Seasonal population trends of aquatic avifauna in Tekanpur Lake Gwalior M P Jain A Gurjwar R K and Lodhi R K

Journal of Environmental And Sciences Seasonal Population Trends Of Aquatic Avifauna In Tekanpur Lake, Gwalior(M.P.). *Corresponding Author: Ramkumar Lodhi , School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior M.P,India. Email: [email protected] Received: 30-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. JOES - 4484 ; Editor Assigned: 31-Jan-2025 ; Reviewed: 27-Feb-2025, QC No. JOES - 4484 ; Published: 3-March-2025, DOI: 10.52338/Joes.2025.4484 Citation: Ramkumar Lodhi. Seasonal population trends of aquatic avifauna in Tekanpur Lake, Gwalior(M.P.). Journal of Environmental And Sciences. 2025 January; 9(1). doi: 10.52338/Joes.2025.4484. Copyright © 2025 Ramkumar Lodhi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ISSN 2836-2551 Research Article Jain, A., Gurjwar, R. K. and Lodhi, R. K. School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior M.P. www.directivepublications.org INTRODUCTION Birds are essential animal group of an ecosystem and maintain the trophic level. They play a functional role in the ecosystem as potential pollinators and scavengers, and are rightly called as bioindicators (Prui and Virani, 2016).Birds have a swift metabolism and also, they are important for the turnover of substance and energy in communities. Aquatic birds may impact the eutrophication of reservoirs positively or negatively. If they feed inside the water but excrete on land, they postponed the process of eutrophication. On the other hand, if they feed on land and excrete into the water, they accelerate the eutrophication. The effect of common waterbirds like cormorants, egrets, herons and some species of duck manage the intake and excrete of nitrogen and phosphorous in water body. Water birds also known as aquatic avifauna, encompasses a wide range of species adapted to life in and around the water bodies (Rajasekhara and Venkatesha, 2011). The abundance of avifauna indicates the healthy status of lakes owing the availability of water, safe habitat and food sources for both adults and nestlings, and essential nesting/ roosting sites in and around the lakes are important for the occurrence and abundance of aquatic bird populations (Joshi, 2012). Through research focused on water birds in the Gwalior Tekanpur region, researcher have the chance to explorethe various aspects of ecology of birds andtheir conservation. By understanding the ecological requirements and conservation challenges faced by these birds, researchers can contribute to the sustainable management water habitats, ensuring the continualexistence of these birds for future generations to appreciate and cherish the beauty of nature. Study Area Tekanpur, nestled in the district of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, India, represents the perfect blend of historical charm and natural splendour. Tekanpur is renowned for its crown jewel, Tekanpur lake, a peaceful oasis that aids as a paradise for aquatic avifauna. Tekanpur lake is a witness of the basic connection between humanity and the natural world. The study area is located to the southern site 26 km away from Gwalior city between26° 0’4.49”N latitude and 78°17’21.37”E longitude (Fig. 1). The lake area experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with temperatures ranging from 14°C Abstract Birds are highly conspicuous species of the environmental ecosystem. Birds can control the pest and uphold the diversity of other organisms also they are the effective bioindicators of physiochemical properties of water. Present study was carried out from July- 2023 to June-2024. To assess bird diversity, the point-count and line transect methods was used but opportunistic spotting was also included. A total of 47 avian species belongs to 37 genera, 12 families and 8 orders were recorded. Anseriformes order was most dominant with 15 species followed by other order. Family Anatidae was the most dominant, representing 15 species of the total species recorded. Among the reported species 12 were residential while 23 were migrant and 12 species are residential migrants. The rich avifaunal diversity of the Tekanpur Lake confirms it as a suitable habitat for both residential and migrant bird species. Hence, the present study helps to assess the diversity and present status of aquatic avifauna in Tekanpur lake for conservation and management of the lake. Keywords: Aquatic Avifauna, Diversity, Distribution, Abundance, Tekanpur Lake

