Hidden Shells of Balochistan: Exploring Land Snail Diversity Across the Province | InformativeBD

Shahab-ud-Din Kakar, Zafarullah, and Azmatullah, from the institute of Pakistan. wrote a Research Article about, Hidden Shells of Balochistan: Exploring Land Snail Diversity Across the Province. entitled, Diversity and distribution of land snails (Gastropoda: Mollusca) in the different sites of Balochistan Province, Pakistan. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences | IJB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

To study the diversity of land-snail fauna in the province of Balochistan, fourteen different sites were surveyed. Five land snail species were found as the Bradybaena similaris, Macrochlamys sequax, Zootecus insularis, Allopeas gracile and Zebrina detrita. Among these, the Zootecus insularis was showed a wide distribution and found in 8 of the total 14 surveyed sites. Followed by Bradybaena similaris and Macrochlamys sequax in 6 and 4 sites respectively in the province. On the other hand, Allopeas gracile and Zebrina detrita was collected from only site 1 but in different areas of the foresaid site which revealed the fact of their extinction in near future if immediate measures have not taken. The current study brought the present status and diversity of the land snail fauna into the pages of scientific record across the province as there is a dearth of reports about the diversity of land snail fauna in diverse provincial sites. Herein, this research offered first and detailed taxonomic description and distribution data of land snails’ fauna occurring in the province. Additionally, it might provide a way to carry out taxonomic studies about land snail fauna in the other provinces of the country.

Read more :  Inside the Radish:Exploring Physiological and Anatomical Traits of Selected Varieties |InformativeBD

Introduction

Gastropoda is the most important class of the phylum Mollusca with the animals having well-developed head bearing tentacles, eyes and a large muscular foot which is helpful for crawling. Snails, limpets, and slugs are familiar members of this class (Boonngam et al., 2008). Most members of the class Gastropoda bears a protective coiled shell accept the slugs, which have no shell. Land snails entails of the two main groups’ the prosobranchs and pulmonates. Prosobranchs have hardened shells and opercula which cover the apertures or openings of shells. Pulmonates, lack opercula and used lung for gaseous exchange. They live under leaves, woodland litters, logs, stones and trash, gardens, on the soil, in the cracks and even beside the hill-slopes (Srihata et al., 2010). The temperature and moisture play a significant role in their occurrence and distribution. Some land snails serve as intermediate hosts of infectious trematodes and other parasites of animals and human beings. However, most of the land snails have an important role in the ecosystems in which they live: they contribute to litter decomposition and concentration of soil calcium and are an important food source for other animals (Lange, 2003). Their generally short life span (i.e. a few months or years) and their limited powers of dispersal make them excellent bioindicators (Watters et al., 2005). To vast diversity, the land molluscan fauna did not get much consideration until the current (Graveland et al., 1994). Previously little work has been carried out in the areas adjacent to Afghanistan and northern India by some authors (Solem, 1979; Subba, 1979) but very poor work has been done on land snails of Pakistan. The author (Pokryszko et al., 2009) reported the Pupilloidae of Pakistan during the summers of 1990- 1992. Although, there seems to be no information on the land snails of Balochistan province. This paper aims to provide an inventory of the land snail fauna along with a detail taxonomic description and distribution data of these snails in the different sites of the province.

Reference

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Article source : Diversity anddistribution of land snails (Gastropoda: Mollusca) in the different sites of Balochistan Province, Pakistan 

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Winged Residents of the Mangroves: Understanding Avifauna Diversity in Misamis Oriental | InformativeBD

Joly Bee A. Olila, and Richel E. Relox, from the different institute of Philippines. wrote a Reseach Article about, Woody Allies: How Chagga Home Gardens Sustain Insect Pollinators in Northern Tanzania. Entitled, Factors affecting avifauna diversity in selected mangrove areas of Misamis Oriental, Philippines: Basis for conservation and management. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher. 

