Patterns of avifaunal diversity in a landscape of Cuttack, Odisha, India
Abstract
A total of 78 bird species, categorised into 36 families, were documented in and around the Sri Sri University campus, which encompasses a variety of land-use types. The study was conducted over a two-month period, from September to October 2021, with observations performed every five days. The study area, located in Cuttack, Odisha, is an isolated landscape bordered by urban and rural settlements, comprising managed areas, wilderness, wetlands, and agricultural patches. Species richness was highest in managed areas and lowest in agricultural patches. Although the study was limited to two months, comparison with year-round monitoring indicated that approximately 84 % of all local species were recorded. The study highlighted that avian species responded distinctly to isolated microhabitats within the landscape and demonstrated that a managed ecosystem fosters bird diversity. Findings revealed that avifaunal species richness was well sustained in this isolated landscape, although land use and land cover had a measurable impact on diversity. Habitat heterogeneity emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing bird diversity. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that moderate human disturbance does not adversely affect bird diversity, provided the ecosystem is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
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