Avifaunal Diversity of a Tropical Wetland Bhojtal with Reference to Anthropogenic Pressure

Abstract

The present study was carried for a period of two years, various physico-chemical analysis, newlinesampling was done at Bhojtal (Upper Lake) only. The main purpose of this analysis was to determine the quality of water in the Lake at different seasons. Water samples were collected from four sampling stations. Total four samples were taken from the Lake each time using polyethylene containers. The samples were then labelled and immediately transported to laboratory for analysis. The laboratory analysis of samples was done using standard methods (APHA, 2009 and Adoni et al, 1985). Different parameters were evaluated during winter (December to February), summer (March to July) and monsoon seasons (August to November). The physico-chemical parameters for water of Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal including Odour, Water colour, Atmospheric Temperature, Water Temperature, pH, Chloride, Total Hardness, Electrical conductivity, Total Dissolved solids, Nitrate and Orthophosphate. The average results of the physico-chemical parameters for water samples were compared with National and International standards i.e. World Health Organization (WHO, 1992), Indian Standard Institute (ISI, 1973) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR, 1975) standards for drinking water quality. The results of all parameters taken during this study have revealed that they fall under newlinepermissible limits of drinking water standard. Wetlands are unique aquatic ecosystems existing on this earth which supports valuable flora and fauna. They also support many species which comes under threatened category of IUCN and some are endemic to these wetlands. That s why the existence of wetlands on this earth is very newlineimportant. Wetlands also attract many resident as well as migratory species of birds. Present study is an effort to document the resident as well as migratory birds of Bhoj Wetland because this wetland provides food, water, safe nesting, breeding locations, conducive climatic conditions newlineand protection to them. This wetland supports different aquatic fauna like cru