Habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variations influencing avian community structure in wetlands

Abstract

Birds are considered as ecological indicators and most sensitive health indicators of an ecosystem. Wetlands are used by birds for various purposes such as breeding, nesting, roosting, and foraging. This study was designed to fulfill this research gap on avian diversity comparison of different wetlands in various habitats. The objective of the study was to generate information on avian diversity with seasonal variability of different wetlands of various habitats. Sampling was done in eight different wetlands from different districts of Odisha. The study was carried out during October 2015 to September 2018, and the point count method was used. A total number of 109 species of birds covering 16 order and 42 families were recorded. Maximum waterbird richness was found at Chilika (62%, N=68) and minimum species richness (15%, N=17) found at Talcher. Six species were recorded under Near Threatened category according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN 2020). The reason behind this occurrence of more numbers species in Chilika, Hirakud, and Koraput may be because of the habitat suitability and low anthropogenic pressure. The Talcher sampling site had the lowest species richness because of the highly polluted mining area with high anthropogenic pressure. Conservation of these small wetlands is also required to conserve the declining native avifauna.

Keywords

• Abundance
• Avian diversity
• Habitat influence
• Seasonal variability
• Wetlands