Abstract

Ecological and anthropogenic factors may influence the distribution and diversity of birds. This study assessed the avifauna and mangrove species composition, abundance, and diversity as well as the socio-economic and institutional conditions in three coastal ecosystems of Molugan, El Salvador City; Baybay, Alubijid and Tubajon, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Point count and mist-netting methods were used to survey birds, quadrat method to survey mangroves, household survey to 212 respondents and Geographic Information System (GIS) in mapping birds, mangroves and human activities. Results showed a total of nine (9) Orders, 19 Families, 22 species and 1,168 individuals were documented in three selected areas. Baybay had the highest diversity index (2.46), followed by Molugan (1.96) and Tubajon got the lowest (1.70). As for the mangroves, five (5) species were recorded namely: Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, Avicennia rumphiana and Rhizophora apiculata. However, continuing threats such as growing human population, land-use changes and weak management in the coastal ecosystems led to its unsustainability. Thus, the diversity of birds is highly dependent on the mangrove species and zonation and human activities in the coastal areas. Hence, regular monitoring of programs and policies by stakeholders to ensure sustainability and conservation of birds and mangroves species is recommended.

Read more : Woody Allies: How Chagga Home Gardens Sustain Insect Pollinators in Northern Tanzania IInformativeBD

Introduction

The Philippine archipelago which is composed of 7,100 distinct islands (Ambal et al., 2012) is recognized as one of the 17 mega diverse countries which contain two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and about 70-80% of the world’s flora and fauna species. Avifauna refers to a group of birds that are found almost everywhere on the planet which shows great diversity by their habitat and geographical conditions (Tandan et al., 2015). Birds are valuable indicators of global patterns in biodiversity conservation (Mallari et al., 2011). Avifauna provides several ecological functions such as pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and plant reproduction in thousands of economically and culturally important plant species through its consumption of several terrestrial, marine, and aerial resources (Whelan et al., 2015). The bird population is a sign of environmental changes as they respond fast to threats and changing environmental conditions (Mallari et al., 2011). However, few are aware of the importance of birds and are greatly affected by human development which leads to the loss of its species. Mangroves belong to a higher group of plants which may exist as trees, shrub, palm, herb, or fern (Primavera et al., 2004). It is a habitat of different avifauna species where they can hatch their eggs (Duke et al., 2007). Mangrove is the one that lessens the impact of tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclonic storms on human lives, properties and helps to prevents flooding and it is the one who catches the waste generated by humans (Danielsen et al., 2005). The mangrove habitat loss caused by deforestation, urbanization, salt production, conversion into paddy fields and aquaculture ponds, over-harvesting of timber and fuel wood, pollution, dumping of domestic sewage and crude oil exploration (Giri, 2011), and degradation has posed major threats to a wide array of fauna bringing them among the ranks of endangered and extinct species (Sandilyan et al., 2010). Thus, there is an urgent demand to examine the avifauna diversity inhabiting mangrove habitats to know the impact of disturbance for future conservation and management.

Reference

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Article source : Factors affecting avifauna diversity in selected mangrove areas of Misamis Oriental, Philippines:Basis for conservation and management

 

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Seasonal Variation in Mollusc Diversity in Bagoue Region, Côte d’Ivoire | InformativeBD

Kouadio Behegbin Habib Herbert, Aman Jean Baptiste, and Memel Jean Didié, from the different institute of Côte d’Ivoire. wrote a Reseach Article about, Seasonal Variation in Mollusc Diversity in Bagoue Region, Côte d’Ivoire. Entitled, Diversity of molluscs in the Bagoue region (Côte d’ivoire): Influence of seasons. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract 

Côte d’Ivoire finds itself lacking in animal proteins despite the multiple efforts made to achieve food self-sufficiency for its population. Indeed, natural resources capable of guaranteeing food security are under pressure from humans (destruction of forests and wildlife and action of bush fires). Thus, our work was carried out in the Bagoué region in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. From January 2018 to December 2019 (2 years), we inventoried 7 species of mollusks divided into 5 families according to the two well-defined dry and rainy seasons. To carry out our work, the Bagoué region was divided into six zones. We demarcated quadrats of 200 m² in three villages chosen in each zone. To do this, we searched in the ground, the litter, on the leaves and tree trunks and then on the trees. The identification of molluscs was carried out using morphological criteria. Our study recorded 5089 ± 47.97 Achatina fulica (324 ± 9.13 in dry season and 4765 ± 38.84 in rainy season), 1794 ± 17.18 Laristes varicus (144 ± 1.02 in dry season and 1650 ± 15.97 in rainy season), 991 ± 22.45 Archachatina ventricosa (40 ± 2.2 in dry season and 951 ± 20.25 in rainy season), 968 ± 9.87 Limicolaria flammea (9 ± 0.99 in dry season and 959 ± 19.86 in rainy season), 444 ± 2.39 Gabbiella africana (432 ± 41.12 in dry season and 309 ± 38.21 in rainy season), 271 ± 1.44 Limacus flavus (12 ± 10.11 in dry season and 254 ± 23.28 in rainy season) and 187 ± 1.21 Mytilis edulis (36 ± 11.20 in dry season and 151 ± 21.02 in rainy season). At the end of our study, it appears that in the natural environment, the 7 species of molluscs collected vary according to the seasons. The populations of Bagoué, through their activities (bush fires, deforestation, slash-and-burn cultivation) have a considerable impact on the biotope. These activities could be a danger to the survival of molluscs. Thus, we suggest raising awareness among populations on environmental protection, strengthening measures for the protection and conservation of animal and plant species.

