avian diversity in and around ajoba fort, thane district ... · from maharashtra was 568 f rom 83...

International Research Journal of

Vol. 5(2), 7-15, February (2016

International Science Community Association

Avian Diversity in and around Ajoba

Pritesh Ghadigaonkar1*

, PradnyaBandekar

Rovhin Todankar1Department of Zoology, Viva College,

5,6Department of Zoology, Kirti M. Doongursee College Dadar (W), Mumbai, 400028, MH, India2-4Department of Zoology, Institute of Science (IOS), Ma’am Cama

7Department of Zoology, M.D. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Dr. S. S. Rao Road, Parel (E), Mumbai 400012, MH, India

Available online at: Received 2nd December

Abstract

This study deals with the diversity and status of the avifauna

zoogeography of the study area supports and flourishes a very rich biodiversity. It holds a great biodiversity of flora and

fauna due to its naturally rich habitat and food chain complex. The survey was conducted during September 2012 to August

2014. This survey reported total 85 species from 43 families which belong to 17 avifaunal orders. Order Passeriformes is

dominant in the study area, including 20 families and 36 species (42%), followed by order Ciconiiformes, Coraciiformes and

Accipitriformes (8% apiece). Like other protected

conservation challenges hence, more intensive studies will certainly help to control the impact of anthropogenic alteration o

the habitats in and around the present study location.

Keywords: Ajoba fort, Avian diversity, Western Ghat, Anthropogenic alteration.

Introduction

The avifauna shows maximum diversity amongst the all

vertebrate faunal taxa. Indian subcontinent contains about 1300

species of bird i.e. About13 % of the world’s bird (more than

9000 birds of the world1). But After Brazil and Indonesia,

Indiais third country having a largenumber of threatened and

rare species2. According to Pande et.al reported species number

from Maharashtra was 568 from 83 families and 20 orders

Many authors have contributed to avifaunal diversity and

distribution records in Maharashtra since few decades

I. stated that birds are pollinators, seed dispersal agents, a major

component of the food web and also play vital role in dormancy

of seeds14

. These qualities get them an indicator for assessment

of the natural surroundings. The present study reports the avian

diversity along with their resident, migratory status and

abundance.

Study area: The Ajoba or Ajaparvat (19°27'52"N

73°40'58"E) is a region of Western Ghats a biodiversity hot

spot. Western Ghats is one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots

also referred as backbone of Indian ecology

known to be one of the highest peak (4511ft) in its range in

Western Ghat. According to the local people Ajoba fort was the

ashram of Valmiki Rishi where a goddess Sita was said to be

staying after being separated from lord Rama and gave birth to

Luv-Kush. The place also consist temple of Wa

cradle of Sita .This historical background makes Ajoba fort a

Journal of Biological Sciences _________________________________

6)

Association

Avian Diversity in and around Ajoba fort, Thane district, Maharashtra,

India

, PradnyaBandekar2, Akshay Pandirkar

3, Aakash Kuwar

4, Prajal Jangam

Rovhin Todankar6 and Harshal Karve

7

Department of Zoology, Viva College, Virar (W), 401303, MH, India

Department of Zoology, Kirti M. Doongursee College Dadar (W), Mumbai, 400028, MH, India

Department of Zoology, Institute of Science (IOS), Ma’am Cama Raod (Fort), Mumbai 400032, MH, India

M.D. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Dr. S. S. Rao Road, Parel (E), Mumbai 400012, MH, India

[email protected]

Available online at: www.isca.in, www.isca.me December 2015, revised 17th December 2015, accepted 16th January 201

This study deals with the diversity and status of the avifauna of Ajoba fort. Ajoba fort is a part of Western Ghats. The overall

area supports and flourishes a very rich biodiversity. It holds a great biodiversity of flora and


pecies from 43 families which belong to 17 avifaunal orders. Order Passeriformes is


Accipitriformes (8% apiece). Like other protected areas of the country the Ajoba fort and surrounding area is also facing

conservation challenges hence, more intensive studies will certainly help to control the impact of anthropogenic alteration o

the habitats in and around the present study location.

