Avifaunal survey of Chitrakoot forest division, Uttar Pradesh

A systematic summer survey (May-Aug 2025) of the Chitrakoot Forest Division (Uttar Pradesh) documented 234 bird species (+4 sp./genera) across multiple habitats. Using line transects, point counts, and opportunistic records (logged on eBird), the study quantified habitat-specific richness and identified key taxa of conservation concern. Species richness was highest in dry deciduous forests (native teak-dhaora forests) and least in village-edge scrub (Table 1). Notable records included several globally threatened vultures and waterbirds, illustrating the division’s high conservation value. We summarize habitat-wise diversity (Table 1), tabulate threatened and legally protected species (Table 2), and highlight rare or seasonal migrants. Findings underscore the importance of safeguarding diverse habitats in the Vindhyan plateau ecosystem.