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi to 34°C throughout the year. Occasionally, temperatures can drop to 3°C or soar to as high as 47°C. Receiving an annual rainfall of 600-700 mm, the lake experiences a decline in water levels post-monsoon, with most water either percolating into the groundwater table or evaporating.Among these, water birds play a crucial role, both ecologically and culturally, making them a fascinating subject for research and exploration. Figure 1. Study area of research work METHODOLOGY The survey was carried out during dusk and dawn times, from 6:30 am to 10:00 am in the morning and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm in the evening. Point count and line transect methods were followed for quantitate data collection and bird species observation. Binocular (Nikon – 10X40) and Nikon DSLR (D-7200) camera were used for observation and identification of bird species and Photographic evidences of avifauna respectively. Direct count methods were adopted from Bibbey et al., (2000) and Javad and Kaul (2002) for recording and analysis. Birds were identified by field guide book (Grimmett et al., 2011) and experienced resource person. RESULT AND DISCUSSION The Tekanpur lake observations expose a rich diversity of avian species inhabiting the lake. Compilation of identified birds, featuring their family, common name, scientific name, IUCN status and common status (Table 1). A total of 47 aquatic bird species belonging to 8 orders and 12 families were observed during the study period. Chilke (2012) observed total of 58 species of birds belonging to 9 orders and 29 families from Bamanwada Lake of Rajura and its surrounded area, district Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Vyas et al., (2010) while working on Upper Lake, Bhopal, recorded 43 species, belonging to 14 families and 8 orders with family Anatidae as the most dominant family represented by ten species, followed by family Ardeidae represented by 8 species. Page - 2Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi Table 1. Checklist of recorded species with taxonomic position in Jiwaji University. S. No.Order Family Scientific Name Common Name IUCN Status Residential Status 1 Anseriformes Anatidae Mareca strepera Gadwal LC M 2 Netta rufina Red Crested Pochard LC M 3 Nettapuscoromandelianus Cotton Pygmy Goose LC M 4 Aythya farina Common Pochard VU M 5 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck LC M 6 Anas acuta Northern Pintail LC M 7 Anas poecilorhyncha Indian Spot-billed Duck LC M 8 Sarkidiornis melanotos knob-billed duck LC M 9 Anas crecca Common teal LC M 10 Anseranser Greylag Goose LC M 11 Dendrocygna javanica Lesser Whistling-duck LC M 12 Tadornaferruginea Ruddy Shelduck LC M 13 Anser indicus Bar-headed Goose LC M 14 Tadornatadorna Common Shelduck LC M 15 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard LC M 16 Pelecaniformes Threskiornithidae Pseudibispapillosa Red naped ibis LC M 17 Platalealeucorodia Eurasian spoonbill LC M 18 Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret LC RM 19 Egretta garzetta Little Egret LC RM 20 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret LC R 21 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron LC RM 22 Ardeolagrayii Indian Pond-Heron LC R 23 Nycticoraxnycticorax Black crowned night HeronLC M 24 Ardeidae Ardea cinerea Grey Heron LC RM 25 Ardea alba Great White Egret LC RM 26 Ciconiidae Ciconiiformes Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black Necked Stork NT M 27 Mycteria leucocephala Painted Stork NT M 28 Anastomusoscitans Asian Openbill LC M 29 Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked