Study on Seasonal Variations of Wetland Birds in Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, India

Birds are a key to natural resources that support ecology and ecological services with their vibrant colors and stunning beauty are also a well-known biological indicator of an ecosystem’s health.The study was conducted during January 2020 to December 2020 in Karaivetti bird sanctuary. The species diversity, richness, relative diversity, evenness, density and relative abundance were calculated. Totally 36 species of wetland birds belonging to 13 families and 4 orders were recorded. The maximum diversity was recorded in Pre-Monsoon (7.69 ± 1.21), Monsoon (7.69 ± 1.06), and Winter (7.69 ± 0.97), and the least diversity was recorded in Summer (2.78 ± 0.98). The density was recorded high in Winter followed by Monsoon, Summer season and the least in the Pre-Monsoon season. This sanctuary complex supports Six IUCN Red listed Near Threatened species Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Spot billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), White Necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus),White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and Black-Tailed Godwit(Limosa limosa) also One IUCN Red list Vulnerable Species River Tern (Sterna aurantia) and 29 birds are Least Concern.