Avian Diversity in and Around Nazare Dam, Jejuri, Pune District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the avian diversity of Nazare Dam and its surrounding habitats located near Jejuri in Pune District, Maharashtra, India. The dam, a freshwater reservoir encompassed by agricultural fields, open grasslands, and scrub vegetation, provides heterogeneous ecological conditions that support a wide range of avifaunal communities. Field investigations were carried out from June 2024 to July 2025 using standard line transect and point count methods during early morning and evening hours to record both resident and migratory bird species.
A total of 69 bird species belonging to 39 families and 16 orders were recorded during the study period. The most dominant avian orders included Passeriformes, Pelecaniformes, and Accipitriformes, with representative families such as Ardeidae, Accipitridae, Sturnidae, and Muscicapidae. Aquatic and semi-aquatic species, including the Indian Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), and Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), were frequently observed in the reservoir zone, while terrestrial species such as the Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus), Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), and Large Grey Babbler (Argya malcolmi) dominated the adjacent vegetated areas.
Migratory species such as the Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), and Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) were predominantly recorded during the winter months, with maximum species richness observed from June 2024 to July 2025. The occurrence of Near Threatened species including the Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis highlights the ecological significance and conservation value of this wetland ecosystem. Anthropogenic activities such as agricultural runoff, pollution, unregulated fishing, and habitat encroachment pose potential threats to the avian diversity of the site. The findings underscore the importance of Nazare Dam as a vital refuge for both resident and migratory avifauna and emphasize the need for regular monitoring, public awareness, and sustainable management strategies to ensure long-term conservation of its biodiversity.