Read more : Assessing Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Levels in Drinking Water of San Francisco,Agusan del Su | InformativeBD 

Introduction

The degradation of natural ecosystems is accentuated by the aridity of the climate which has become a worrying phenomenon in humid tropical zones (Thiombiano, 2005). Despite this aridity, animal and plant species survive there. Ivory Coast, particularly in the Bagoué region in the north, in the savannah district, is at the heart of this daily degradation. For Achard et al. (2002) and Anonymous (2014), the Ivorian forest has experienced rapid degradation. It increased from 16.5 million hectares in 1960 to 4 million in 2000 and then to 2.97 million hectares in 2014. According to Brooks et al. (2002) this deforestation results in the degradation and loss of natural habitats. This is the main cause of the massive disappearance of species such as molluscs in these environments. The diversity and distribution of these molluscs are determined by environmental factors, namely air humidity, temperature, litter thickness, altitude, soil type (Bruggen, 1969; 1995; Peake, 1978; Tattersfield, 1990; Welter-Schultes, 2000), the type of habitat (Cameron et al., 2007; Memel et al., 2009; Oke and Chokor, 2009; Tattersfield et al., 2001) and the availability of food resources (Memel, 2009). Little work has been devoted to the ecology and diversity of molluscs in Côte d’Ivoire. The oldest work carried out took place at Mount Nimba in the west of Côte d’Ivoire. Forcart (1953) studied the Veronicidae. Gaillard (1954) worked on the genus Curvella. Binder (1963; 1976) and Van Mol (1970) worked on Urocyclidae. Lamotte and Roy (2003) also studied these mollusks. The most recent work was carried out by (Memel, 2009) on the Achatinidae family within the Banco National Park. In the Yapo classified forest, (Amani, 2018) worked on the biodiversity and ecology of Gastropod molluscs. At the National Floristic Center of Abidjan Cocody (N’dri, 2021) carried out work on the biodiversity and ecology of terrestrial gastropod molluscs. The choice of the Bagoué region is justified by the fact that it is subject to anthropogenic pressures such as the collection of snails by populations, bush fires, field work, trampling by livestock and the long dry season. In addition, this study can contribute, for vulnerable species such as Molluscs (Lydeard et al., 2004; Régnier et al., 2015), or Invertebrates in general (Cardoso et al., 2011), to their better taken into account in conservation strategies, particularly in the context of current issues linked to the massive erosion of biodiversity (Barnosky et al., 2011; Pimm et al., 2014). Knowledge of the mollusks of this region could strengthen its conservation.

The general objective of this work is to determine the diversity of molluscs in the said region. It will be specifically:

1. To study the physicochemical conditions of the Bagoué region;

2. Make a qualitative (specific diversity) and quantitative (abundance) inventory of molluscs

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Macrobenthic Invertebrate Diversity in Leyte's Mangrove Ecosystem | InformativeBD

Myra A. Abayon, Paolo Alburo, Mariel Diaz, Fettilyn Grace Cuartela, Angelo Rosales, Samuel Amid Jr, Camille Fortaliza, Maria Isidra Maringal, and Renz Nikko Orsal. from the different institute of Philippines. wrote a Research Article about, Macrobenthic Invertebrate Diversity in Leyte's Mangrove Ecosystem. Entitled, Diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates in the mangrove ecosystem of Leyte, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

