Spatial and temporal patterns of stork sightings (Aves: Ciconiidae) in National Chambal Sanctuary of Gangetic River system

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R. K. Sharma
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1267-4291
L. A.K. Singh
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6973-7006

Abstract

During 1984–86 and 1995–2016 winter surveys five stork species were observed in 12 study zones of the river Chambal in the Ganga tributary system.  Comparative temporal and spatial analyses of stork distribution are presented from two broad stretches of the river, 205km of Pali-Rajghat in the upstream and 230km of Rajghat-Pachhnada in the downstream.  Different species show different distribution patterns.  Study zones IV+V comprising 113km in the upstream and XI+XII comprising 75km in the downstream accounted for 66% of total stork sightings.  About 56% of total sightings were recorded downstream of Rajghat.  The Painted Storks Mycteria leucocephala comprised 52% of total stork sightings.  Eleven districts adjoining river Chambal recorded low rainfall prior to 2008 when sighting of storks abruptly increased, particularly in the downstream.  It is important to continue the monitoring of water birds in the National Chambal Sanctuary as it could lead to initiating conservation interventions in habitats in the region which experience extreme ecological conditions and fluctuations in populations. 

Article Details

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Communications

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