Major decline in species-richness of waterbirds in the Pichavaram mangrove wetlands, southern India
Info
Pages
91 – 98
Published
1 August 10
Authors
S. Sandilyan, K. Thiyagesan, R. Nagarajan
Correspondence
S. Sandilyan
ssandilyan@gmail.com
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609305, Tamilnadu, India.
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The coastal wetlands of India, especially the mangrove areas, are important for a large number of migratory waterbirds. However, despite the wealth of these habitats in India, few studies have considered the diverse communities of waterbirds they support. This study, carried out during 2004–2007, focused on the Pichavaram mangrove wetland which is the second-largest area of mangroves in India. We compare our results with those of an earlier study during 1984–1988 and show that 40% of waterbird species no longer occur in the area. We collected data on those human activities that are likely to have been detrimental to waterbird populations and make management recommendations for their restoration.