Elucidation of Diversity and Habitat Utilization of Waterbirds in Khajuha Wetland, Northern India

Abstract

Wetlands are important habitats for bird populations and understanding the diversity and other ecological characteristics of bird species assists in managing the ecosystem. In this study, we looked at the bird diversity, abundance and habitat utilization of waterbirds in Khajuha wetland district Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. This field investigation was conducted using line transects and point counts. There were 2815 distinct birds in all, representing 45 species and 10 orders. We kept track of each species’ guild, conservation status, residential status, and species abundance. Order Anseriformes displayed the highest relative diversity index, and Order Podicipediformes displayed the lowest number. The outcome of GLM analysis exhibited largest bird count in low land vegetation during winter season. While, lowest bird count in upland vegetation during pre-winter season. Besides, maximum diversity indices were noticed in winter season. Furthermore, during the pre-winter and winter seasons, low land vegetation was the most commonly used habitat. Finally, emergent vegetation was significantly utilized in post-winter. We concluded that many waterbirds reside in this wetland, and present study provides background data on the paucity of conservation attention paid to them by interested parties. Long-term follow-up studies will be helpful in identifying species-specific conservation measures for birds that depend on wetlands.