A study on benthic macroinvertebrates was conducted in the coastal areas of Barangay Old Kawayan in Tacloban City and Barangay Tangan in Carigara, Leyte, focusing on the species diversity within the sites’ mangrove ecosystems. The study employed quadrat and transect sampling methods, with two stations established at each site. Within each station, three transects were laid perpendicular to the shoreline to gather data. In Old Kawayan, 15 species and a total of 2,107 macrobenthic invertebrates were found, with the girdled horn snail (Cerithideosilla spp) being the most abundant species at 1,434 individuals. In contrast, Tangan Carigara recorded seven distinct species with a total count of 111 individuals, dominated by the telescope shell (Telescopium spp), which had 35 individuals. The study sites recorded members belonging to the Phylum Arthropoda (four different species) and Phylum Mollusca (eleven different species), with the latter showing a significantly high relative abundance of 93.73%. The community of Tangan Carigara exhibited higher species richness and evenness, making it a more diverse and balanced ecosystem, while the community of Old Kawayan showed higher species dominance. The contrasting factors between the two study sites include water salinity, the presence of a sandy substrate, and the specific mangrove species present. Understanding the population numbers of individuals in the study sites is crucial for gaining valuable insights into the conservation and management of mangrove ecosystems.

Read more : Evaluating Sivanto Energy 85 EC Against Coelaenomenodera lameensis in Côte d’Ivoire Oil Palm Plantations | InformativeBD 

Introduction

Benthic macroinvertebrates, also known as "bottom-dwelling" macroinvertebrates, are small aquatic animals that can be seen with the naked eye and are larger than 0.5 millimeters (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). These invertebrates include mostly insects as well as planarians, decapod crustaceans, mollusks, leeches, and oligochaetes (Jacobsen et al., 2008). Open intertidal areas have greater diversity, density, and species diversity than nearby mangrove forests (Rumisha et al., 2015). According to Kathiresan and Bingham (2001), mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, enriching coastal waters, producing commercial forest products, safeguarding coastlines, and supporting coastal fisheries. The mangrove ecosystem is home to an incredible variety of creatures, some of which are unique to these forests, including seagrasses, fish populations, barnacles, mollusks, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, jellyfish, tunicates, and gastropods (Wolf, 2012).

Understanding the structure and function of mangrove ecosystems requires knowledge of the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of mangrove benthic macroinvertebrate fauna, as well as their relationships to environmental conditions (Kumar and Khan, 2013). Macroinvertebrate metrics are useful tools for evaluating the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the quality of the water (Tampo et al., 2021). They are also essential for biomonitoring since macroinvertebrates live their entire lives in the ecosystem's bottom substrates, which include rocks, snags, sediment, and aquatic plants (Sengupta and Dalwani, 2008). Macroinvertebrates contribute to the structure and stability of ecosystem cycles such as productivity, natural organizations, nutrient and biogeochemical cycling, and stability (Bento et al., 2023). Factors other than geographic location are more significant in describing the distribution of macroinvertebrates within minimally disturbed watersheds. Significant variables include drainage area, water temperature, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, ammonia, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus for each macroinvertebrate stream class (Bellucci and Becker, 2011).

Barangay 102 Old Kawayan in Tacloban City and Barangay Tangnan in Carigara are coastal areas in Leyte, rich in mangrove ecosystems. These intertidal regions are valuable natural resources, offering numerous benefits to the environment, the community, and the economy through sustainable livelihood and ecological research. The unique ecosystems and abundant biodiversity of these barangays attract researchers interested in marine and coastal ecosystems. The high biodiversity in these areas supports various plant and animal species, contributing to environmental health, resilience, and the sustainability of local fisheries and tourism. This study focuses on the macroinvertebrates of Barangay Old Kawayan and Barangay Tangnan. To address potential degradation from human activities or climate change, these barangays can actively engage in the conservation and restoration of mangroves, thereby enhancing the resilience of these vital habitats.

