| Abstrakt: |
The study offers a comprehensive avifaunal diversity assessment within the Therthanagal Bird Sanctuary (TBS) in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, India, conducted from April 2021 to March 2023, covering two breeding seasons. A total of 96 bird species from 18 orders and 44 families were recorded. The family representations by species included: Ardeidae with 10 species, Accipitridae and Rallidae with six species each, Anatidae with five species, Alcedinidae, Cuculidae, Columbidae, Threskiornithidae and Cisticolidae with four species each. Four globally "Near Threatened" species (IUCN Red List) were reported: Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis. The observed frequencies of species classes were: common (n=58, 60%), uncommon (n=28, 29%), and rare (n=10, 10%). The majority of species were residents (n=83, 86%), followed by winter visitors (n=12, 12%), and a single passage migrant, (Rosy Starling Pastor roseus). Of conservation significance was the finding that 23 of 40 waterbird species recorded in the sanctuary were breeding on-site. Maximum numbers of birds and nests were recorded in the second year, which was presumed to be due to improved rainfall and water availability. The findings underscored the importance of the sanctuary in providing bird habitat, and emphasised the need for its conservation, particularly in safeguarding breeding waterbird habitat. This study provided essential baseline data for any management plan that the forest department may develop for the sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
