AVIFAUNA OF THE OUSSUDU LAKE AND ITS ENVIRONS, … · 2015-03-07 · Aquatic (A) and Terrestrial (T) as per Grimmett et al. (2001). Bird abundance was based on the following criteria:

[19]

Bird Populations 12:19-29© The Institute for Bird Populations 2013

AVIFAUNA OF THE OUSSUDU LAKE AND ITSENVIRONS, PUDUCHERRY, INDIA AND

CONSERVATION CONCERNS1

M. MURUGESAN, RACHNA CHANDRA, B. ANJAN KUMAR PRUSTY2 AND P. R. ARUN

Environmental Impact Assessment Division,Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON),

Anaikatti (PO), Coimbatore – 641108, India

Abstract. Herein we present a checklist, including conservation status of the avifauna ofOussudu (Ousteri) Lake and its environs, Puducherry, India. Surveys were conducted at 15d intervals between November 2010 and March 2011. A total of 166 bird species of 111genera and 56 families were recorded in and around the lake. Of these, 75 species wereaquatic; 120 species were resident and 46 species were migratory. The present investigationadded 6 families, 12 genera and 27 species to the existing avifaunal list of Oussudu. Thelake is undergoing serious pressures due to rapid urbanization, weed infestation, dischargeof industrial effluents, developmental activities, industrialization, uncontrolled fishing,hunting and poaching. The present study advocates for an urgent and stringentmanagement plan and necessary implementation mechanism for the lake.

Key words: Avifauna conservation, IBA, NWCP, Oussudu Lake, Puducherry, wetlands

AVIFAUNA DEL LAGO OUSSUDU Y SUS ALREDEDORES, PUDUCHERRY, INDIA, Y PROBLEMATICA DE CONSERVACION

Resumen. Presentamos una lista que incluye el estado de conservación de la avifauna delLago Oussudu (Ousteri) y sus zonas aledañas, en Puducherry, India. Los muestreos seefectuaron en intervalos de 15 días entre noviembre de 2010 y marzo de 2011. Un total de166 especies de aves de 111 géneros y 56 familias. De éstas, 75 especies fueron acuáticas,120 especies fueron residentes, y 46 migratorias. El presente trabajo añadió 6 familias, 12géneros y 27 especies a la lista existente de Oussudu. El lago está sometido a grandespresiones debidas a la urbanización, infestación vegetal, descarga de residuos industriales,actividades de desarrollo, industrialización, pesca incontrolada, caza y furtivismo. Elpresente estudio aboga por la implementación urgente de un estricto plan de manejo parael lago.

Palabras clave: conservación de avifauna, IBA, NWCP, Lago Oussudu, Puducherry,humedales

____________________1Received 6 May 2013; accepted 21 September 20132E-mail address: [email protected]

INTRODUCTIONIn India, wetlands occupy an estimated 15.26million hectares, which is ~4.6% of the geo-graphical area of the country (SAC 2011). Thesewetlands harbor hundreds of bird species,including both resident and migratory species.

Of the 1340 bird species reported from India (Aliand Ripley 1987; Manakadan and Pittie 2004),310 species are dependent on wetlands (Kumaret al. 2005). Wetlands in India, as elsewhere, areunder tremendous anthropogenic pressures,which greatly influence the structure of bird

M. MURUGESAN, RACHNA CHANDRA, B. ANJAN KUMAR PRUSTY AND P. R. ARUN

[20]

communities (Kler 2002, Verma et al. 2004,Reginald et al. 2007). Water birds have longattracted the attention of the public andscientists because of their beauty, abundance,visibility and social behaviour, as well as fortheir recreational and economic importance. Inaddition, water birds have become indicators ofwetland quality and parameters for assessingrestoration success and regional biodiversity(Kumar and Gupta 2009). Wetlands in urbanareas are usually exploited due to severalanthropogenic activities. However, suchactivities often lead to alteration of the wetlandto which, in turn, the avifauna responds bychanges in species composition and density.

The Government of India has been imple-menting the National Wetlands ConservationProgramme (NWCP) in close collaboration withthe State/UT Governments since the year 1985-1986. The programme aims at the conservationof wetlands to prevent their further degradationand to ensure their judicious use for the benefitof local communities and overall conservation ofbiodiversity. Under this programme, theMinistry of Environment and Forests hasidentified 115 wetlands that require urgentconservation and management interventions.

