Quantitative Analysis of Biodiversity of Palandri District, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan

Quantitative analysis of biodiversity in district Palandri was undertaken from September, 2022 to May 2023 in district Palandri, AJK to collect data on the distribution and status of its wildlife. Point count method was used to observe the species in nine different habitats in the study area A total of 1049 individuals of 126 species of amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals are observed in the study area belonging to 23 orders and 57 families. The Aves group had the most species variety, with 87 species followed by Mammals that were the second most varied group, with 18 species. Reptiles and amphibians contained 16 and 5 species, respectively. The most abundant species were Indus Valley Toad (n=11), Bengal Monitor (n=13), Russet sparrow (n=41) and House mouse (n=14) were recorded in district Palandri, AJK. Calculated values of Shannon Wiener (H) and Simpson index (1-D) of the district Palandri were 4.60 and 0.99 respectively. Anthropogenic activities such as logging, Settlements, deforestation, forest fires, hunting, extensive grazing of cattle were the reasons for decline in vertebrate species. By implementing conservation strategies, we can help ensure the long-term survival of these species and the ecosystems.