21 Kas 2024 Perşembe
Avifaunal diversity and status in and around Ranga Reserve Forest, Lakhimpur, Assam, India
Abstract : Birds are recognized as excellent bio indicators and valuable subjects for investigating various environmental issues, displaying high sensitivity to changes in their environment. Ranga Reserve Forest, Lakhimpur, Assam, is an ecologically rich forest hosting different species of fauna including butterflies, birds and mammals. It provides habitat for various migratory and resident bird species throughout different seasons. The study has been carried out in the Ranga Reserve Forest of Assam to find out the avifaunal diversity in the study area from March 2021 to June 2022. During the research period, the objectives were investigated in the field using methods such as visual encounter surveys, randomized walks and point count methods. The study recorded 197 bird species from 64 families, with Muscicapidae being the dominant family with 21 species. According to the IUCN Red List, Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius listed as Endangered (EN); two species, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus and Wreathed Hornbill Rhyticeros undulates listed as Vulnerable; five species of birds are namely, Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis, Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii, White-cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis and Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster assigned to be Near Threatened (NT) and all other species are listed as Least Concern (LC). The avian populations of the study area face significant threats due to a range of human-induced and environmental problems.