Ajoba fort, Avian diversity, Western Ghat, Anthropogenic alteration.

The avifauna shows maximum diversity amongst the all

vertebrate faunal taxa. Indian subcontinent contains about 1300

i.e. About13 % of the world’s bird (more than

But After Brazil and Indonesia,

Indiais third country having a largenumber of threatened and

reported species number

rom 83 families and 20 orders3.

Many authors have contributed to avifaunal diversity and

distribution records in Maharashtra since few decades3-13

. Nason

I. stated that birds are pollinators, seed dispersal agents, a major

o play vital role in dormancy

. These qualities get them an indicator for assessment

of the natural surroundings. The present study reports the avian

diversity along with their resident, migratory status and

Ajaparvat (19°27'52"N and

73°40'58"E) is a region of Western Ghats a biodiversity hot

spot. Western Ghats is one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots15

. It is

also referred as backbone of Indian ecology16

. Ajoba fort is

(4511ft) in its range in

Western Ghat. According to the local people Ajoba fort was the

Rishi where a goddess Sita was said to be

staying after being separated from lord Rama and gave birth to

The place also consist temple of Walmiki Rishi and

cradle of Sita .This historical background makes Ajoba fort a

favorite destination for pilgrims and tourists. As it is only 114

kilometer off from Mumbai city. It is also popular for trekkers

and hikers. Ajoba fort and foothills provide var

Avifauna e.g. paddy fields, river, grasslands, villages, dense

forest. The Shahi River provides food for many aquatic birds

through the year. The present study aims to document avian

diversity in and around Ajoba fort.

Methodology

Survey was conducted by visiting study area each month and

observations were made mainly

August 2014. To survey nocturnal birds, night trail was

conducted in each month during 9 pm to 11 pm.

selected for the study from Sakurli village at the foot hills of

Ajoba fort till Fort and surrounding area.

habitats like Paddy fields, river, grasslands, villages, dense

forest. Percentage occurrence of families was calculated by the

following formula17

,

Percentage Occurrence

No of Species of Each family

Total no of Different species seen

Results and Discussion

During present investigation the study shows

species of birds from 43 different families and 17 orders. Status

of Birds were categorized as Common (C) 48 species, Fairly

_______ E-ISSN 2278-3202

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci.

7

fort, Thane district, Maharashtra,

, Prajal Jangam5,

Department of Zoology, Kirti M. Doongursee College Dadar (W), Mumbai, 400028, MH, India

Mumbai 400032, MH, India

M.D. College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Dr. S. S. Rao Road, Parel (E), Mumbai 400012, MH, India

2016

of Ajoba fort. Ajoba fort is a part of Western Ghats. The overall

area supports and flourishes a very rich biodiversity. It holds a great biodiversity of flora and


pecies from 43 families which belong to 17 avifaunal orders. Order Passeriformes is


areas of the country the Ajoba fort and surrounding area is also facing

conservation challenges hence, more intensive studies will certainly help to control the impact of anthropogenic alteration of

favorite destination for pilgrims and tourists. As it is only 114

kilometer off from Mumbai city. It is also popular for trekkers

and hikers. Ajoba fort and foothills provide various habitats for

Avifauna e.g. paddy fields, river, grasslands, villages, dense

River provides food for many aquatic birds

through the year. The present study aims to document avian

was conducted by visiting study area each month and

during September 2012 to

August 2014. To survey nocturnal birds, night trail was

conducted in each month during 9 pm to 11 pm. The area was

li village at the foot hills of

Ajoba fort till Fort and surrounding area. Study covers major

Paddy fields, river, grasslands, villages, dense

Percentage occurrence of families was calculated by the

No of Species of Each family

x 100

Total no of Different species seen

During present investigation the study shows occurrence of 85

species of birds from 43 different families and 17 orders. Status

of Birds were categorized as Common (C) 48 species, Fairly

Research Journal of Biological Sciences ______________________

Vol. 5(2), 7-15, February (2016)


