AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY IN AND AROUND BHASKEL DAM RESERVOIR OF NABARANGPUR, ODISHA

* Pramod Pal 1 , Abhilash Acharya 1 and Hemanta Kumar Sahu 2 . 1. M.Phil student, Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Odisha, India. 2. Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Odisha, India. ...................................................................................................................... Manuscript Info Abstract ......................... ........................................................................ Manuscript History


Methodology:-
Avifaunal diversity in and around the Bhaskel Dam reservoir was recorded from March 2016 to April 2017. Sampling was carried out for thirteen months to record seasonal variation in avifaunal diversity and vegetation. Regular field trips were made throughout this period to the study area. Visits were carried everyday during all the months of the study period to record the bird diversity. The birds were observed at most active period of the day, i.e., early morning from 06:00 to 09:00 hours and in the evening from 15:00 to 18:00 hours. However the observation was made throughout the day also. Nocturnal species were also recorded during the night time. Binocular Olympus 10*50 X, was used for close observation of birds. Apart from direct sightings the presence of birds was also confirmed by interviews with local forest staffs, villagers and hunters. The birds were identified and classified on the basis of standard field guides by Ali and Ripley (1987), Ali (2002). The birds checklist was prepared using standardized common and scientific names by Manakadan and Pittie (2001).
Data analysis:-Bird diversity was calculated using both Shannon-Weiner and Simpson's diversity indices. Shannon-Weiner diversity Index 'H' was calculated using the formula: Where, Pi = Proportion of individual species and R = total number of species of the community (number seen and heard).
Simpson's diversity Index ' D' was calculated using the formula:

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Where, ni= the total number of birds of each individual species and N = the total number of birds of all species. The value of D ranges between 0 and 1. With this index, 1 represents infinite diversity and 0, no diversity.
The percentage occurrence of birds in each family was calculated using the following formula.
Percentage Occurrence= (No. of species of each Family ÷ Total no. of different species seen) x 100

Discussion:-
Most of the bird species recorded were common however some rare species like the Brown fish Owl, Indian eagle Owl, Steppe Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Green Munia, Grey Francolin and Black headed Ibis etc. were recorded around the Bhaskel Dam reservoir. The Steppe Eagle which is an endangered bird was seen only once, the Brown fish Owl was also seen once during the study period so further study should be conducted to know about the status of these birds in the area. Apart from the species recorded sporadic reports of Vultures also occurred though no direct sightings happened during the study period so further investigation is required to know the present status of Vultures and which species if any are present in the area.
Apart from this the breeding and nesting status of birds along with the successful fledging rate is unknown. The attitude of the local human population towards the faunal diversity and their interaction with nature need to be better understood by further investigation.

Conclusion:-
The present study which recorded 150 species of birds reflects a moderately healthy overall biodiversity for the study location. But it must be mentioned that the study location under present investigation are facing anthropogenic disturbances in the forms of urbanization, mining activities, livelihood dependence (mainly in the form of cattle grazing and fuel wood collection). To add salt to the wound poaching of birds is a major issue for this area like most other parts of India. Natural calamities like forest fire also have disastrous effects on wildlife from the present study location. To conclude it may be noted that the area was studied for short time span, a more intensive study would surely result in identifying more bird species. The impact of anthropogenic alteration of the habitats in and around the present study location also needs intensive studies.