Ecological study of red-vented bulbul in the campus environment of Government College Gudha Jhunjhunu

This study investigates the nesting behavior of the red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) within the campus of Seth Shree Kedarnath Modi Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Gudha, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The campus supports a rich diversity of flora, including Acacia, Ziziphus jujuba, Albizia lebbeck, Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka), Bougainvillea, various ornamental flowers, Dalbergia sissoo (Sheesham), Carica papaya (Papaya), and Citrus Limon (Lemon). These plant species serve as essential habitats, offering nesting sites, food resources, and protective cover for avian species. A systematic observational study was conducted from January 2024 to October 2024, focusing on a pair of red vented bulbuls that constructed a nest within the dense foliage of a lemon plant (Citrus Limon). The nest, located at an approximate height of five feet above the ground, was intricately woven using fine twigs, grass fibers, hair, leaves, and hardened shrub fragments. During the study period, the pair laid a clutch of four eggs, out of which three successfully hatched. The adult bulbuls displayed strong parental instincts, actively engaging in incubation, feeding, and nest defence, which played a critical role in the survival and development of the fledglings. The findings emphasize the importance of diverse vegetation in providing key ecological resources such as nesting materials, food availability, and shelter, which contribute to the reproductive success of P. cafer. Furthermore, the study highlights the broader significance of green spaces in academic institutions, not only as centres of education but also as vital ecological habitats that support avian biodiversity. The presence of a thriving bird population within the college campus underscores the need for conservation initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing urban green spaces to sustain local wildlife.