Diversity and Abundance of Avifauna in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The diversity and abundance of avifauna in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan, were studied during May 2000 to May 2003. Line transect and total count method was used to count the birds. A total of 272 species of birds, belonging to 17 Orders and 55 Families were recorded. Out of these, 223 species were resident and 49 migrants. Species richness was highest in the month of January followed by February. The highest bird species abundance was observed in February and the lowest in July. The Common Coot was highest in dominance followed by Blue Rock Pigeon and Eurasian Collard Dove. Diversity was highest in the month of May and October. Fourteen species of threatened bird species were recorded during the study. The species richness, abundance and diversity of birds in the Thar Desert are comparable with the other ecosystems in India.