Avian Ecology And Conservation Challenges In Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India is long known for its rich avian biodiversity, including globally threatened and migratory bird species. The present study investigates the avian diversity and conservation challenges through multiple field surveys conducted during November and December 2024. A total of 3488 individuals representing 73 species across 34 families were recorded using the point-count method. Remarkably, 2176 individuals from eight globally threatened and near-threatened species were observed including two endangered species (Aquila nipalensis and Neophron percnopterus), two vulnerable species (Clanga hastata and Ciconia episcopus) and four near-threatened species. Diversity analysis revealed a Richness Index of 8.83, indicating high species richness, while Simpson’s Index (0.62) and Shannon’s Index (1.89) suggest moderate species diversity. Ciconiidae appeared to be the most dominant family, accounting for 62.1% of the total avian population, with Mycteria leucocephala being the most abundant species. Furthermore, a decline in migratory bird populations was observed compared to previous years and Eurasian spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) were found nesting outside the boundaries of park suggesting a shift in breeding habitats potentially due to habitat degradation. The study highlights habitat loss, fragmentation, water scarcity and human interference are significant threats to avian diversity. These findings also suggest an urgent need for conservation strategies including sustainable habitat management and regular ecological monitoring to preserve wildlife biodiversity.