Seasonal changes in waterbird assemblages in Chambal River at Mukundra Hills National Park, Rajasthan, India

The seasonal pattern of species diversity and abundance of waterbirds of the Chambal River in the extent of Mukundra Hills National Park, Rajasthan, India was evaluated. The pre-monsoon (March–April 2021) and post-monsoon surveys (August–September 2021) were carried out using the direct count method with the help of a motorboat to monitor the population status of waterbirds. A total of 44 species of waterbirds belonging to 15 families and nine orders were identified, including 11 winter migratory species. Forty species of birds were recorded during pre-monsoon and 27 species during post-monsoon seasons. The species richness and relative abundance varied significantly between observed seasons (x2 = 532.77, df = 43, p <0.05). Breeding activities of three species were recorded, namely, Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and the ‘Near Threatened’ Woolly-necked Stork. The present study reveals the status of waterbirds in the protected area of Mukundra Hills National Park.