Abstract This pilot study compared the richness and abundance of wintering waterbird species between two deep-water habitats, Kadamdeuli Dam and Gangdua Dam, in Bankura district, West Bengal, over three mid-wintering seasons (2021-2024). 59 waterbird species from 17 families were observed using the total count method. Kadamdeuli Dam had better water quality (73.8% water quality index) and higher dissolved oxygen, while Gangdua Dam (43.5% water quality index) faced agricultural runoff and sewage deposition. Despite poorer water quality, Gangdua’s larger area and depth supported more waterbirds, especially divers, while Kadamdeuli’s shallower waters attracted more dabblers. Gangdua’s longer shoreline supported more waders, though some waders preferred Kadamdeuli due to lower human activity. However, periodic water level fluctuations at Kadamdeuli influenced bird diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis confirmed these patterns. The study emphasises the importance of managing resource availability, habitat heterogeneity, and reducing anthropogenic interference for effective waterbird habitat conservation.
Over the years, long-term operating bird ringing schemes based on standardized methods proved to be very useful in providing insights into avian biology. On the Polish Baltic Coast, the Waterbird Research Group KULING is one such program, with a 40-year-long history of ringing birds for the purpose of studying their movements, site fidelity, morphometric changes, and monitoring their population trends. Our efforts focused mostly on non-passerine birds associated with aquatic habitats. Since 1983, WRG KULING ringed 153 746 individuals from 189 species, with 66% of those being waders of 35 species, 19% gulls and terns of 22 species, and 6% of other waterbirds such as ducks and rails representing 49 species. Among passerines, only wagtails and pipits were extensively studied, with 9,941 individuals from 10 species ringed in that time. A total of 6,195 ring recoveries from outside of Poland present an insight into migration patterns, as well as wintering and breeding ecology of captured species. An even larger number of 14617 ring recoveries from within Poland largely comes from a citizen science program ‘LOOP’ developed by WRG KULING in 2013. This program allowed for studying different aspects of avian ecology on a more local scale. WRG KULING is an example of a student’s initiative, which developed into a large project connecting academics, naturalists, conservation managers, and bird enthusiasts in a common goal of studying and protecting birds in this region of Europe.
Abstract Waterbirds play a vital role in balancing aquatic ecosystems. Regular studies of their conservation status are crucial. Three major wetlands: Karnali River, Geruwa River, and Badhaiya Lake were surveyed from 2011 – 2016 and 2021 to assess the species and sites’ long-term status. We counted all water birds in these areas using the point count method in Badhaiya Lake and the Line transect method for river tran-sects of Karnali and Geruwa. Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Margalef richness index, and Pilou evenness index were calculated for each year and site to understand diversity and richness patterns over time and space. A total of 86 species were observed with an average number of species of 1027.02 per year. The relative abundance of the species showed fluctuations over the study period. The most abundant species was the Ruddy Shelduck (744.91 individuals/year), followed by the Lesser Whistling Duck (494.25). While the Ruddy Shelduck population increased, the Black Stork and Asian Wolly Neck species declined. Among the sites, Badhaiya Lake exhibited the highest Margalef richness index, Pilou evenness index, and Shannon-Weiner diversity index compared to Karnali and Geruwa Rivers. Due to its species richness and waterbird abundance, continuous monitoring and conservation efforts should be prioritized for the site.
Abstract This study investigates the wintering range and migratory patterns of the Song Thrush in North Africa, focusing on the Maghreb region. Despite the fact that this is the southernmost limit of its wintering range, comprehensive analyses of its geographic origin and spatial distribution are lacking. The research utilizes 840 records, representing the first comprehensive analysis of ringed bird recoveries in North Africa. Findings reveal that the Song Thrush is a common visitor to the Mediterranean belt of North Africa, with distinct migratory routes for different populations. Notably, Italy contributes significantly to the total number of recoveries. The study highlights North Africa as a wintering area for both long-distance migrants and partially migratory populations from Western and Central Europe. An intriguing observation is the disproportionate concentration of recoveries in Algeria (89.6%), particularly in the Kabylie region, suggesting potential biases due to hunting and trapping activity. Temporal analyses indicate a decline in captured birds from the 1960s to the 2000s, possibly reflecting changes in hunting pressures across North Africa. The seasonal distribution of recaptures shows a peak in January, emphasizing the thrushes’ southward movements within their wintering range. The study challenges previous assumptions of early spring migration, suggesting onset in the second 10-day period of February. Contrary to previous claims, our data do not support prenuptial movements from Kabylie to Tunisia. Instead, sedentary behaviour in wintering areas until March is suggested by both geographical coordinates and recovery data. Satellite transmitter data confirm departure dates in March for thrushes marked in December in Italy. In summary, this study provides a concise overview of Song Thrush wintering dynamics in North Africa, offering insights into diverse migratory patterns and regional biases and challenging previously held assumptions about prenuptial movements and migration onset.
