Avian assemblages pattern along forest-tea plantation gradients in the north bank landscape of Eastern Himalaya, Assam, India

Abstract The study explores the patterns of avian communities along forest-tea plantation gradients in the north bank landscape of Eastern Himalayas, India, focusing on the Udalguri district of Assam. The present study aims to identify the impact of transitioning from undisturbed forest to tea plantations on bird diversity and composition. Bird surveys were conducted from August 2022 to June 2023 using point count methods at 16 sampling stations. The results revealed that forests exhibited higher species diversity and functional richness than tea plantations, which showed higher functional evenness and divergence. Additionally, forest edges supported greater species richness and abundance, emphasising their conservation significance. The study also observed significant differences in species composition at varying distances from the forest edge. Key species influencing these differences included the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon (Treron phoenicopterus) and various bulbul species ( Pycnonotus spp.), indicating habitat sensitivity and edge effects. These findings suggest that while tea plantations can accommodate certain adaptable species, forests play a crucial role in providing habitats for a wider range of avian species. In addition, the study highlights the importance of conserving forest edges and comprehending avian responses to habitat mosaics for effective biodiversity conservation.