From human settlement region to bird dominated grassland: Avian
diversity in the Padampur grassland of Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Abstract
A Mosaics provide productive ecosystems that include foraging
opportunities, breeding grounds, and protection for birds, particularly
within mosaics of grassland, wetland, and savanna habitats. This study
explored the status of species diversity, richness, and seasonal
population rate of avian species within the mosaics of the Padampur
grassland of Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal. Point count surveys
were performed in 10 randomly selected plots by walking transects or
riding on elephant back during the rainy season. A total of 118 bird
species and 4905 individual birds belonging to 43 families was recorded.
Surveys and regression analysis revealed species preferred diverse
ecotone habitats interspersed with mosaics of tallgrass prairie, shrubby
grassland, savanna and marshy grassland. Regression models also revealed
occupancy rates were relatively consistent across seasons, however,
months within the rainy and the summer season were lower than autumn and
winter. Rarefaction curves showed sampling efforts of approximately 10
months to produce accurate estimates of species richness. Although the
diversity indices resulted in insignificant differences between the
plots, the CNP appears to provide preferred grassland habitat to bird
species all year round. This study suggests conservation efforts to
consider these survey methods and estimates when implementing
initiatives. This paper recommends concerned authorities to prioritize
and give continuity to bird conservation, including grassland management
alongside the wetlands within the CNP.