Impact Of Electromagnetic Radiations Emitted From Communication Towers On The Rural Avifaunal Diversity Of Aligarh Region

A field investigation was conducted from January 2022 to December 2022 in the rural landscape of the Aligarh region to assess the effect of electromagnetic radiations emitted by communication towers on avifaunal diversity. Three significant sites in this area were chosen for the study, including one control site with no cell phone tower. At each site, avifaunal species abundance, richness, and evenness were recorded along with observations of certain bird behavioral features. The data was gathered using the point count and sighting approach. Shannon and Weiner's diversity index was used in the calculations. The LATNEX Triple Axis HF-B3GR meter was used to calculate electric field strength. The survey revealed high impact of electromagnetic radiations on the avifaunal diversity at sites under strong electromagnetic field whereas at the control site no such effect was noticed. Moreover, some distortions in the breeding & feeding patterns as well as migration rate were also observed.