21 Kas 2024 Perşembe
Avaniya Bandhara: A potential biodiversity hotspot for avifauna in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
Abstract : 'Bandhara’ refers to any permanent or temporary structure constructed or maintained to store or divert the flow of any naturally collected water. Avaniya is one such Bandhara developed in the coastal area of Saurashtra. Such Bandharas form a wetland ecosystem favouring many faunal and floral species. Among them are birds, acting as a potential indicator of ecosystem health. The study aims to evaluate the avifaunal diversity and abundance at “Avaniya Bandhara” of Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. The Bandhara was monitored from December 2021 to November 2022. The study documented a total of 213 bird species (21 Orders, 58 Families, and 142 Genera) with order Passeriformes showing highest diversity (72 species). Out of all species, 200 of them are categorized as Least Concern (LC) by IUCN, while 9 are Near Threatened (NT), and 4 are Vulnerable (VU). Approximately 57 % species were Resident (RE), 39 % were Winter visitors (W) while rest were Monsoon Breeders (MB) and Passage Migrants (PM). Seasonal variation in species diversity and abundance were recorded, with its peak during the winter months. A general idea about the threats to the habitat and associated avifauna were studied. It will aid in future conservation strategies and fosters research perspectives.