Puducherry, well known for aquatic habitats,has a total of 82 major and minor wetlands inand around the town, and among themOussudu and Bahour are the major ones. Thesewetlands provide livelihood for the residentsaround the region in the form of agriculturalproduce, fish, fuel, fiber, fodder, and host ofother day-to-day necessities. Oussudu is thelargest lake in the Puducherry region and ishome to hundreds of bird species includingseveral migratory ones that flock in largenumbers. It is also one of the largest breedingsites for the Common Coot (Fulica atra) inSouth India (Chari and Abbasi 2003, Abbasiand Chari 2008). The lake is also known for avariety of fishes, mussels and crabs (Chari andAbbasi 2003). However, recently the lake andits surroundings are facing increased threatsand pressures from several anthropogenicactivities (encroachment, poaching andpollution) as well as from rapid urbanizationsand infrastructure developments in theimmediate vicinity of the lake. In that context,the present investigation was carried out inorder to determine the bird community

structure of the lake and discuss a potentialmanagement plan.

METHODS

STUDY AREA

Oussudu Lake, located at 11°56’ to 11°58’ Nand 79°44’to 79°45’E, is a large shallowwetland situated along the eastern boundaryof Puducherry, India (Figure 1). It is the mostimportant fresh-water lake of the Puducherryregion, and is 12 km from Puducherry town onthe Western side on Puducherry-Villupuram-Valuthavur main road. The lake is rich in floraand fauna and is known to provide severalecological services, as well as severallivelihood options for the local humancommunity. It is an inter-state lake with awatershed area of 800 ha, and is almost equallyshared between Puducherry (390 ha) and TamilNadu (410 ha; Alexander and Pusharaj 2010).Much of the Oussudu bank along the TamilNadu side consists of rural settlements, whilethe Pondicherry side is predominantly urbanor suburban (Abbasi and Chari 2008), causingmuch stress on the lake. The lake is largely fedby direct precipitation, runoff from thecatchment and an intermittent river, theShankarabharani. Several tanks and pondssurround Oussudu (important ones listed inTable 1).

In the recent past, Oussudu Lake wasidentified as a wetland of national importanceunder the National Wetland ConservationProgramme of the Ministry of Environment andForest (MoEF 2009), India. The Bombay NaturalHistory Society (BNHS), Mumbai, a member ofBirdlife International, has designated Oussuduas an Important Bird Area (IBA) of India; over20,000 birds belonging to nearly 40 migratoryspecies used to inhabit or winter at Oussudu(Chari and Abbasi 2003). The Asian WetlandBureau declared Oussudu Lake as one of the 115significant wetlands in Asia. It also has beenidentified as a heritage sites by IUCN (Inter-national Union for Conservation of Nature andNatural Resources), ranking it among the mostimportant wetlands of Asia. During 2008, theGovernment of Puducherry declared OussuduLake as a bird sanctuary.

The climate in and around Oussudu Lake is

AVIFAUNA OF THE OUSSUDU LAKE AND ITS ENVIRONS, PUDUCHERRY, INDIA AND CONSERVATION CONCERNS

[21]

humid and tropical. Benefiting from bothmonsoons, the average annual rainfall ofOussudu and its surrounding region is 1300mm, of which ~60% occurs during north-eastmonsoon from September-January (Chari andAbbasi 2003). The remainder of rainfall isscattered sporadically throughout the year. Themean monthly temperature ranges from 21.3°Cto 30.2°C. The lake’s water level fluctuates

seasonally and in certain years (rainlessmonths), the lake may dry out completely. Dueto such wide hydrological fluctuations acrossthe annual cycle, different niches are created inthe lake, resulting in interesting patterns of floraand fauna (Abbasi 1997). There are patches ofamphibious and aquatic vegetation in thenorthern portion of the lake, and these supportspawning fish and roosting birds.

TABLE 1. Major tanks around the Oussudu Lake, Puducherry.

Sl. No. Name of the Tank/Eri Capacity (Mm3)

1 Thondamanatham tank 0.342 Ariyur tank 0.043 Kadaperi eri 0.164 Karasur tank 0.345 Sedarapet Periya eri 0.426 Sedarapet Sitheri 0.137 Thuthipet tank 0.278 Katteriputhu Thangel 0.129 Kateripazham Thangal 0.17

FIGURE 1. Location of Oussudu Lake, Puducherry.


