Avian Diversity in and around Wetland of National Importance ‘Pariyej Community Reservoir’, Gujarat, India

The Pariyej Community Reservoir (PCR) is a freshwater reservoir in the Kheda district of Gujarat State, India. The PCR is also listed in Asian Directory of Wetlands. It is an important water storage reservoir; falls in the 4-B Gujarat Rajwara region of Central Gujarat, India. The present study was carried out for the period of one year (March, 2021 to February, 2022) to assess the status of avian diversity in terms of its species richness, abundance, and density. 116 bird species from 20 orders, 51 families, and 100 genera were documented. 75 species (64.4%) were resident, whereas 41 (35.3%) were migratory or seasonal. With respect to abundance, 41species (35.34%) were abundant, 39 species (33.6%) common, and 36 rare species (31.0%). The maximum total abundance (1707 individuals) was found at Site 1 in winter season with mean abundance of 427 individuals, total density (114 individuals/sq.km)and mean density (29 individuals/sq.km). The minimum total abundance (288 individuals) was recorded at Site2 in monsoon season with mean abundance of 72 individuals, total density (19individuals/sq.km) and mean density (5 individuals/sq.km).The present investigation reflects the good species richness of avian specieswith respect to order: family: genera: species ratioi.e., 1: 2.55: 5.0: 5.8. This indicates the flourishing harboring capability of PCR during peak winter period, which could be due to sustenance of rich biotic elements. The PCR has been declared as Sanctum sanctorumfor the refuge of migratory as well as local migrant birds, which is proved to be a wetland of national importance.