Seasonal Variation and Regional Abundance of Wetland Avian Fauna of Urinji Kulam Pond in Thiruthangal, Viruthunagar District

Abstract

Wetlands are plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It provides good shelter for many animals such as, birds, mammals, fishes, insects, etc. It is also maintaining the biodiversity of flora and fauna. Birds are the most important indicators of the ecosystem. Hence, the present study has been carried out to assess the wetland birds in Thiruthangal from July 2012 to June 2013. During the study period 32 species of birds belonging 19 families were recorded. Among the 19 families Recurvirostidae, Ciconiidae, Scolopacidae, Pelecanidae and Podicipedidae were found to be more dominant than other families.

Keywords: avian fauna, wetland, biodiversity, seasonal variation and aquatic birds.