Avifaunal diversity in Assam University Campus, Silchar, India

Abstract

We conducted a bird survey in the Assam University campus, Silchar from February 2011 to June 2011. A total of 73 species of birds belonging to 56 genera, 32 families and 13 orders was recorded. Significantly, the highest number of bird species restricted to only one particular habitat (17 species) was recorded in the forest area called ‘eco-forest’ (χ2=18, df=3, P<0.01). The highest similarity of bird species was found between degraded area and secondary growth area, and the lowest was found between eco-forest and degraded area. Species richness and dominance of species were more in the eco-forest area. The diversity of species was more in the secondary growth area. Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove and Red-whiskered Bulbul were the most abundant and frequent bird species found in campus. The avifaunal diversity in the study area shows the importance of the University campus as an ideal bird habitat.

Keywords

• Assam University
• bird
• degraded forest
• dominance
• species diversity
• species richness.