Ecological assessment of semi-arid wetlands in Patan district, Gujarat: Implications for migratory bird conservation and wetland management

Wetlands are critical ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, regulate hydrological cycles, and provide essential ecological services, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures. This study conducted a comprehensive ecological assessment of semi-arid wetlands in Patan district, Gujarat. A total of 138 wetlands were identified and surveyed during the migratory season (November 2020 to February 2021). Avifaunal assessments recorded 206 bird species, with a significant proportion comprising migratory (47%) and wetland-dependent species (7%). Based on composite ecological scoring that integrated species richness, migratory bird presence, threatened species occurrence, bird abundance, and habitat integrity, 23 wetlands were prioritized for conservation action. Remote sensing analysis using the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) revealed a modest increase in wetland extent between 2017 and 2020, primarily through conversion from adjacent grassland and vegetated areas, although localized wetland shrinkage was also detected due to anthropogenic pressures. Based on these findings, recommendations include targeted habitat protection for priority wetlands, invasive species management, regulation of grazing pressures, community engagement for conservation, and the establishment of long-term monitoring programs integrating field surveys with remote sensing tools to ensure the ecological sustainability of Patan’s wetland ecosystems.