Comparison of avian diversity between managed and unmanaged wetlands in Patna, Bihar, India

Abstract We compared the bird diversity of a managed (Rajdhani Jalashay) and an unmanaged wetland (Mustafapur) in Patna, Bihar, India. We recorded bird species by using point counts and fixed-route monitoring. At Rajdhani Jalashay, a total of 73 species were recorded, of which 15 species were winter visitors. Two species were in the Near-threatened category: Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) and Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria), while the others were of least concern. At Mustafapur wetland, 67 species were recorded with 11 species as winter visitors. Simpson’s species diversity index was 0.78 at Rajdhani Jalashay, and 0.81 at Mustafapur wetland. The number of species of waders was 17 at Mustafapur wetland and 11 at Rajdhani Jalashay. The total number of Lesser Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna javanica), a resident bird was almost double (526) at Mustafapur wetland than that at Rajdhani Jalashay (234). The nitrate level was twice higher and the phosphate level was four times higher at Mustafapur wetland than those at Rajdhani Jalashay. The difference in species number and composition between the two wetlands may be attributed to the eutrophication resulting from high nitrate and phosphate levels at Mustafapur wetland. Unfortunately, the Mustafapur wetland is under threat due to human influences. The protection and sustainable management of natural wetlands is required for saving the biodiversity of the area.