural, or agricultural environments where cereal seeds, grasses, flower buds, and young green shoots were consumed. It could also cohabit with other species of pigeons and doves.

Impacts of Air Pollution on Richness and Abundance of Bird Species in Phnom Penh Urban Habitats

In Cambodia, there has been no study on the effects of air pollution on birds. Accordingly, the purpose of this study aims to assess the species richness and abundance of birds, to understand air quality status and possible sources of air pollution, as well as to investigate the relationship between the variables of air quality (PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and O3), and bird diversity in two different habitats in Phnom Penh. The study was conducted from February 21 to May 21, 2022, at two study sites: 1) the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and 2) the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA). Both universities are located in Phnom Penh. The two areas are structured by vegetation which suitable for birds. We used a point count method to observe and record the number and species of birds in both study areas. The study recorded 18,334 observation individuals (counting), arranged in 50 species, 40 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. At the RUPP, we recorded 11,190 individuals (counting), arranged into 34 species, 29 genera, 21 families, and 7 orders. In the RUA, we recorded 7,144 observation individuals (counting), arranged into 46 species, 38 genera, 25 families, and 9 orders. An observation of human activities can be a source of air pollution, including transportation, stationary sources, urban development, open burning, etc. The air quality parameters at both study sites were still lower than the air pollution standards set by the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGoC). Among air quality variables, only SO2 and O3 affect birds, but to a lesser degree. Factors that affect birds may be due to green areas, including the number of small and large trees, food sources, and human disturbances.

Diversity of bird in Timbanuh Hiking Track, Gunung Rinjani National Park, Lombok, Indonesia

Timbanuh Hiking Track is one of the hiking tracks in Gunung Rinjani National Park. This track has four types of potential habitats for birds. This research aims to map bird diversity and their distribution along the Timbanuh Hiking Track. Data collection uses the point count method. Observations were carried out eight times, with a repetition period of two weeks. Bird diversity was analyzed using the Shannon Wiener Diversity Index. Scatterplots are used to map the distribution of birds along hiking track. The results show that on the Timbanuh Hiking Track there are 46 species of birds belonging to 29 families, with a high species diversity index of 3.52. The distribution of bird species is closely related to the four types of habitats on the track. There are four species of birds that are protected based on Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.106 of 2018, as well as two species with Near Threatened status according to IUCN. The high diversity of birds, the existence of protected bird species, and the threatened status of birds mean that conservation efforts need to be increased by developing bird habitats along hiking track.

Avian species and diversity on the campus of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan City

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is strategically situated for conducting investigations into the biodiversity of flora and fauna, serving as a source of genetic resources for educational purposes. USU, as a green campus, plays a multifunctional role in determining, protecting, and disseminating information regarding biodiversity, including avian diversity, to support environmentally sustainable development. The USU campus area essentially serves as an urban zone with a focus on species diversity and conservation, making it a key aspect of management. This study aims to identify bird species and diversity on the campus and analyze the diversity index and evenness of bird species on the campus. The methods employed involve direct observations using the line transect method combined with the point count method. We documented a total of 36 bird species, encompassing 22 families. The Avian Diversity Index value on the campus was calculated as 3.117, and the Avian Evenness Index was 0.870. The most prevalent families were Columbidae and Cisticolidae, constituting 3.8% of the total.

Population dynamics and diversity of Odonata (insecta) at Mini and Mahi rivers of Gujarat, India

Population dynamics, diversity and community structure of Odonata were studied on three adjacent riparian microecosystems in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India. Population dynamics was studied by observing their population by point count method on three microhabitats (Mini River at Sankarda, Sindhrot and Mahi River at Fazalpur). In the course of a twenty-eight-week study, a total of 4783 Odonata were encountered on three microecosystems. Odonata density 9% throughout September 2014 (39th Meteorological Week) and gained its peak during October 2014 (44th Meteorological Week). A definite drop in the density was observed during November 2014 (48th Meteorological Week) and it achieved precisely 1% throughout December 2014 (51st Meteorological Week). Amongst the three microecosystems, at Fazalpur, species richness began rising from the 4th week of September (6%) and made it to its highest (11%) throughout the 4th week of October. At Sankarda, maximum absolute richness (12.61%) was recorded in 3rd week of October. At Sindhrot, the relative abundance of odonates started increasing in 3rd week of September (7%) and achieved its highest (13%) during 4th week of October. A total of twenty-five species were encountered in the terrain. The diversity index was maximum for Sankarda (2.35) followed by Fazalpur (2.27) and Sindhrot (2.01). A total of four species (Ditch Jewel (26.6%), Pigmy Dartlet (19.5%), Green Marsh Hawk (10.3%) and Senegal Golden Dartlet (8.3%) were dominant in all three microhabitats.

