Exploring the Avian Diversity and Conservation Status in the Vicinity of SAM Global University

Abstract

Birds, as a diverse group of vertebrates, exhibit remarkable adaptations to various habitats, with wetlands particularly fostering substantial biodiversity. The SAM Global University of Madhya Pradesh in central India is a crucial hub for biodiversity conservation, boasting diverse avifauna. This study aims to comprehensively document the avian diversity within the university campus, highlighting the significant biodiversity in the surrounding areas. Regular monitoring becomes imperative given the escalating population pressure and consequent land use changes in the immediate vicinity, impacting adjacent forest ecosystems. This study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2024 and involved monthly bird observations to catalogue species inhabiting the nearest forest areas and water bodies. Over 50 bird species spanning over 10 families were recorded, with one dominant family comprising 10 species. Among these, 20 species were migratory, while 15 were resident. The area serves as a year-round habitat for various bird species, including migratory, local migratory, and resident birds. However, the burgeoning human population threatens this freshwater ecosystem and its associated avian life, necessitating intensified conservation efforts.