Study on avian diversity at few aquatic ecosystems of Mysore district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The study on avian diversity at few aquatic ecosystems viz., ponds and back water of KRS reservoir of K.R. Nagar Taluk in Mysore District was conducted during 2013 to 2014 by employing various standard methods. Altogether 43 species, which belongs 15 families in four orders of the class Aves were recorded at different aquatic ecosystems. The composition of different species of aquatic birds indicated significant variation (F=3.191; P>0.05) between the aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, aquatic bird’s diversity (Shannon-Weiner) Index (H1) didn’t show any variation and it was in between 2.013 and 2.858. Different bird species showed variation in their feeding habit, food preference, resting, roosting activities and distributed unevenly at aquatic ecosystems amidst Mysore District. Overall, certain aquatic ecosystems and backwater of KRS Reservoir at K.R. Nagar Taluk extended suitable habitat for 12 migratory bird species, two winter migrants including good number of local bird species. Aquatic habitats and many aquatic bird species are inseparable elements, helpful to mankind in various ways and their presence is very essential to restore local biodiversity.