UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The present study conducted for 36 months from January 2022 to December 2024, and created a first comprehensive avian survey of Koothiyarkundu water tank, documenting 110 bird species spanning 14 orders and 46 families. The assessment identified six Near threatened and one Vulnerable species according to IUCN. Residential analysis revealed 81 resident birds, alongside 23 winter visitors, one local migrant, and five non-breeding residents, including notable long-distance migrants such as bar-tailed and black-tailed godwits. Feeding guild analysis revealed 40 insectivores, 33 carnivores, 18 omnivores, 10 granivores, 6 frugivores, and 3 nectarivores, illustrating diverse ecological niches supported by the wetland. Bird species richness and abundance increased over time, with observed species rising from 85 to 110 and individual counts exceeding 1,200. Alpha and beta diversity indices were analysed using PAST software, which revealed that avian diversity improved progressively over the study period. Alpha diversity indicated improved diversity, evenness, and enhanced community balance, with the Shannon index (3.9), showing great diversity across years. Beta diversity values (βW=0.35; βT=27.2), highlighted spatial turnover and compositional heterogeneity within the assemblage. Urban encroachment posed significant threats, where ongoing habitat loss directly endangers migratory species, underscoring the need for immediate conservation attention. This comprehensive dataset establishes a crucial baseline for monitoring and managing avian diversity in this wetland ecosystem.