Habitat heterogeneity and seasonal variations influencing avian community structure in wetlands

Abstract Birds are considered as ecological indicators and most sensitive health indicators of an ecosystem. Wetlands are used by birds for various purposes like breeding, nesting, roosting and foraging. This study was designed to fulfil this research gap on avian diversity comparison of different wetlands in various habitats. Objective of the study was to generate information on avian diversity with seasonal variability of different wetlands of various habitats. Sampling was done in eight different wetlands from different districts of Odisha. The study was carried out during October 2015 to September 2018 and point count method was used. A total number of 109 species of birds covering 16 order and 42 families were recorded. Maximum waterbird richness was found at Chilika (62%, N=68) and minimum species richness (15%, N=17) found at Talcher. Six species were recorded under NT category (IUCN, 2018). The reason behind this occurrence of more numbers species in Chilika, Hirakud and Koraput may be due to the habitat suitability and low anthropogenic pressure. Talcher sampling site had the lowest species richness due to the highly polluted mining area with high anthropogenic pressure. Conservation of these small wetlands is also required to conserve the declining native avifauna.