Avian Diversity and Habitat Use of Sultanpur National Park, Haryana, India

Abstract

The species diversity, guild and current status of the avifauna in the Sultanpur National Park, Haryana was investigated during January 2018 to June 2019. The line transects method with constant length and variable width was used in the study. The presence of 111 species of birds belonging to 90 genera, 42 families and 17 orders were observed. Non-passerine bird species dominated over the passerine bird species in relative diversity. Data of residential status revealed that 82 species were resident and rest 29 were either winter or summer migrants. Sultanpur National Park supported 41 (36.9%) omnivorous, 29 (26.1%) carnivorous, 24 (21.6%) insectivorous, 9 (8.1%) granivorous, 6 (5.4%) frugivorous and 2 (1.8%) nectarivorous birds. It was further reported that Sultanpur National Park supported 1 endangered, 1 vulnerable and 6 near threatened species of birds. Analysis of population status as per IUCN revealed that 35 species were having stable, 32 decreasing, 25 increasing, 19 had unknown population trend. It is hoped that the study will be helpful in drawing attention, of the public and state government towards conservation of the Sultanpur National Park and, protection of its avian fauna.