Studies on Avifuanal Diversity in Saltpan Area of Mitanagar, Mulund East, Mumbai Maharashtra

A Mumbai suburban area is dealing with immigration, resulting in a shortage of land for commercial as well as residential construction. To fulfil this need, the forests are continuously used for construction, which affects the migratory as well as resident birds. It should also be seen that the existing avifaunal diversity should gradually get habituated and adapted to the human vicinity. Saltpan, Mithagar area is located in Mulund East, near to the Bhandup pumping station. It is approximately 4km away from Mulund railway station and Thane Creek (Bird Watching). The study area consists of feather grass and greenery in the surroundings. There is also a dumping ground area where frequent scavengers were seen. Birds have immense ecological value as they serve as bioindicators for the quality of habitat. They are very sensitive to any slight changes occurring in the ecosystem. Various birds were seen in the study area. Especially the feeding needs of many birds were found to be in this area. The present study has been based on regular observations and identification of the species within one year, from October 2022 to December 2023. Around 61 species of birds from 24 families were recorded from the study area. They included a variety of resident birds, migratory birds, and small birds. But, due to human interference, it has an impact on avian diversity. It is a need of time to take some steps towards the care and conservation of the concerned ecosystem. Keywords: Saltpan, ecosystem, avifauna