stork VC M 30 Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Tringaochropus Green Sandpiper LC RM 31 Tringza tetanus Common Redshank LC RM 32 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper LC RM 33 Calidris minuta Little Stint LC RM 34 Jacanidae Hydrophasianuschirurgus Pheasant-tailed Jacana LC RM 35 Metopidius indicus Bronzewinged Jacana LC RM 36 Charadriidae Vanellus indicus Red-wattled Lapwing LC R 37 RecurvirostridaeHimantopus Himantopus Black-winged Stilt LC RM 38 Gruiformes Rallidae Fulicaatra Common coot LC RM 39 Amaurornisphoenicurus White-breasted Waterhen LC R 40 Porphyrioporphyrio Purple swamphen LC RM 41 Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen LC RM 42 Coraciiformes Alcedinidae Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted KingfisherLC R 43 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher LC R 44 Suliformes Phalacrocoracidae Microcarboniger Little cormorant LC RM 45 Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant LC RM 46 Passeriformes Motacillidae Motacillaalba White Wagtail LC R 47 Motacilla cinerea Grey wagtail LC R Page - 3Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi Orders Anserifomres 15 (31.91), Pelecaniformes 10 (21.28), Ciconiifromes 4 (8.51), Charadriiformes 8 (17.02), Gruiformes 4 (8.51), Coraciiformes 2 (4.26), Suliformes 2 (4.26) and Passeriformes 2 (4.26) (Fig. 2). Apsara and Kavya (2024) observed order passeriformes (37 species) dominated the avifauna followed by Pelecaniformes (12 species), Accipitriformes, Coraciformes, Columbiformes, Gruiformes (4 species each), Cuculiformes, Piciformes, Suliformes (3 species each), Anseriformes, Charadriformes, Ciconiformes (2 species each), Bucerotiformes, Galliformes, Podicipediformes, Psittacciformes, Strigiformes (1 species each) in KukkarahalliLake.Patilet al.,(2018)reported 134 species of birds belonging to 16 ordersfromAjanti Dam area of Hinganghat (Wardha), Central India. Figure 2. Order wise species composition. Family Anatidae 15 (31.91), Threskiornithidae 8 (17.02), Ardeidae 2 (4.26), Ciconiidae 4 (8.51), Scolopacidae 4 (8.51), Jacanidae 2 (4.26), Charadriidae 1 (2.13), Recurvirostridae 1 (2.13), Rallidae 4 (8.51), Alcedinidae 2 (4.26), Phalacrocoracidae 2 (4.26), Motacillidae 2 (4.26) (Fig. 3). Vala et al., (2020) reported Scolopacidae family represents the higher number of species (13) followed by Ardeidae (08) and Anatidae (07). Family Laridae had the highest individuals (5535) recorded in the study area during the study period in Jamnagar Gujarat. Lahariya and Mahor (2024) worked on anthropogenic impact on aquatic avifaunal study in Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal and recorded families Anatidae were the most dominated with 12 species followed by Ardeidae 8 species, Scolopacidae 6 species, Rallidae and Ciconiidae each 4 species, Threskiornithidae and Alcedinidae each 3 species, Laridae, Charadriidae, Jacanidae, Gruidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Motacillidae each 2 species, Rostratulidae, Recurvirostridae, Burhinidae, Glareolidae 1 species. Figure 3. Family wise species composition. Page - 4Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi Their IUCN status was observed as per IUCN threatened species among them out of total recorded species 43 least concern, 2 species near threatened and 2 species vulnerable were recorded (Fig. 4). Gajraj and Kohli (2024) studyon avian fauna in Barkheda lake Jaipur revelled IUCN status of recorded species among them 1 species was found as near threatened while rest 20 species were found least concerned. The IUCN status “Least concern” indicates that these species are currently not considered to be at significant risk of extinction. Figure 4. IUCN status of recorded species. Local status of bird was also analysed through the seasonal study out of total 47 species, 17 species were residential migratory with 36%, 8 species were residential with 17% and 22 species were migratory with 47% (Fig. 5). Mukherji and Mukherji (2016) documented 38 resident species and 33 migratory species in Khodiyar wetland