A Preliminary Survey of Birds in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

A preliminary survey of bird species and habitat in the Karmajhiri Range, Pench Tiger Reserve was conducted during March 2014 - May 2014. The aim of this study was assessment of avian population by addressing some ecological status such as faunal type, phenological traits, trophic status, occurence and protection status of birds species. 221 species of birds were recorded from study area. Out of 26 order in India 16 order of birds were presented in and around Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) which comprises 61 families. PTR provides habitat for three critically endangered species, namely White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis Gmelin, 1788), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus Scopoli, 1786) and Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus Scopoli, 1786). Regarding species protected by Berne convention 34 species are listed in Appendix 2 (strickly protected fauna) and only one are represented in Appendix 3 (Protected fauna) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758). Based on the AEWA (African-Europian Migratory Waterbird Agreement) bird list, 18 bird species are noted in the study area. The dominance of Oriental faunal type provide information on the relationship of the surveyed avifauna to the biogeographical zones. We were recorded 28 biome restricted bird species. This assessment also supports and justifies its classification as an Important Bird Area “IBA” because of the importance and abundance of avian species. Its provide shelter and hosts to birds. To conserve birds species in tropical deciduous forest in PTR, it will be necessary to preserve large areas of contiguous forest and monitor the effect of Habitat fragmentation and other development activities in and around forest area will have impact on their foraging, breeding and subsequently their population. These scientific findings will help to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation and policies for bird protection and will under in future conservation action for birds and their habitats.