IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON BIRD SPECIES DIVERSITY AT GAURI SAROVAR, DIST. BHIND (M.P.), INDIA

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of over-exploitation of natural resources and tree harvesting on the diversity and distribution of avian species around Gauri Sarovar, Bhind. Bird surveys were carried out during dawn and dusk using point count and line transect methods across different localities over a two-year period, from October 2021 to September 2023. A diverse range of 74 bird species, representing 11 orders and 26 families, were observed. The distribution of bird species across families revealed that 10 species belonged to the family Anatidae, while 9 species were from the families Ardeidae and Scolopacidae. Families such as Threskiornithidae, Rallidae, Charadriidae, and Motacillidae were represented by 4 species each. Phalacrocoracidae, Alcedinidae, and Sturnidae had 3 species each, while several other families, including Ciconiidae, Jacanidae, Estrildidae, Hirundinidae, and Cisticolidae, were represented by 2 species each while 11 families were represented by single species. Currently, the ecological conditions in the areas surrounding Gauri Sarovar support a moderate bird population. Authors observed that ongoing construction of the Gauri Sarovar Bridge badly influencing the diversity and distribution of avian species. As bird communities are highly responsive to anthropogenic pressures, the study recommends the restoration of large forest patches and wellplanned conservation-focused reforestation efforts.