Study of avian diversity in different cropping systems in punjab state in relation to surrounding vegetation a case study of bathinda

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineAvifauna was documented in the agricultural fields at three Locations in Bathinda district and established a total of 98 species. Species richness recorded at site-I, II, III, IV, V and VI were 79, 79, 41, 55, 44 and 72 respectively. Significant variation was related to vegetation structure around the sites. The richness in and around the cotton field at location-1 and 2 was 37 each and 31 at location-3. Rice fields recorded 74, 48 and 62 species at location-1, 2 and 3. Wheat fields revealed richness of 77, 58 and 55 at location-1, 2 and 3 respectively. There was an increase in species number with crop stages from sowing to ripening. Insectivorous community was the most dominant and acted as bio-control agents of pests. Avifauna recorded on Sheesham was 46, 27 and 29; on Neem tree were 36, 27 and 29 and on Acacia tree were 30, 19 and 27 at location-1, 2 and 3 respectively. The heavy metals concentration detected in bird excreta varied significantly. Rose- ringed parakeet excreted the least amount of all the heavy metals i.e. 0.45+0.04 of As, 0.11+0.01 of Cd and 1.08+0.09 of Pb at location-2; Rose ringed parakeet excreted highest amount of Pb 10.56+0.89 and cattle egret excreted 8.04+0.53 of Cd at location-3. Cattle egret recorded highest amount of as 3.30+0.14 excreted at location-1. These variations may be due to differences in feeding habits of these avian species and throw light on fluctuations in contaminated levels present in the environment where these birds live. newline newline