LANDUSE PATTERNS, AIR QUALITY AND BIRD DIVERSITY IN URBAN LANDSCAPES OF DELHI

Abstract

In the present paper we attempted to explain the relationships among the landuse pattern, levels of air pollutants and bird diversity based on data from 5 sampling sites in Delhi. Five landuse categories — percent built up area, tree cover, park area and barren area were recognized in the study area. The objective of this study is to find out the effects of landuse changes on air pollution and bird diversity and whether birds can serve as indicator of landuse changes and air pollutants. The levels of six air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NOX, SO2, Ozone and Benzene) from the monitoring stations were used. The bird diversity was assessed using conventional measures. All the sites showed remarkable differences with respect to each of the five landuse categories, air pollution levels, and bird diversity. The results suggest that landuse changes influence air pollution and bird diversity and some bird species can be used as indicator of landuse change and air pollution.