Studies of Avifaunal Diversity in Sasihithlu Estuary of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

Abhishek Bharadwaj R^1, and Devi Prasad A.G¹

¹Department of Studies In Environmental Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India, 570006

Cite this paper:
Abhishek Bharadwaj R and Devi Prasad A.G. Studies of Avifaunal Diversity in Sasihithlu Estuary of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences. 2021; 9(1):1-7. doi: 10.12691/aees-9-1-1

Abstract

Birds are excellent bio indicators of environment. Avifaunal diversity provides various ecological, environmental and scientific services to mankind. The present study is aimed at the primary assessment of avian diversity of Sasihithlu estuary in Dakshina Kannada. The study was conducted from January 2018 to January 2019. Field exploration in different bioregions of estuary was undertaken during different seasons. A total of 138 species of birds were recorded belonging to 17 orders and 49 families. This includes 86 resident species and 52 migratory species. Of the recorded species, one is Endangered, one is Vulnerable and eight are Near Threatened species. A greater diversity of bird species was recorded during November to January and a lesser diversity was recorded during June to October.

Keywords:
avifauna wetland estuary mangrove Sasihithlu

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