This study aims to identify and analyze the diversity of macrobenthic invertebrate species in the mangrove ecosystems of Barangay Old Kawayan in Tacloban City and Barangay Tangnan in Carigara, Leyte. By conducting a comparative analysis of the study sites, we will identify the factors influencing the presence of different species. The primary focus will be on examining various ecological strategies, local habitat structures, scientific classifications, orders, and conservation efforts within the mangrove ecosystems at both locations. This research will serve as a preliminary assessment of macroinvertebrate species diversity in these local sites, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving these valuable biological systems. Benthic macroinvertebrates, also known as "bottom-dwelling" macroinvertebrates, are small aquatic animals that can be seen with the naked eye and are larger than 0.5 millimeters (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2022). These invertebrates include mostly insects as well as planarians, decapod crustaceans, mollusks, leeches, and oligochaetes (Jacobsen et al., 2008). Open intertidal areas have greater diversity, density, and species diversity than nearby mangrove forests (Rumisha et al., 2015). According to Kathiresan and Bingham (2001), mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, enriching coastal waters, producing commercial forest products, safeguarding coastlines, and supporting coastal fisheries. The mangrove ecosystem is home to an incredible variety of creatures, some of which are unique to these forests, including seagrasses, fish populations, barnacles, mollusks, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, jellyfish, tunicates, and gastropods (Wolf, 2012). Understanding the structure and function of mangrove ecosystems requires knowledge of the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of mangrove benthic macroinvertebrate fauna, as well as their relationships to environmental conditions (Kumar and Khan, 2013). Macroinvertebrate metrics are useful tools for evaluating the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the quality of the water (Tampo et al., 2021). They are also essential for biomonitoring since macroinvertebrates live their entire lives in the ecosystem's bottom substrates, which include rocks, snags, sediment, and aquatic plants (Sengupta and Dalwani, 2008). Macroinvertebrates contribute to the structure and stability of ecosystem cycles such as productivity, natural organizations, nutrient and biogeochemical cycling, and stability (Bento et al., 2023). Factors other than geographic location are more significant in describing the distribution of macroinvertebrates within minimally disturbed watersheds. Significant variables include drainage area, water temperature, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, ammonia, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus for each macroinvertebrate stream class (Bellucci and Becker, 2011). Barangay 102 Old Kawayan in Tacloban City and Barangay Tangnan in Carigara are coastal areas in Leyte, rich in mangrove ecosystems. These intertidal regions are valuable natural resources, offering numerous benefits to the environment, the community, and the economy through sustainable livelihood and ecological research. The unique ecosystems and abundant biodiversity of these barangays attract researchers interested in marine and coastal ecosystems. The high biodiversity in these areas supports various plant and animal species, contributing to environmental health, resilience, and the sustainability of local fisheries and tourism. This study focuses on the macroinvertebrates of Barangay Old Kawayan and Barangay Tangnan. To address potential degradation from human activities or climate change, these barangays can actively engage in the conservation and restoration of mangroves, thereby enhancing the resilience of these vital habitats. This study aims to identify and analyze the diversity of macrobenthic invertebrate species in the mangrove ecosystems of Barangay Old Kawayan in Tacloban City and Barangay Tangnan in Carigara, Leyte. By conducting a comparative analysis of the study sites, we will identify the factors influencing the presence of different species. The primary focus will be on examining various ecological strategies, local habitat structures, scientific classifications, orders, and conservation efforts within the mangrove ecosystems at both locations. This research will serve as a preliminary assessment of macroinvertebrate species diversity in these local sites, highlighting the importance of understanding and preserving these valuable biological systems.

Reference

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Bellucci C, Becker M. 2011. Characteristics of macroinvertebrate and fish communities from 30 least disturbed small streams in Connecticut. Northeastern Naturalist 18(4), 411-444.

Bento M, Paula J, Bandeira S, Correia AM. 2023. Catching the drift of marine invertebrate diversity through digital repositories—A case study of the mangroves and seagrasses of Maputo Bay, Mozambique. Diversity 15(2), 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020242

Dewiyanti IK, Sofyatuddin. 2012. Diversity of gastropods and bivalves in mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation areas in Aceh Besar and Banda Aceh districts, Indonesia.

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Kaharudin LA, Wahidin LO. 2020. The diversity of molluscs in mangrove ecosystem of Kendari Bay. Journal of Biological Science and Education 2(2), 54-63.

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Krisanti M, Maknuun LLI, Anzani YM, Yuwono AS, Widyastuti R, Wardiatno Y, Wulandari D. 2020. A comparative study on the macroinvertebrates community in three rivers of Jawa Island, Indonesia. AACL Bioflux 13(2), 570-581.