Common (FC) 9 species, Un Common (UC)13 species, Rare

(R)13 species, Irregular(I) 2 species, Resident (Re), Migr

(M), Regional Migrant (RM) shown in Table

species of birds, 75% are Resident, 4% Migrant and

Local Migrant. Order Passeriformes is dominant in the study

area, including 20 families and 36 species (42%), followed by

order Ciconiiformes, Coraciiformes and Accipitriformes (8%

apiece), order Galliformes 6%, Order Cuculiformes,

Columbiformes, Piciformes and Psittaciformes

Order Suliformes, Apodiformes and Strigiformes with 2% each,

order Falconiformes, Caprimulgiformes,

Represantation of Abundance Category of Birds

48

Common

________________________________________________________

Association

Common (FC) 9 species, Un Common (UC)13 species, Rare

Resident (Re), Migrant

able-1. Out of total 86

Migrant and 21% are

Order Passeriformes is dominant in the study

area, including 20 families and 36 species (42%), followed by

niiformes, Coraciiformes and Accipitriformes (8%

Order Cuculiformes,

Piciformes and Psittaciformes with 4% each,

Apodiformes and Strigiformes with 2% each,

Trogoniformes,

Turniciformes and Charadriiformes with 1% of the avian

species observed during the study. Family

Accipipridae are dominant families

followed by family Pycnonotidae with 4 species, remaining 10

families with 3 species and 8 families with 2 species ,

families represented by single species.

and Psittaculaeupatria are Near Threatened

Red Data Book of IUCN, remaining all other species found

during this survey are Least Concerned

Accipipridae has highest percentage occurrence in the study

area i.e. 8.24 % (Figure-5).

Figure-1

Study area

Figure-2

Represantation of Abundance Category of Birds

913 13

2

Fairly

common

Uncommon Rare Irregular

Species abundance

__________ E-ISSN 2278-3202


8

and Charadriiformes with 1% of the avian

species observed during the study. Family Ardeidae and

dominant families with 7 species each

followed by family Pycnonotidae with 4 species, remaining 10

with 3 species and 8 families with 2 species , 22

families represented by single species. Anthracoceroscoronatus

Near Threatened species as per the

Red Data Book of IUCN, remaining all other species found

east Concerned18

. Family Ardeidae and

Accipipridae has highest percentage occurrence in the study

Research Journal of Biological Sciences _________________________________________________________ E-ISSN 2278-3202

Vol. 5(2), 7-15, February (2016) Int. Res. J. Biological Sci.

International Science Community Association 9

Table-1

A classified chart of various bird species in the study area

Family Common name Scientific name1,19,20

Population

status

Abundance

status

Iucn

status18

Seasonal

status

Order: Passeriformes

Muscicaspidae

White Rumped Shama Copsycous malbaricus D FC LC R

Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata S C LC RM

Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis S C LC R

Monarchidae Asian Paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi S UC LC RM

Dicruridae

Forked Tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis S FC LC R

Greter Racket tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus D UC LC R

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus U UC LC R

Oriolidae

Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kondoo U C LC RM

Black hooded oriole Oriolus xanthornus U C LC R

Black Naped oriole Oriolus chinensis U UC LC RM

Cisticolidae Tailor bird Orthotomus sutorius S C LC R

Campephagidae Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus speciosus S FC LC R

Pycnonotidae

Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer I C LC R

Red Whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocus D C LC R

White chicked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys D FC LC R

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus I UC LC R

Sturnidae

Common Myana Acridotheres tristis I C LC R

Jungle Myana Acridotheres fuscus D C LC R

Rosy starling Sturnus roseus U FC LC M

Dicaeidae

Thick Billed flower picker Dicaeum agile S C LC R

Tickell's flower picker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos S C LC R

