Anthropogenic Impact on Species Diversity and Distribution of Birds from Coastal Region of Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India

Abstract

Present study was conducted to assess the impact of over-exploitation of natural resources and deforestation on diversity and distribution of avian species from Panvel, Navi Mumbai. Birds were surveyed during dawn and dusk hours by using point count method in different localities for one year (from June 2019 to May 2020). Varied diversity of birds with 102 species representing 16 orders, 48 families and 84 genera were observed. Number of species of birds distributed in each family reveals that 45 species belongs to family Passeriformes, 12 species to Charadriiformes, 10 species to Pelecaniformes, 8 species to Accipitriformes, 7 species to Coraciiformes, 3 species each to Columbiformes, Piciformes and Strigiformes; 2 species each to Anseriformes, Bucerotiformes and Gruiformes and 1 species each to Cuculiformes, Galliformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Psittaciformes and Suliformes. At present, ecological conditions in area adjoining Panvel, Navi Mumbai supports moderate avian density but over-exploitation of natural resources and deforestation in Panvel region due to ongoing construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are the key factors affecting the diversity and distribution of avian species. As the bird community react rapidly to anthropogenic impact, restoration of large forest patches and well planned plantation of conservation plants is recommended. Since no earlier reports are available, data presented here can be taken as a baseline data in knowing the status of birds of Panvel, Navi Mumbai and effect of industrial development on it.