of Gujarat state. Out of eighty-six species, 56 species were residents (65%), 23 species were winter visitors (27%), 02 species were summer visitors (2%) and 05 species were passage visitors (6%) recorded during the study of avifaunal diversity from Khairbandha Lake in Gondia District, Maharashtra State, India (Puri and Virani, 2016). Figure 5. Residential status of recorded species. The seasonal abundance data provided insight into the dynamic fluctuation in birds population throughout the year. The residential birds are observed in almost all the months of study period but the migratory birds were observed mostly in the winter season. Winter season witnessed the highest (661) total count of water birds in winter season followed by summer season 227 and rainy season 195 (Table 2). Conversely, the summer season recorded comparatively lower numbers of water birds, indicative of potential migration to cooler regions or alterations in local habitat conditions(Narayanan and Latha, 2024). Interestingly some species such as egrets displayed higher counts during the summer months suggesting specific breeding or foraging during this period (Ali et al., 2024). These observations suggest a healthy ecosystem supporting both local and seasonal bird populations. Page - 5Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi Table 2. Seasonal abundance of aquatic avifauna. S. No. Common Name Rainy season Winter season Summer season 1 Gadwall 0 16 0 2 Red Crested Pochard 0 59 0 3 Cotton Pygmy Goose 0 4 0 4 Common Pochard 0 33 0 5 Tufted Duck 0 7 0 6 Northern Pintail 0 42 0 7 Indian Spot-billed Duck 6 18 0 8 knob-billed duck 6 8 0 9 Common teal 0 14 0 10 Greylag Goose 0 12 0 11 Lesser Whistling-duck 24 67 26 12 Ruddy Shelduck 2 4 0 13 Bar-headed Goose 0 8 0 14 Common Shelduck 0 6 0 15 Mallard 0 11 0 16 Red naped ibis 2 6 0 17 Eurasian spoonbill 0 12 0 18 Intermediate Egret 9 19 14 19 Little Egret 13 27 18 20 Cattle Egret 23 39 28 21 Purple Heron 1 2 2 22 Indian Pond-Heron 9 6 4 23 Black crowned night Heron 0 1 1 24 Grey Heron 7 3 2 25 Great White Egret 0 5 0 26 Black Necked Stork 0 2 0 27 Painted Stork 2 12 5 28 Asian Openbill 5 7 13 29 Woolly-necked stork 3 13 4 30 Green Sandpiper 2 8 5 31 Common Redshank 0 2 0 32 Common Sandpiper 4 6 3 33 Little Stint 0 3 0 34 Pheasant-tailed Jacana 3 5 4 35 Bronze-winged Jacana 2 11 5 36 Red-wattled Lapwing 9 13 17 37 Black-winged Stilt 21 27 12 38 Common coot 0 49 14 39 White-breasted Waterhen 6 4 3 40 Purple swamphen 3 5 9 41 Common Moorhen 4 8 6 42 White-breasted Kingfisher 3 2 1 43 Common Kingfisher 1 0 0 44 Little cormorant 18 31 24 45 Great Cormorant 0 11 0 46 White Wagtail 3 6 2 47 Grey wagtail 4 7 5 Total 195 661 227 Page - 6Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi The rainy season presented a wide-ranging distribution of bird species, with fluctuations observed in different taxa (Deomurari, et al., 2023). While some species maintained consistent numbers across seasons, others exhibited notable increases or decreases, highlighting the complex interaction between environmental factors and avian population dynamics (Shah, et al., 2023). Population of migratory birds dominated at the lake in winter, because the weather of northern hemisphere is not appropriate to these birds during winter, especially in getting food, shelter and better breeding ground (Dolatsanget al., 2020). Monitoring efforts could provide valuable insights into population trends, habitat preferences, and conservation priorities for maintaining the lake’s ecological integrity and avian diversity (Lloyd, 2023). CONCLUSION The water birds of Tekanpur Lake, in India represent a diverse and ecologically important community, contributing to the local biodiversity and ecosystem health. Through research, it’s an evident that the lake serves as a crucial habitat for various avian species highlighting the importance of its conservation and management. Further studies could research into specific aspects such as migration patterns, population dynamics and the impact of environmental factors on bird populations to enhance our understanding and inform conservation efforts. REFERENCES 1. Ali, A. A., Muzaffar, S. B. and Hamza, W. (2024): Does seasonality tidal cycle, and plumage color influence feeding behaviour and efficiency of Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis). Animals (Basel), 10(3): 373. 