Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ASSESSMENT OF AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF SANTRAGACHI WETLAND, WEST-BENGAL, INDIA

Aparajita Mukherjee and Santanu Gupta

Abstract

Avian faunal diversity of Santragachi Jheel, which is a 12.75ha wetland situated beside the Santragachi Railway Station (S.E.Rly), on the west bank of River Ganga, in the vicinity of Kolkata (= Calcutta) city was studied during the period of November2009 to March 2010.. It is surrounded by dense human habitations, railway yards and small-scale industrial complexes. A total of 20 species of birds belonging to 8 families under 6 orders where representation of family Anatidae showed maximum diversity ( 9 species). Order Ciconiformes showed maximum family diversity of 3. 16 species of migratory birds were identified in the present study (Table 2) that includes both the local (6), inter continental winter migrants (9), intracontinental winter migrant (1). Intensive studies are needed to make the complete checklist of the bird species of the Santragachi wetland. Proper management of the area is essential for conservation of avifaunal diversity of this nationally important wetlands.