Eco-Morphological Exploration of Avian Communities and Floral Diversity: Bird-Tree Interactions at Waghai (Dang) Forest, South Gujarat, India
Description
The tropical deciduous forests of the Dang district in South Gujarat represent one of the most biodiverse regions in Western India. This study was conducted to document the avifaunal diversity and analyze how tree species composition, phenology, and structural complexity influence bird community dynamics. The primary objective was to quantify species richness and abundance while mapping the ecological niches occupied by different bird guilds in relation to specific tree species. Data were collected using point counts and opportunistic observations. For every bird sighting, the following parameters were recorded: species identity (Order, Family, Common Name), number of individuals, activity (e.g., feeding, calling, perching), and detailed substrate information (tree species name, GBH, tree height, and phenology). Canopy positioning was further categorized into vertical (Lower, Middle, Upper) and horizontal (Inner, Outer) strata to understand microhabitat preferences. A total of 1,003 individuals were recorded, representing 68 bird species belonging to 39 families and 16 orders. The study revealed a highly diverse community with a Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') of 3.60, indicating a well-distributed and ecologically stable population. The Order Passeriformes was the most dominant, with the family Leiothrichidae (e.g., Jungle Babblers) showing the highest abundance. Other significant families included Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) and Estrildidae (Munias). The analysis of feeding guilds showed a predominance of Insectivorous and Granivorous birds. A critical finding was the strong association between bird presence and specific tree species. Acacia nilotica, Tectona grandis, and Ficus species emerged as vital substrates for perching and feeding activities. Phenological data indicated that trees in the Fruiting and Flowering stages attracted significantly higher bird counts, particularly nectarivorous species like the Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) and frugivores. Birds utilized different canopy layers based on their feeding habits. Insectivores were predominantly found in the middle and upper canopies, while granivores were often associated with the lower canopy or ground level. The "Inner" canopy was frequently used for perching and nesting, providing protection, whereas the "Outer" canopy was the primary site for active feeding and calling. The high species richness and diversity index underscore the conservation importance of the Waghai forest region. The significant correlation between tree phenology and bird activity suggests that maintaining a diverse tree species composition is essential for sustaining the avifaunal community. These findings provide a baseline for future conservation efforts and habitat management in the Dang district, highlighting the need to protect old-growth trees and diverse floral species to maintain ecological balance.
Files
Institutions
- The Charutar Vidya Mandal (CVM) UniversityGujarat, Vallabh Vidyanagar