Composition and Conservation Status of Avifauna in Urban Non-protected Important Bird Area (IBA) Site of Western India

Kumbharwada wetland, an Important Bird Area (IBA) component in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, is a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds. Long-term monitoring of the avian community over a period of long time-frame is an excellent way to examine the health of this IBA site and thus provide an important ground to foster the conservation of birds in the region and management of this wetland. Given this consideration, field surveys were carried out from December 2020 to May 2023, following point count method to study the avian species richness in the study area. A total of 204 bird species belonging to 20 orders and 56 families are recorded, of which 85 species are migratory and 119 are resident. Anatidae is the most species-rich avian family (16 species). Highest number of species was recorded in the month of January (165 species in 2021 and 163 species in 2022). This wetland supports 107 (52.45%) wetland-associated species and 97 (47.55%) terrestrial species of birds. Twelve species are considered as Near Threatened, four species as Vulnerable and one species (Aquila nipalensis) as Endangered in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Four species (Sterna aurantia, Mycteria leucocephala, Phoeniconaias minor, and Threskiornis melanocephalus) with globally declining trend, are commonly seen in the study area, which shows that the wetland is a crucial habitat for bird species with high conservation priorities. Industrialization, encroachment, discharge of sewage water and chemical effluents, high-tension powerlines, stray dogs, and expansion of exotic vegetation remained the major threats to the habitat and avian community.

Rapoport's rule explains the range size distribution of butterflies along the Eastern Himalayan elevation gradient

AbstractUnderstanding elevational range size distribution of organisms can provide valuable insights on biogeographic pattern of species and their conservation. Rapoport's rule posits that the elevational range size of species increases with increasing elevation. However, the validity of this rule is often questioned due to variations in methodologies across studies and inconsistencies among different groups of organisms. In this study, we examined the elevational range size distribution of butterflies in the Eastern Himalaya, and assessed the applicability of Rapoport's rule using different approaches, which perhaps is the first of its kind in the Himalaya. We sampled butterflies along the elevational gradient of 16 elevational bands (300–3300 m) using point count method along the transect. The sampled butterflies were grouped into various sub‐groups based on family, biogeographic affinity, and larval feeding pattern. We found that the majority of the butterfly species (total as well as sub‐groups) had small range sizes, and their elevational range distribution showed support for the Rapoport's rule. Increase in variation in temperature as measured by temperature seasonality and mean annual temperature range were the most important predictors of range size distribution pattern of the overall butterfly community. However, the relationship between range size and climatic variability differed among various sub‐groups implying that the perceived pattern may vary even within the species of the same taxon.Abstract in Nepali is available with online material.

Avifaunal diversity in urban greenspaces within Cotabato city, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Information about the diversity of avifauna in urban green spaces in the Philippines needs to be more extensive. More so, data on birds in green spaces of the country’s Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remain largely unreported. This gap highlights the need to document the avifaunal diversity in the urban green spaces of Cotabato City. Bird species were accounted for using the point count method from September to December 2021 in three different urban green spaces within the commercial center of Cotabato City. Twenty-one avian species representing 17 families were documented. Among the surveyed three green spaces within Cotabato City, Notre Dame University (NDU) has the highest species richness (N = 20), followed by PC Hill (N = 14), and Mother Barangay Rosary Heights (N = 9). Of the 21 species of birds documented, 19% are Philippine endemic, and all of these were recorded only at Notre Dame University. Data from the present study suggest the capacity of green spaces in urban Cotabato City to cater to different bird species, including the endemic ones. Since the results present preliminary data, intensive surveys can be done on these sites by future researchers. Also, surveying more urban green spaces in Cotabato City may add information on the city’s urban birds. Substantial data from these future surveys may be helpful in the urban planning of Cotabato.

