Diversity and conservation status of avifauna in the Surguja region, Chhattisgarh, India

Authors

  • A.M.K. Bharos IBCN (BNHS) and AWC (Wetland International), Chhattisgarh State, B-101, Gayatrinagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492007, India.
  • Anurag Vishwakarma WWF-India, Western Arunachal Landscape, Dirang, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh 790101, India.
  • Akhilesh Bharos B-101 Gayatrinagar, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492007, India.
  • Ravi Naidu CROW Foundation, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh 494001, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7314.15.8.23710-23728

Keywords:

Birds, checklist, Deccan Peninsula Bio-geographic zone, terrestrial habitats, threats, wetlands

Abstract

This study is aimed at updating the avifauna status and to assess major threats in six districts of the Surguja region of northern Chhattisgarh. The avifauna of this region is less studied as compared to the central and southern regions of the state. Chhattisgarh has unique and important habitats for bird species. The geographical region has two major forest types which provide a suitable habitat for many terrestrial and numerous wetlands that support aquatic bird species. The northern region is a basin of rivers Hasdeo and Rihand, prominently forested and a major coal belt. In this study, planned and opportunistic surveys were done in different seasons, and data was collected from 1995 to 2019. In the northern Chhattisgarh region,we have compiled all-district data and a total of 361 bird species were recorded. The maximum number of bird species were recorded from Koriya 318, followed by Raigarh 262, Surguja 162, Balrampur 260, Surajpur 208, and Jashpur 254. Species recorded include three Critically Endangered (CR), two Endangered (EN), five Vulnerable (VU), and 13 Near Threatened (NT). Nesting of Lesser Adjutant, Indian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, and sighting of Sarus Crane in Surguja region is reported. The study also revealed the presence of nine Himalayan and sub-Himalayan species. Comparing with previous studies 117 new species were found. Chhattisgarh has ample potential and opportunities for new records as many regions have not yet been adequately explored, it can be a key birding hub for bird lovers as well as the scientific community. The large-scale mining-oriented activities, hunting, and poaching are posing serious threats, which will have a direct or indirect, impact on the future of the avifauna of the region.

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Published

26-08-2023 — Updated on 26-08-2023

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Issue

Vol. 15 No. 8 (2023)

Section

Communications

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Copyright (c) 2023 A.M.K. Bharos, Anurag Vishwakarma, Akhilesh Bharos, Ravi Naidu

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