Status and habitat use pattern of birds in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

Author: Anuradha, M.L. Thakur and H.S. Banyal

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Abstract

A total of 225 species of birds, spread over 150 genera, 54 families and 17 orders have been recorded from the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. The study further revealed the presence of 71 waterbird species. Maximum number of species i.e., 157 species have been reported from ‘Water System’ habitat. Another 132 species have been reported from two or more than two habitat types. Analyses of the primary feeding habits revealed the presence of 73 Insectivore birds from the present study area. The study further revealed the presence of 17 threatened species, including two (2) vulture species namely Gyps bengalensis and Sarcogyps calvus categorized as Critically Endangered.

Keywords

Birds, Status, Habitat use pattern, Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Conclusion

The study revealed that Pong Dam Lake, also called Maharana Pratap Sagar, is situated in Shiwalik zone of the Himalayas, almost on northwest edge of the Indian peninsula, where birds migrating along the Central Asian Flyway are known to converge before spreading to other parts of the Country, makes it one of the most important sites for study of migratory wetland birds. The study revealed the presence of 225 species of birds including 71 waterbird species. ‘Water System’ habitat is one of the most important habitat types in the wetland, supporting 157 species. The study further revealed the presence of 17 threatened species, including two (2) vulture species namely Gyps bengalensis and Sarcogyps calvus categorized as Critically Endangered. The study further showed that 61 species accounting to 27% of the species recorded, have decreasing global population trends therefore, conservation of various habitat types in Pong Dam Lake has very high relevance, due to the presence of 17 globally threatened species having declining global population trends. Degradation of wetland ecosystem and consequent loss of biodiversity is the biggest threat needing immediate attention. Therefore, interventions on part of various stakeholders are needed to ensure conservation of an enormous range of biological diversity, particularly the avifauna.

References

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How to cite this article

Anuradha, M.L. Thakur and H.S. Banyal (2023). Status and habitat use pattern of birds in Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 1308-1319.