Anish Kumar Choudhary, Suresh Kumar and Priyanka Kumari
Abstract
The Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) and Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) are key avian species inhabiting various aquatic environments across India. They play a vital role in wetland ecosystems by controlling fish populations and indicating environmental health. This study investigates their ecological aspects in the Udaipur and Chittorgarh districts of southern Rajasthan, focusing on habitat preferences, feeding behaviors, breeding patterns, and seasonal activity variations. Field surveys were conducted throughout the year 2023, using direct observation, photography, and local interviews to collect data. Udaipur and Chittorgarh districts, characterized by diverse water bodies and significant tree species such as Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Mango (Mangifera indica), and Neem (Azadirachta indica), provide ideal habitats for these herons. Results indicate that Indian Pond Herons prefer shallow and vegetated wetlands for nesting, while Gray Herons favor taller trees and artificial structures. Population density varied, with higher densities of Indian Pond Herons in Udaipur compared to Chittorgarh, while Gray Herons showed more uniform distribution. Feeding behaviors differed, with Indian Pond Herons using a âsit-and-waitâ strategy and Gray Heronâs actively of stalking prey. Breeding patterns were observed with Indian Pond Herons nesting in dense vegetation and Gray Herons in taller trees. This study highlights the importance of diverse wetland habitats for supporting heron populations and suggests that conservation efforts should focus on preserving these habitats. Future research should explore the impact of human activities and climate change on these ecosystems to develop effective conservation strategies.