Bird Diversity along an Elevational Gradient in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Abstract

This study assessed the diversity of bird along elevational gradient of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park though species richness of bird along an elevational gradient in Himalayan region including Nepal is less explored till present. The diversity, distribution pattern and habitat will help for biodiversity conservation. Understanding the habitat heterogeneity and bird diversity along elevational gradient is the key required to conserve the diversity. The major aims of this study were to explore diversity, habitat and distribution patterns of birds along elevational gradient in two site i.e. Sundarijal and Panimuhan. The study was carried out along the altitudinal gradients of Sundarijal and Panimuhan from 1300 m asl to 2700 m asl and 1600 m to 2700 m respectively. Point count method was used for the field survey. In both sites 15 and 12 point count locations were selected in every 100 m altitudinal differences and recorded all the seen and heard birds in each point count locations for about 20 minutes by using binoculars. Direct observation method was used for the bird’s identification with the help of field guide book (Birds of Nepal). Microsoft Excel 2010, PAST, CANOCO software were used for data analysis. Shannon- Weiner (H) diversity index was 2.994 in Sundarijal and 2.694 in Panimuhan which showed significant diversity of bird. The highest bird species were recorded in lower mixed hardwood forest and least in upper mixed hardwood forest in both sites which concluded that bird species richness were significantly associated with habitat heterogeneity. The distribution pattern of bird was monotonically decreasing species richness with increasing elevation in both sites.