Nictarinidae

Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica S C LC R

Purple Rumple Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica S C LC R

Crimson Backed Sunbird Nectarinia minima S FC LC R





Population

status

Abundance

status

Iucn

status18

Seasonal

status

Corvidae

Large-Billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos S C LC R

House Crow Corvus splendens S C LC R

Estrildidae Spotted Munia Lonchura punctulata S C LC R

Timalinae Common Babler Turdoides caudatus S C LC R

Hirudinidae

Wired Tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii I C LC R

Common Swallow Hirundo rustica D C LC RM

Motacillidae Yellow wagtail Motacilia flava D UC LC RM

Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus D C LC R

Ploceidae Baya weavers Ploceus philippinus S FC LC R

Rhipiduridae White fan tail Rhipiduridae albicollis S C LC R

Irenidae Fairy blue bird Irena puella D R LC R

Daniidae Roufos Backed Shrike Lanius schach U C LC R

Order : Apodiformes

Apodidae

Common swift Apus affinis I C LC RM

Asian palm swift Cypsiurus balasiensis S C LC R

Order : Ciconiformes

Ardeidae

Little Egret Egretta garzetta I C LC RM

Median Egret Mesophoyx intermedia I C LC RM

Greater Egret Casmerodius albus U C LC RM

Pond Heron Ardeola Grayii U C LC R

Gray Heron Ardea cinerea U C LC RM

Night heron Nycticorax nycticorax U R LC R

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis I C LC RM

Order : Accipitriformes

Accipipridae

Black Kite Milvus migrans U C LC R

Black Shoulder kite Elanus caeruleus S R LC R





Population

status

Abundance

status

Iucn

status18

Seasonal

status

Bramhini kite Haliastur indus D I LC R

Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela S R LC R

Black Eagle Ictinaetus melaiensis D R LC R

Shikra Accipiter badius S C LC R

Common Bazzard Buteo buteo I UC LC M

Order : Falconiformes

Falconidae Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus S R LC M

Order : Suliformes

Phalicrocoracidae

little Cormorant Micro carboniger U C LC RM

Indian cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis U FC LC RM

Order : Galliformes

Bucrotidae

Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyerosbirostris S UC LC R

Malbar pied hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus D R NT RM

Rallidae Water hen white breasted Amaurornis phoenicuruc U C LC R

Phasianidae

Peafowl Pavo cristatus S UC LC R

Grey jungle fowl Gallus gallus D UC LC R

Order : Cuculiformes

Cuculidae

Greater Coacal Centropus sinensis S C LC R

Pied crested cuckoo Clamator jacobinus S R LC RM

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea S C LC R

Order : Columbiformes

Columbidae

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis I C LC R

Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis S C LC R

Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia D C LC R

Order: Caprimulgiformes

Caprimulgidae Night Jar Caprimulgus asiaticus D C LC R





Population

status

Abundance

status

Iucn

status18

Seasonal

status

Order: Piciformes

Picidae Common Flamebackwoodpcker Dinopium javanense D UC LC R

Megalaimidae

White chicked Barbet Megalaim aviridis S C LC R

Copper smith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala I C LC R

Order: Psittasciformes

Psittacidae

Rose Ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri I C LC R

Allkzandrin Parakeet Psittacula eupatria D R NT R

Plum headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala D UC LC R

Order: Strigiformes

Strigidae Jungle owlet Glaucidium radiatum S R LC R

Tytoninae Barn owl Tyto alba S R LC R

Order: Trogoniformes

Trogonidae Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus S R LC R

Order: Turniciformes

Turnicidae Common Button Quils Turnix sylvaticus D UC LC R

Order: Coraciiformes

Alcedinidae

Small Blue Kingfisher Acledoatthis I C LC RM

White breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis I C LC R

Oriental Dwarf kingfisher Ceyx erithacus D I LC R

Cerylidae Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis U R

R

Meropidae

Small Green Beeeater Merops orientalis S C LC R

Blue tailed Beeeater Merops philippinus S FC LC RM

Coraciidae Indian roller Coracias benghalensis I C LC R

Order : Charadriiformes

Charadriidae Red Wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus U C LC R

I- Increasing, D- Decreasing, S- Stable, U- Unknown; C- Common, FC, Fairly Common, UC- Un-Common, R- Rare, I- Irregular,

Re- Resident, RM- Regional Migrant, M- Migrant, LC- Least Concern, NT- Near Threaten.

