Mangrove ecosystems are excellent habitats for migrating and resident birds. The proposed Sarasalai mangrove reserve is located in one of the richest waterbird zones in Sri Lanka. This site has never been properly studied as a single site for its avifaunal diversity. Hence, the present study aims to find avifaunal diversity in the Sarasalai mangrove. Data collection was performed from April to December 2021. Eight permanent sampling stations were demarcated along the existing roads and were visited twice a month to collect bird abundance data. A total of 107 bird species belonging to 45 families including 58 waterbird species were recorded in the present study. Bird abundance did not significantly differ among the eight studied sites. Studied sites with the availability of water and good tree cover had the highest Shannon Diversity Index. The mangrove vegetation, with tall grasses, and the high water level were significant factors for bird abundance in some sites. Monthly bird abundance showed a notable increase during the migratory months. Among the recorded bird species, Greater Flamingos showed the highest abundance. Moreover, some rare waterbirds including Indian Spot-billed Duck and Glossy Ibis were commonly recorded. Several putative threats have been recorded during this study, namely unplanned land encroachments, bird hunting, and clearing of mangroves. Although this site has a high value in providing a healthy habitat for many wetland birds, it is yet to be declared a protected area. The lack of a clear boundary and a governing body to protect this area exacerbates its protection issues. Hence, it is proposed that immediate legal actions must be taken to declare this important migratory bird area a mangrove forest reserve.
The critically endangered Indian Courser ( Cursorius coromandelicus) is a rare resident bird species in Sri Lanka. This bird species is restricted to the northern avifaunal region of Sri Lanka, and even there it has been recorded from only a few locations. Thus, it is identified as one of the rarest birds in Sri Lanka. A 1-year study was conducted to investigate Indian Courser population and their distribution within the Delft Island from 5th of January to 20th of December 2020. Ten (10) randomly selected points were investigated in this study. Of the 10 sampling points, the Indian Courser was observed within three (03) sampling points year around while several sightings were recorded in points 8, and 9 during 3 months of the year. Their abundance significantly varied among sampling locations (one-way ANOVA, F = 15.04, p < .05). The maximum number of individuals recorded was 18 ± 4.64 in December and the minimum number was 4 ± 4.64 during the non-migrant season. Although most of the area in the island is covered with dry grasslands, their distribution in Delft is largely confined to a few grassland patches where human activities are minimum. Hunting, egg collection, and trampling of their nest by the Delft ponies (feral horses) can be identified as the main threats of this species. It is of utmost importance to immediately implement holistic conservation measures to save this critically endangered bird as Delft is the only known location where a viable resident population of Indian Courser is found.
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