2. Apsara, V. and Kavya, B. R. (2024): A study on diversity and status of Avifauna in Kukkarahalli Lake: Mysuru, Karnataka, India. International Journal of Engineering Technology and Management Sciences, 1(8): 91-103. 3. Bibby CJ, Hill DA and Burgess ND. (2000). Bird Census Techniques. 2nd edition. Academic Press, London. 4. Chilke, A. M. (2012): Avian diversity in and around Bamanwada Lake of Rajura, District Chandrapur (Maharashtra). Annals of biological research, 3(4): 2014- 2018. 5. Deomurari, A., Sharma, A., Ghose, D. and Singh, R. (2023): Projected shifts in bird distribution in India under Climate Change. Diversity, 15(404):2-19. 6. Dolatsang V, Parmar H, Dal P, Parihar A. Diversity and distribution of birds in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 2020;7(4):35-43. 7. Gajraj, A. and Kohli, R. (2024): A preliminary study of avian fauna in Barkheda Lake, Jaipur, India. Journal of Bioresearch 3(2): 30-35. 8. Grimmett RC, Inskipp C and Inskipp T. 2011. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, New Delhi. 9. Javed S and Kaul R. (2002). Field methods for bird surveys. Bombay Natural History Society; Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and World Pheasant Association, South Asia Regional Office (SARO), New Delhi, India. 10. Joshi PS, 2012. An annotated checklist of aquatic avifauna of Rajura, Godada and Dhanora lakes of Buldhana district (M.S.) India. Science Research Reporter, 2(1): 30-33. 11. Kirar, J. S. and Sharma, D. K. (2023): A study of residential status of aquatic avian diversity of Harsi reservoir, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh, India. International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences,10(9): 30-39. 12. Lahariya, J. and Mahor, R. K. (2024): Anthropogenic impact on aquatic avifaunal study in Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal (M. P.). International Journal of Creative Research Thought, 12(3): 293-298. 13. Lloyd, H. (2023): Avian Ecology and Diversity, Population Monitoring and Conservation: Introduction to the Special Issue. Diversity, 15, 520.

14. Narayanan, N. and Latha, C. (2024): Evaluating the seasonal diversity, habitat preference and assemblages of water birds in agroecosystem at central Kerala. Journal of advanced zoology, 45(3): 522-566. 15. Patil, K. G., Bobade, S. L., Shende, V. A., Pawar, S. S. and Chavhan, B. (2018): Aves of Ajanti Reservoir region of Wena River, Hinganght (Wardha) Central India. Int. Res. Journal of Science and Engineering, 6(2): 55-76. 16. Puri, S. D. and Virani, R. S. (2016): Avifaunal diversity form Khairbandha Lake in Gondia District Maharashtra State, India. Bioscience Discovery, 7(2): 140-146. 17. Puri, S. D. and Virani, R. S. (2016): Avifaunal diversity Page - 7Open Access, Volume 9 , 2025

Directive Publications Ramkumar Lodhi form Khairbandha Lake in Godia district, Maharashtra State, India. Bioscience Discovery, 7(2): 140-146. 18. Rajashekara, S. and Venkatesha, M. G. (2011): Community composition of aquatic bird in Lakes of Bangalore, India. Journal of environmental Biology, 32, 77-83. 19. Shah, S. A. H., Ahmad, M. M., Sarwar, M. S., Ashraf, M., Saddique, S., Iqbal, Y., Sagheer, N., Tahir, M. U. I., Arif, S., Mushtaq, I., Manzoor, I. and Mahboob, H. A. (2023): Population dynamics of avian diversity in the district Okara, Pakistan. American Journal of Zoology, 6(1): 9-19. 20. Vala, D., Parmar, H., Dal, P., Parihar, A., Parmar, D., Parihar, V. and Khandla, Y. (2020): Diveristy and distribution of birds in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. International Journal of Fauna and Biological studies, 7(4): 35-43. 21. Vyas, V., Vishwakarma, M. and Dhar, N. (2010). Avian diversity of Bhoj Wetland: A Ramsar Site of Central India. Our Nature, 8: 34–39.

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