Status of Terrestrial and Wetland Birds in Kawardha, Kabirdham District in Chhattisgarh, India

Birds as best indicators of wetland function or as measures of success in wetland management, restoration and creation. This study was conducted during Jan to March 2014; totally 09 selected wetlands were surveyed in Kawardha, Kabirdham District of Chhattisgarh. Species diversity and dominance of birds were calculated. Totally 64 birds belonging to 36 families were recorded, out of these 64 species 35 water birds and 29 terrestrial bird species. Maximum diversity of birds was recorded in Sutiyapath dam. Bird abundance and vegetation cover were recorded. The highest numbers of birds were recorded in Chhirbandha lake (21) followed by Sutiyapath dam (19), Sarodha dam (15) and Lalpur Nursery (13). Three near threatened species, namely Threatened Egyptian vulture, Indian Black Ibis and Oriental White Ibis were recorded. In most of the wetlands Ipomea carnea (15.28 %) was the dominant species. This pond has abundant maximum occasionally birds and maximum number of birds. Sutiyapath dam has good population of birds and this site could be protected for the birds.