Authors : Mangesh Nishikant Jamble, Sukhada M. Jamble
Page Nos : 29-31
Description :
Rich avifaunal diversity in mangrove ecosystems is a bio-indicator of the health and productivity of the ecosystem. Avifaunal species richness is usually seen in geographical areas of mangrove ecosystems in different parts of Devgad tehsil. Along with typical aquatic birds, several varieties of terrestrial birds are also assembled in the ecological interactions of the mangrove systems. As the birds are ecologically sensitive indicator organisms, adaptations of terrestrial birds found in vicinity of mangroves were studied to see their extent of dependence on mangrove systems along with the seasonal fluctuations. For the purpose, mangrove ecosystems from different geographical locations in Devgad tehsil were selected. The studies were carried out during a period of two years from August 2014 to November 2016. The observations were analyzed with some interesting conclusions. It was observed that out of the total species found in Devgad tehsil, almost 65% bird species are mangrove dependent. It has been further estimated that out of those 65% species, 30% species were of terrestrial birds. Those species of terrestrial birds were not found to be 100% dependent on mangrove swamps; but they were observed to be partially or timely dependent for feeding, roosting and to some extent for nesting. It has been detected that some typical terrestrial bird species are also adapted for feeding in the swamps of mangroves, especially during low tides. The feeding frequency of such birds and their stay in and around the mangroves has also been detected to be considerable. Those species were observed to be feeding and roosting among regular aquatic birds without facing any stress of competition and interspecific conflicts.
Keywords: Mangrove ecosystems, terrestrial birds, feeding, roosting, Devgad
