Population dynamics and habitat preference in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala> and Woolly-necked Stork <Ciconia episcopus in Dighal Wetland, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10094.17.12.28076-28082Keywords:
Anthropogenic activities, coexistence, conservation, line transect method, point count method, seasonal variation, species abundance, vegetation, waterbirds, wetland ecologyAbstract
The current study looks at the Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala and Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus populations and their habitat utilization in the wetlands of Dighal, Haryana. The distribution and abundance of both species were evaluated through field surveys in various wetland habitats. The findings show that the Painted Stork population exhibited considerable habitat fluctuation, indicating a strong preference for specific wetland locations that offer the best chances for foraging and breeding. The range of the Woolly-necked Stork, on the other hand, was comparatively consistent throughout various habitats, suggesting a wider ecological tolerance. Painted Stork was most commonly observed in wetlands, whereas Woolly-necked Stork was observed in marshes and dry areas. Among the different habitats, the highest number of individuals of Painted Stork (7.41 ± 1.83) was seen in wetland, and Woolly‑necked Stork (0.75 ± 0.37) was seen in agricultural land. The lowest number of individuals of Painted Stork (2.66 ± 0.69) was seen in barren land, and Woolly‑necked Stork (0.66 ± 0.35) was seen in wetland. These results demonstrate importance of preserving Dighal’s varied wetland habitats to sustain both specialized and generalist stork species and further knowledge of their ecological needs in a constantly shifting landscape.
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