Dynamics of Odonata in an Agroecosystem: Effects of Paddy Cultivation Phases on the Diversity of Dragonflies and Damselflies

Wetlands represent a major part of biodiversity and provide habitat to many species which cannot succeed in other ecosystems. Man-made wetlands like Paddy fields represent a greater percentage of wetland ecosystems in Sri Lanka. However, there are only a few studies that observed the Odonata diversity in man-made wetland ecosystems in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to observe the effect of cultivation phases of a paddy-field ecosystem on the diversity of Odonata. The paddy culture period chosen for the study was started in June 2022 and ended in September 2022 and the study covered the Seeding, Tillering, Booting, Flowering, and Harvesting phases. Fixed-radius point count method was used for the data collection purpose and ten circular plots of 5m radius were laid maintaining a 50 m distance between two plots in the study area which had a total area of 785m2. At all five successive stages of the cultivation cycle, the number of Odonata species and their abundance were recorded once a week in each plot. Data was recorded each day from 8.00 am to 10.00 am and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Odonata diversity was calculated separately at each of the stages of the paddy cultivation cycle using Simpson‘s index (D) and Shannon- wiener index (H‘). According to results, 592 individuals were recorded belonging to 14 species of Odonata in 02 families. Among the total recorded species, 64% of species belonged to the family Libellulidae. Sri Lankan Orange-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion rubriceps ceylonicum) was the only endemic Odonata species that were recorded during the study. The overall H‘ and D diversity indexes were 1.71 and 0.75, respectively. Values of H‘ and D diversity indexes for these five stages (Seeding, Tillering, Booting, Flowering, and Harvesting) were 1.36 & 0.65, 1.59 & 0.72, 1.72 & 0.76, 1.81 & 0.79 and 1.59 & 0.78, respectively. The study revealed that among the index values of each cultivation phase, the flowering stage had the highest diversity, while the seeding phase showed the lowest diversity. Therefore, it is evident that the transformation of land use/habitat in different stages plays a major role in the diversity of Odonata. and this study can be used to depict the impacts on biodiversity due to the degradation of wetlands. 
 Keywords: Odonata, Paddy cultivation phases, Biodiversity, Man-made wetland

Bird Community Structure in Sumberdjati Resort, Sempolan, Perhutani, Jember Forest Management Unit

The Sumberjati Resort Area, Perhutani Forest Management Unit (KPH) Jember, is a production area and protected forest. Habitat decline, overexploitation, and hunting of bird species result in their classification as endangered. This research aimed to ascertain the Bird Community Structure within the Sumberjati Resort, located in the Sempolan area of the Perhutani Forest Management Unit (KPH) in Jember. The study period encompassed the months of December 2022 to January 2023. The research uses the point count method at twelve observation points. The data recording process encompassed the collection of morphological data and bird population counts. A total of 34 distinct species, comprising a population of 1,292 individuals, were documented. Collocalia linchi exhibited the highest population density among avian species in every surveyed area. Spilornis cheela and Microhierax fringillarius have a conservation status of least concern according to the IUCN Red List and are protected bird species under the National Regulation. Shannon-Wiener index analysis shows that bird diversity is in the medium category (pine forest 1.32 ≤ jungle 1.33). The dominance index shows the medium category (pine forest 0.51 ≤ jungle 0.52). Evenness_e H/S is low (pine forest 0.16 > jungle 0.14). The highest relative abundance was Collocalia linchi (0.7063).

Effects of Water Quality on Birds at Singanallur Lake, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Wetlands in India are seriously threatened by pollution due to rapid urbanization, industrial activities and unsustainable agricultural practices. The water quality of an urban lake is a key concern. A survey by line transects and point count method were conducted around Singanallur lake, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The surface water samples were collected in sterile containers from the inlets and outlets of Singanallur lake between 2009 and 2011 and the physicochemical parameters, nutrient properties and heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The pH value consistently appears to be above 7, indicating the alkaline nature of the water. Total suspended solids, total solids and total dissolved solids were exceeded the WHO permissible limit. Among the metals analyzed, copper was found to be the most prevalent at a concentration of 39.4 µg/ml. Stepwise linear regression (R = - 0.87) shows a strong negative relationship, suggesting that as the pollution load index (PLI) increases, the bird population correspondingly decreases. Specifically, the PLI was recorded at 4.5 in 2009 and had risen to 8.43 by 2011. The high PLI adversely affects the abundance and health of aquatic organisms, which serve as primary food sources for many bird species. The poor water quality of the surface water due to anthropogenic pressures in Singanallur lake gives out a serious warning, highlighting the urgent need to conserve the fragile ecosystem.