[22]

METHODOLOGY The birdlife communities in and around thestudy area were documented by directobservations (Bibby et al. 1992), random walkand opportunistic surveys. Observations weremade during October 2010 through March 2011in seven intensive surveys. Surveys wereconducted systematically every fortnight,walking on fixed routes through the study area.Birds were observed during 06:00 h – 10:00 hand 16:00 h – 19:00 h following the line-transectmethod (Burnham et al. 1980, Bibby et al. 1992).Observations were carried out on both sides oftransect with the help of 7 x 35 and 10 x 50 mbinoculars. In total, 15 such transects were laidin and around the study area. We recorded birdspecies along with habitat type, season andfrequency of occurrence. In addition, oppor-tunistic surveys were also carried out.Identification of birds was done using Ali andRipley (1987) and Grimmett et al. (1998, 2001);nomenclature followed Manakadan and Pittie(2004). The status of birds (Table 1) wascategorized as Resident (R), Migratory (M),Aquatic (A) and Terrestrial (T) as per Grimmettet al. (2001). Bird abundance was based on thefollowing criteria: common, >10 sightings; fairlycommon, 6-10 sightings; uncommon, 3-5sightings; and rare, 1-2 sightings.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONIn total, 166 bird species belonging to 111 generaand 56 families were recorded during the studyperiod (Table 2). Accipitridae was the dominantfamily with 13 species, followed by Ardeidaeand Scolopacidae with 11 species each, andAnatidae (10 species). Among the 166 birdspecies recorded, 75 were aquatic and the restwere terrestrial. About 120 species were residentbreeding and the rest were migratory. Thepresent study added 6 families, 12 genera and 27species to the existing avifaunal list of Oussudu(Table 2). Of the 166 species recorded, linetransects resulted in documentation of 135 avianspecies (Table 2), of which, Little Egret (Egrettagarzetta) was dominant with 355 individuals,followed by Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)with 338 individuals, Asian Palm-Swift(Cypsiurus balasiensis) with 337 individuals,White-headed Babbler (Turdoides affinis) with 282individuals and Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola

grayii) with 245 individuals. Eight species falling under the Near

Threatened category, and one each of CriticallyEndangered species and Endangered species(IUCN 2007), were recorded during the studyperiod (Table 2). Of the 166 species recorded, 15species fall under Schedule-I as per IndianWildlife Protection Act (IWPA 1972). ThoughPainted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), AsianOpen bill-Stork (Anastomus oscitans), NorthernShoveller (Anas clypeata), Northern Pintail (Anasacuta), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), CommonTeal (Anas crecca), Garganey (Anas querquedula),and Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) were verycommonly recorded by Chari et al. (2008), werarely sighted in our study.

CONSERVATION CONCERNS AND MEASURES

Oussudu plays a vital role in recharging theground water aquifers for Puducherry andprotecting them from seawater ingress;Puducherry is largely dependent on theseaquifers for its drinking water supply (Chariand Abbasi 2007). In recent times, however, thelake and its watershed has been exposed toenormous pressures due to increasing pop-ulation, industrialization and urbanization. Theserious threats include reclamation, agriculture,siltation, weed invasion, poaching, etc. Weedspecies such as Eichorrnia crassipes, Salviniamolesta, Pistia stratiotes and Ipomoea carnea havebeen invading the wetland area of Oussudu.Almost 14% of the lake is infested by Eichorniacrassipes (Water hyacinth). Thus, infestation byweeds is a serious issue that could directly affectthe biodiversity of the lake and water quality.Apart from aquatic weeds, Prosopis juliflora isalso present along the roadside. Removal of thisspecies is of utmost importance as it invadesother wetlands at much higher rates (Chandra etal. 2009).

Fishing in the area has become a routinepractice, which if unchecked could soon resultin cultural (rapid) eutrophication, siltation, andultimate death of the lake. The diversity of fishspecies in the lake attracts people for fishing.While the Government of Puducherry hasbanned fishing in Oussudu Lake, uncontrolledfishing was often seen in the lake during thesurveys. Unbridled fishing activity using fishingnets has led to the killing of water snakes and

TAB

LE

2. L

ist o

f bir

d s

peci

es o

bser

ved

in a

nd a

roun

d O

ussu

du

Lak

e

Sl.

