An Assessment of The Diversity of Avifauna at Ranjit Sagar Dam in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

A study was carried out for an interval of six months (April–September, 2022) to assess the avifauna diversity at Ranjit Sagar Dam. The dam, also known as Thein Dam, is located at distance of 30 km from Kathua City and geographical it lies between 32°-26' N and 75°-43'. This dam is constructed over the Ravi River and is surrounded by lush green hills, which act as a key driver of local economies, giving its importance to agriculture, recreation, and fishing. Along with being an aesthetic entity, it provides social, economic, and environmental remunerations. Consequently, ornithologists from all over India gathered here for watching the lovely creatures and also to study their behavioral ecology. During the study, the data collection was done through the point count method with eight fixed points in different habitat types. A field binocular (10x50 magnification) was used for visual surveys. Surveys revealed the presence of 93 bird species placed taxonomically under 22 families. Around 37 water bird species are supported by Ranjit Sagar Dam, belonging to 9 families, of which 17 are migratory and 20 are residential bird species. So as to uphold the avifaunal diversity that is crucial in maintaining ecosystems, conservation strategies coupled with the development of potential water resources like Ranjit Sagar Dam are of the utmost importance.