Research Journal of Biological Sciences ______________________

Vol. 5(2), 7-15, February (2016)


Representation pf Persentage of Resid

Comparison of percentage of bird species belonging to different avian orders

Migrant

4%

Regional Migrant

8%1%

2%

6%

4%

4%

1%4%

4%

2%

1% 1%

________________________________________________________

Association

Figure-3

Representation pf Persentage of Resident, Migrant and Regional Migrant Birds

Figure-4


Residant

75%

Regional Migrant

21%

Seasonal Status

42%

2%

8%8%

8%

1%Passeriformes

Apodiformes

Ciconiformes

Accipitriformes

Falconiformes

Suliformes

Galliformes

Cuculiformes

Columbiformes

Caprimulgiformes

Piciformes

__________ E-ISSN 2278-3202


13

Regional Migrant Birds


Passeriformes

Apodiformes

Ciconiformes

Accipitriformes

Falconiformes

Suliformes

Galliformes

Cuculiformes

Columbiformes

Caprimulgiformes

Piciformes




Figure-5

Percentage occurrence of avifauna represented in families

3.53

1.18

3.53

3.53

1.18

1.18

4.71

3.53

2.35

3.53

2.35

1.18

1.18

2.35

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

2.35

8.24

8.24

1.18

2.35

2.35

1.18

2.35

3.53

3.53

1.18

1.18

2.35

3.53

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

3.53

1.18

2.35

1.18

1.18

Muscicaspidae

Monarchidae

Dicruridae

Oriolidae

Cisticolidae

Campephagidae

pycnonotidae

Sturnidae

Dicaeidae

Nectarinidae

Corvidae

Estrildidae

Timalinae

Hirudinidae

Motacillidae

Passeridae

Ploceidae

Rhipiduridae

Irenidae

Daniidae

Apodidae

Ardeidae

Accipipridae

Falconidae

Phalicrocoracidae

Bucrotidae

Rallidae

Phasianidae

Cuculidae

Columbidae

Caprimulgidae

Picidae

Megalaimidae

Psittacidae

Strigidae

Tytoninae

Trogonidae

Turnicidae

Alcedinidae

Cerylidae

Meropidae

Coraciidae

Charadriidae

Percentage occurance




Discussion: As per the observations and data, study area

presents moderately healthy avian diversity but anthropogenic

disturbances in the form of tourist pressure, livelihood

dependence and pollution are the major concern in the study

area. Previously there were only an Ashram and one hut (Made

up of wooden material) for tourist and pilgrims but they are now

developed into a concrete construction. Though this kind of

developments are created to flourish ecotourism and beneficial

for visitor but may affect biodiversity inversely. More intensive

study will surely reveal many species and deeper insight to the

impact of anthropogenic alteration of habitat.

Conclusion

As per the observations and data, study area presents moderately

healthy avian diversity but anthropogenic disturbances in the

form of tourist pressure, livelihood dependence and pollution

are the major concern in the study area. Previously there were

only an Ashram and one hut (Made up of wooden material) for

tourist and pilgrims but they are now developed into a concrete

construction. Though this kind of developments are created to

flourish ecotourism and beneficial for visitor but may affect

biodiversity inversely. More intensive study will surely reveal

many species and deeper insight to the impact of anthropogenic

alteration of habitat.

Acknowledgment

The authors are very thankful to Dr. Mrs. Nandini Deshmukh

(Mumbai) for encouragement and guidance. We are also

thankful to Ms. Shrutika Phopale, Mr. Kaustubh Pandirkar and

Mr. Johnson Varkifor participating in the survey.

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avian diversity in and around ajoba fort, thane district ... · from maharashtra was 568 f rom 83...

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