v14i2.386

eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.386

Submitted date: 28 July 2024
Accepted date: 22 July 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 310–312.

Comparative assessment of avian diversity in cemented and non-cemented ponds

H.A. Khandelwal, V.S. Soni, N.P. Maheta* & D.M. Bhatt
*Corresponding author. E-mail: niketa.maheta@yahoo.com

Water bodies are vital for sustaining life. India has about 2.42 million water bodies, with 97.1% in rural and 2.9% in urban areas; ponds make up 59.5% of these. Gujarat has 54,069 water bodies, of which only 8.71% are ponds. In Gujarat, 98.3% lie in rural areas, where ponds account for 7.9%, while in urban areas, ponds make up 56.3%. Gujarat State of India harbours 615 species of birds. Avifaunal diversity and abundance vary seasonally based on food availability, habitat characteristics, and breeding site preferences. Urbanization and population growth lead to habitat fragmentation, altered vegetation, and reduced natural resources, affecting bird diversity, abundance, and distribution. Urban expansion causes biodiversity loss, native species decline, and increased extinction rates. Bird responses vary based on dietary guilds, nesting, and roosting habits, and even minor habitat changes can impact their behaviour. Previous studies confirmed that urbanization impacts avian species abundance, richness, diversity, and distribution.

Section Editor: Wolfgang Fiedler