Avifaunal diversity along the riverine habitats of Papikonda National Park, Andhra Pradesh, India

This study was carried out to record the avifaunal diversity of the riverine habitats along the Godavari River in Papikonda National Park, during a short survey conducted from 2017 to 2018.  A total of 63 bird species belonging to 25 families were recorded during the survey.  The study resulted in the recording of eight globally threatened avian species including the Endangered Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, and seven Near Threatened species, viz.: Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Great Thick Knee Esacus recurvirostris, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelli, Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus, Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus, and Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster.  Species including Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, Grey-headed Fish Eagle Haliaeetus ichthyaetus, Indian Eagle-owl Bubo bengalensis, and Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis were recorded for the first time along the riverine habitats of Papikonda National Park.  Sand mining of the riverbed and discharge of effluents into the Godavari River has already negatively impacted the associated habitats and avifaunal diversity.