Avian species diversity in Sathurukondan wetland mangrove habitat, Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Avifauna are playing significant role in ecosystem and highly interrelated with biotic and abiotic condition of habitats. Wet land ecosystem is the best and important place for breeding and foraging site as well as shelters of avifaunal species. Wet lands with mangrove habitats are considered as excellent biodiversity hot spots. The present study carried out during the period of September 2017 to assess the avian species diversity in Sathurukondan mangrove habitat. The prime objectives of the study are to ensure the avian species diversity in Sathurukondan wet land mangrove habitat and to get familiar with residential as well as migratory birds present in particular habitat. The bird counting was done by point count method within ten randomly selected sampling points. Totally 447 individuals of 36 avian species representing 22 families were recorded during the study period. Out of 36 species 3 were migratory bird species and others were breeding resident. Gull billed tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), Common redshank (Tringa totanus) and Common sand piper (Actitis hypoleucos) were recorded as migratory birds. Little egret (Egretta garzetta) and Lesser whistling duck (Dendrocygna javanica) were the most abundance species in this region. The Shannon index (3.19) and Simpson’s diversity index (0.95) were clearly shows that, the Sathurukondan mangrove habitat site owning rich avifaunal diversity. This also ensures that, the area coming under the Important Bird Area (IBA). Proper management and protection against anthropogenic activities are necessary to enhance the existence of avian species diversity.