Research Study

1. Studies on Aquatic Avian Diversity in Tighra reservoir Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Lodhi, R.K. and Rao R.J.
Conservation Biology Lab, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University Gwalior
Results:
Total 56 species of birds belonging to 17 family 08 order were recorded.
Seasonal variation of occurrence of birds was observed.
Painted stork are endangered species.
The species diversity index ranges from 0.068 (Site 2 in winter) to 0.122 (Site 5 in
summer).
The highest pressure on birds was due to human settlement.
30%
14%
4%
2%
9%
7%
4%
4%
2%
2%
2%
5% 2%
5% 5%
2% 4%
Anatidae Threskiornithidae Ardeidae Threskiornithidae Ciconiidae
Scolopacidae Jacanidae Charadriidae Burhinidae Laridae
Recurvirostridae Rallidae Gruidae Alcedinidae Phalacrocoracidae
Anhingidae Motacillidae
53%
18%
29%
Migrant Residential Residentail Migrant
Conclusion:
The abundance of the birds shows that the habitat of this reservoir is suitable for
birds.
The areas for regular fishery should be fixed.
The aquatic weeds must be controlled.
Boating should also be avoided.
Planting of trees to attract roosting of birds should be encouraged
Inlet of domestic sewage should be strictly prohibited.
Local populations to be encouraged through the mass awareness programs as
well as creating ownership opportunities for local resident through governance,
administrative set up and NGOs
Objectives:
Seasonal variations of birds diversity
To study the current status of birds in Tighra Reservoir
To evaluate the conservation status of birds in reservoir
Acknowledgments:
We are grateful to the school of studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University for providing the necessary facilities & infrastructure and also thanks to Madhya Pradesh forest department and their supporting staff for providing valuable information
Study Area:
Introduction:
Birds are found throughout the world, at approximately all altitudes and in nearly every
climate. Birds are often common denizens of the ecosystems.
Besides this, birds are valuable for many aspects; that is, they are a sensitive indicator of
pollution and also play great role in pest control.
Population of birds is a sensitive indicator of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystem.
In Indian wetlands 318 species of birds are recorded out of which 193 species are fully
dependent on wetlands.
Material and Methods:
line transect method (Sale and Berkmuller, 1988) and point transect method (Verner 1985).
Shanno-Wiener Diversity Index methods
The birds were observed with the help of Binoculars (Nikon Action 8X40) at different
spots at every location while walking along the boundary of the selected study sites.
Photographs were taken where ever necessary by using Nikon D-60 Camra
Birds were identified and classified on the basis of standard field guides by Ali [2006] and
Grimmett et al., (2001).
Personal observation by grading system (0-5)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Site-I
Site-II
Site-III
Site-IV
Site-V
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
T H PP VV V VM FG
Summer Rainy Winter
Map Tighra Reservoir
Family-wise distribution of aquatic birds of Tighra reservoir
Residential status of Aquatic birds
Anthropogenic pressure on Tighra reservoir
Seasonal variation in weather of study area
Seasonal population fluctuation of birds
Rainy
13%
Winter
68%
Summe
r
19%
Bird diversity in Tighra
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
Site -1 Site-II Site-III Site-IV Site-V
Rainy Winter Summer
Threats:
T: Temperature(°C), H: humidity(%), PP: Total rainfall (mm), VV: Average visibility(Km),
V: Average wind speed (Km/h), VM: wind speed (Km/h), FG: fog