Anthropogenic Impact on Habitat of Lesser Whistling Duck in Bankura Unnayani Institute of Engineering College, Bankura, W.B.

Abstract

Wetlands are considered as a very important part of the ecosystem. They also play vital role in the hydrological cycle. But they are considered most threatened among all the environmental resources (Tiner et al., 1998). About 5% to 8% of global land area is covered by wetlands. They are considered as ideal habitat for various migratory and resident habitat for various migratory and resident birds such as lesser whistling duck, cotton teals, herons and egret inhabited areas (Grimmett and Inskipp, 2007). Habitat selection of migratory birds are mainly based on availability of plenty of food materials like small fishes, insects, crustaceans , worms and plankton. In addition , absence of human interference and predators and presence of grassy vegetation and aquatic plants also helps to sustain the population of migratory birds. Wetlands are not only used for paddy cultivation but they also used for storing the water resources and balance the ecosystem (Johnsgard and Paul, 1965). For successful species and habitat conservation of bird species, the population dynamics and spatial and temporal patterns off bird species should be known (Vassem and Draulans, 1986). Although the selection of habitat by a bird species is mostly genetically controlled but learning and experience also play a great role (Krebs and Kacelnik, 1991). Feeding and breading in water fowl and ducks are largely controlled by the water depth and vegetation of the habitats (Fasola and Bogliani, 1989). Water bird diversity largely influenced by the vegetation of aquatic body (Thomas et al., 2001). In the present study we have tried to find out the seasonal variation of lesser whistling duck in relation to other avifaunal diversity in the wetland region of Bankura Unnayani Institute of Engineering College , Bankura W.B.We have also tried to assess the anthropogenic impact on habitat as well as trends to the lesser whistling duck in the study area.