Diversity of Avifauna in the Campus of Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Educational institutions are important green spaces which reside diverse species of organisms. In this study, a checklist of bird species was compiled using data collected over seven years (2014-2020) from the campus of Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, Gujarat. The study area comprises various habitats including agriculture lands, horticultural orchards, agroforestry plantations, monoculture plantations, biodiversity park, arboretum, grasslands, barren lands and water bodies. A total of 169 bird species belonging to 19 orders, 63 families, and 126 genera were documented throughout the study period. Among the recorded species two (Asian woolly necked stork Ciconia episcopus and Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria) are near threatened and three (Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga, Sarus Crane Antigone Antigone and River Tern Sterna aurantia) are vulnerable. Family Muscicapidae was most diverse within study area comprising 12 species. Species feeding on invertebrates were predominant. The substantial species diversity and presence of nesting activity emphasize the importance of university campuses as significant habitat for avian conservation. Present study provides crucial baseline data for further scientific studies on Avifauna of NAU campus.