IUC

N

IWPA

N

o.Fa

mily

Com

mon

nam

eSc

ient

ific

nam

eH

abit

atSt

atus

stat

usSt

atus

Abu

ndan

ce

1Po

dic

iped

idae

Lit

tle

Gre

beTa

chyb

aptu

s ru

ficol

lisA

RL

CS-

IVC

2.

Pele

cani

dae

*Gre

at W

hite

Pel

ican

Pel

ecan

us o

nocr

otal

usA

ML

CS-

IVR

e3.

Sp

ot-b

illed

Pel

ican

Pel

ecan

us p

hilip

pens

isA

RN

TS-

IVU

C4.

Ph

alac

roco

raci

dae

Lit

tle

Cor

mor

ant

Pha

lacr

ocor

ax n

iger

AR

LC

S-IV

C5.

In

dia

n Sh

agP

hala

croc

orax

fusc

icol

lisA

RL

CS-

IVC

6.

Gre

at C

orm

oran

tP

hala

croc

orax

car

boA

RL

CS-

IVC

7.

Anh

ingi

dae

Dar

ter

Anh

inga

mel

anog

aste

rA

RN

TS-

IVU

C8.

A

rdei

dae

L

ittl

e E

gret

Egr

etta

gar

zett

aA

RL

CS-

IVC

9.

Gre

y H

eron

Ard

ea c

iner

eaA

RL

CS-

IVU

C10

. Pu

rple

Her

onA

rdea

pur

pure

aA

RL

CS-

IVU

C11

. L

arge

Egr

etC

asm

erod

ius

albu

sA

RL

CS-

IVC

12.

Med

ian

Egr

etM

esop

hoyx

inte

rmed

iaA

RL

CS-

IVC

13.

Cat

tle

Egr

etB

ubul

cus

ibis

AR

LC

S-IV

C14

. In

dia

n Po

nd H

eron

Ard

eola

gra

yii

AR

LC

S-IV

C15

. L

ittl

e G

reen

Her

onB

utor

ides

str

iatu

sA

RL

CS-

IVC

16.

Bla

ck-c

row

ned

Nig

ht H

eron

Nyc

tico

rax

nyct

icor

axA

RL

CS-

IVU

C17

. B

lack

Bit

tern

Dup

etor

flav

icol

lisA

RL

CS-

IVU

C18

. G

reat

Bit

tern

Bot

auru

s st

ella

ris

AM

LC

S-IV

UC

19.

Cic

oniid

aePa

inte

d S

tork

Myc

teri

a le

ucoc

epha

laA

RN

TS-

IVU

C20

. A

sian

Ope

nbill

-Sto

rkA

nast

omus

osc

itan

sA

RL

CS-

IVFC

21.

Whi

te-n

ecke

d S

tork

Cic

onia

epi

scop

usA

RL

CS-

IVR

e22

. T

hres

kior

nith

idae

Ori

enta

l Whi

te Ib

isT

hres

kior

nis

mel

anoc

epha

lus

AR

NT

S-IV

Re

23.

Bla

ck Ib

isP

seud

ibis

pap

illos

aA

RL

CS-

IVR

e24

. E

uras

ian

Spoo

nbill

Pla

tale

a le

ucor

odia

AR

NT

S-I

Re

25.

Phoe

nico

pter

idae

*Gre

ater

Fla

min

goP

hoen

icop

teru

s ru

ber

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

26.

*Les

ser

Flam

ingo

Pho

enic

opte

rus

min

orA

MN

TS-

IVR

e27

. A

nati

dae

Cot

ton

Teal

Net

tapu

s co

rom

ande

lianu

sA

RL

CS-

IVC

28.

Eur

asia

n W

igeo

nA

nas

pene

lope

AM

LC

S-IV

C29

. M

alla

rdA

nas

plat

yrhy

ncho

sA

ML

CS-

IVU

C30

. Sp

ot-b

illed

Duc

kA

nas

poec

ilorh

ynch

aA

RL

CS-

IVU

C31

. N

orth

ern

Shov

elle

rA

nas

clyp

eata

AM

LC

S-IV

UC

32.

Nor

ther

n Pi

ntai

lA

nas

acut

aA

ML

CS-

IVU

C33

. G

arga

ney

Ana

s qu

erqu

edul

aA

ML

CS-

IVC

34.

