Habitat Preference and Threats to Black-Headed Ibis <i>Threskiornis melanocephalus</i> and Red-Naped Ibis <i>Pseudibis papillosa</i> in Iba Dighal, Haryana, India

The habitat utilization and preferences of both Black-headed Ibis and Red-naped Ibis were studied at the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBBA) site in Dighal, Haryana, India, from December 2020 to November 2022. Among various habitats, the Black-headed Ibis was observed most frequently in wetlands, followed by agricultural and barren lands. In contrast, the Red-naped Ibis was primarily observed in agricultural land, followed by barren land and wetlands. Ivlev’s electivity index was used to analyze habitat preferences, revealing that the Black-headed Ibis strongly prefers wetlands (s = +0.88, indicating positive selection), while the Red-naped Ibis favours agricultural land (s = +0.18, indicating positive selection). A significant difference was observed in the selection of wetland and agricultural land habitats by Black-headed Ibis and Red-naped Ibis, respectively, across different seasons. Both species face several threats, including predation, pesticide use, and habitat destruction. This study provides a scientific baseline for future research to better understand the ecology of these ibis species and guide their conservation. The IBBA site provides suitable habitats for the ibises and other flora and fauna, but it is still vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic threats. Protecting such habitats is essential to maintaining a healthy ecosystem for the Black-headed and Red-naped Ibis.