Kumar PS, Khan AB. 2013. The distribution and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate fauna in Pondicherry mangroves, India. Aquat Biosyst 9, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-9063-9-15

Rumisha C, Shukuru H, Lyimo J, Maganira J, Nehemia A. 2015. Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in mangroves and open intertidal areas on the Dar es Salaam coast, Tanzania. African Journal of Aquatic Science 40, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2015.1051504

Sengupta M, Dalwani R. 2008. Benthic invertebrates- A crucial tool in biomonitoring of lakes. Proceedings of Taal 2007: The 12th World Lake Conference, 95-98.

Tampo L, Kaboré I, Alhassan EH, Ouéda A, Bawa LM, Djaneye-Boundjou G. 2021. Benthic macroinvertebrates as ecological indicators: Their sensitivity to the water quality and human disturbances in a tropical river. Front Water 3, 662765. https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2021.662765

United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2022. Indicators: Benthic macroinvertebrates. https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/indicators-benthic-macroinvertebrates#:~:text=Benthic%20(meaning%20%E2%80%9Cbottom%2Ddwellin,g,snails%2C%20worms%2C%20and%20beetles.

Wolf BM. 2012. Ecosystem in mangroves. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1-25.

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Zvonareva S, Kantor Y, Li X, Britayev T. 2015. Long-term monitoring of Gastropoda (Mollusca) fauna in planted mangroves in central Vietnam. Zoological Studies 54(39). 

Source : Diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates in the mangrove ecosystem of Leyte, Philippines

 

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Population Density of Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters in Hanumanahalli Village, Karnataka | InformativeBD

Krishna Kumar, from the institute of India.  And Dr. A. Shwetha, from the institute of India.  wrote a Research Article about, Population Density of Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters in Hanumanahalli Village, Karnataka. Entitled, Population density of Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli Village, Gangavathi Taluk, Karnataka, India. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study investigates the population density of Blue-tailed bee-eater birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli village, Gangavathi Taluk. We chose this location due to its diverse ecosystems, making it suitable for both resident and migratory bird activities like breeding and nesting. The Blue-tailed bee-eater, a summer migratory bird, regularly visits the area to construct sand nests along riverbanks, benefiting from the presence of suitable loamy soil. Data collection occurred from January 2020 to December 2022, with weekly surveys conducted. The primary objective was to determine the Percentage of population density of Blue-tailed bee-eater birds in the different zones. The survey revealed distinct population pattern across the zones, with riverine areas, croplands, and urban areas having highest, optimum, and lowest percentages, respectively. The variations in population distribution are attributed to factors such as food availability (insects, especially bee-eaters), suitable loamy soil for nesting, and the need for protection from human-related disturbances in their habitats.

Read more : Nesting Behavior and Parental Care of Asian Paradise Flycatcher in West Bengal | InformativeBD

Introduction

Our planet teems with a diverse array of organisms, ranging from tiny microorganisms like viruses and bacteria to magnificent macroorganisms such as plants and animals, forming the tapestry of biodiversity (Dhindsa and Saini, 1994; Hosetti, 2008).

Among these, avifaunal diversity, which encompasses the variety of bird populations, plays a vital role in maintaining ecological equilibrium by enriching flora and fauna. Bird populations and ecosystem pollution share an intriguing relationship, as estimating bird densities offers insights into the abundance of other species within the ecosystem (Wilson and Comet, 1996; Blake, 2007; Hosetti, 2001).

Among the fascinating avian species, Merops philippinus, widely known as the Blue-tailed beeeater, stands out. These captivating birds belong to the Meropidae family and are renowned for their vivid plumage and unique feeding habits. Found across various regions in Asia, the Blue-tailed beeeater is a migratory wonder, embarking on seasonal journeys in response to changing environmental conditions (Inskipp et al., 1995).

Their diet primarily consists of insects, particularly bees, wasps, and other flying insects. Breeding seasons for these bee-eaters vary across their range, and they exhibit a remarkable nesting behavior. Creating their nests through burrowing into sandy or loamy soil banks, typically in proximity to water sources, these birds exhibit a preference for colonial nesting behavior, assembling into vibrant and interactive breeding colonies. 

As they embark on their migratory journeys, these enchanting avian migrants often grace the study area, completing their breeding cycle within this locale.

This inquiry unveils noteworthy insights into the population density trends of Blue-tailed Bee-eater birds across various zones within Hanumanahalli Village, located in Gangavathi Taluk, within the state of Karnataka

Reference

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Source : Population density of Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) birds in different zones of Hanumanahalli Village, Gangavathi Taluk, Karnataka, India

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