Breeding ecology of the river lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) along the Tapi river basin of melghat landscape, Maharashtra, India: Nest characteristics and threats

Abstract

In the face of vanishing river habitats, understanding the breeding secrets of the River Lapwing has never been more urgent. The River Lapwing (Vanellus duvaucelii) is a ground-nesting wader commonly found along sandy and gravelly riverbanks of flowing rivers with decline population trend across the Indian subcontinent, it has been uplisted to Near Threatened (NT) criteria by IUCN. This species is known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and territorial breeding. This study investigates the breeding ecology of the River Lapwing along the Tapi River Basin within the ecologically rich Melghat landscape of Maharashtra, India, during four consecutive breeding seasons (2022-2025). A total of 117 transects, each measuring 500 m, were surveyed along a 60 km stretch of the Upper Tapi River to study the breeding ecology of the River Lapwing. Six potential nesting sites were identified and monitored: Rajakilla, Rangubeli, Mohanballa, Kutanga, Chethar, and Amner Fort. A total of 10 nests were recorded and systematically monitored to document nest characteristics, habitat variables, and threats. Nests were predominantly located on open, unvegetated gravel banks close to the river channel, with nest cup dimensions showing minimal variation, indicating species-specific construction. Clutch sizes ranged from 2 to 4 eggs. Key threats to nesting success included predation by feral dogs, crows, raptors, jackal and snake. Eggs damage by trampling and human activities and natural factors such as unusual rain and flooding. Feral dogs were identified as the most consistent threat across all sites. Statistical analyses revealed significant variation in disturbance types (ANOVA, F(7,72) = 67.77, p