Seasonal Population Trends of Aquatic Avifauna in Tekanpur Lake, Gwalior(M.P.)

1 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.

1.1 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 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.

2 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.

3 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

4 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.