Com

mon

Tea

lA

nas

crec

caA

ML

CS-

IVC


[23]

TAB

LE

2. C

onti

nued

Sl.

IUC

N

IWPA

N

o.Fa

mily

Com

mon

nam

eSc

ient

ific

nam

eH

abit

atSt

atus

stat

usSt

atus

Abu

ndan

ce

Pod

icip

edid

ae35

. U

nid

enti

fied

Duc

kA

nas

sp.

AM

L

C-

FC36

. C

omm

on P

ocha

rdA

ythy

a fe

rina

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

37.

Acc

ipit

rid

aeB

lack

-sho

uld

ered

Kit

eE

lanu

s ca

erul

eus

TR

LC

S-I

UC

38.

Bla

ck K

ite

Milv

us m

igra

nsT

RL

CS-

IC

39.

Bra

hmin

y K

ite

Hal

iast

ur in

dus

TR

LC

S-I

C40

. *W

hite

-bel

lied

Sea

Eag

leH

alia

eetu

s le

ucog

aste

rA

RL

CS-

IR

e41

. *C

rest

ed S

erpe

nt E

agle

Spilo

rnis

che

ela

TR

LC

S-I

Re

42.

Wes

tern

Mar

sh H

arri

erC

ircu

s ae

rugi

nosu

sA

ML

CS-

IC

43.

Palli

d H

arri

erC

ircu

s m

acro

urus

TM

NT

S-I

UC

44.

Pied

Har

rier

Cir

cus

mel

anol

euco

sT

ML

CS-

IU

C45

. Sh

ikra

Acc

ipit

er b

adiu

sT

ML

CS-

IU

C46

. B

esra

Spa

rrow

haw

kA

ccip

iter

vir

gatu

sT

ML

CS-

IU

C47

. B

lack

Eag

leIc

tina

etus

mal

ayen

sis

TR

LC

S-I

UC

48.

Pand

ioni

dae

*Osp

rey

Pan

dion

hal

iaet

usT

ML

CS-

IR

e49

. Fa

lcon

idae

Com

mon

Kes

trel

Falc

o ti

nnun

culu

sT

RL

CS-

IR

e50

. Ph

asia

nid

aeG

rey

Fran

colin

Fran

colin

us p

ondi

ceri

anus

TR

LC

S-IV

C51

. In

dia

n Pe

afow

lP

avo

cris

tatu

sT

RL

CS-

IR

e52

. R

allid

aeW

hite

-bre

aste

d W

ater

hen

Am

auro

rnis

pho

enic

urus

AR

LC

S-IV

UC

53.

Purp

le M

oorh

enP

orph

yrio

por

phyr

ioA

RL

CS-

IVC

54.

Com

mon

Moo

rhen

Gal

linul

a ch

loro

pus

AR

LC

S-IV

C55

. C

omm

on C

oot

Fulic

a at

raA

RL

CS-

IVC

56.

Jaca

nid

aePh

easa

nt-t

aile

d Ja

cana

Hyd

roph

asia

nus

chir

urgu

sA

RL

CS-

IVC

57.

*Bro

nze-

win

ged

Jaca

naM

etop

idiu

s in

dicu

sA

RL

CS-

IVR

e58

. C

hara

dri

idae

Gre

y Pl

over

Plu

vial

is s

quat

arol

aA

ML

CS-

IVR

e59

. L

ittl

e R

inge

d P

love

rC

hara

driu

s du

bius

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

60.

Yello

w-w

attl

ed L

apw

ing

Van

ellu

s m

alab

aric

usA

RL

CS-

IVC

61.

*Gre

y-he

aded

Lap

win

gV

anel

lus

cine

reus

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

62.

Red

-wat

tled

Lap

win

gV

anel

lus

indi

cus

AR

LC

S-IV

C63

. Sc

olop

acid

aeC

omm

on S

nipe

Gal

linag

o ga

llina

goA

ML

CS-

IVC

64.

Com

mon

Red

shan

kTr

inga

tota

nus

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

65.

Gre

en S

and

pipe

rTr

inga

och

ropu

sA

ML

CS-

IVC

66.

Woo

d S

and

pipe

rTr

inga

gla

reol

aA

ML

CS-

IVC

67.

Com

mon

San

dpi

per

Act

itis

hyp

oleu

cos

AM

LC

S-IV

C68

. #

Spoo

nbill

San

dpi

per

Cal

idri

s py

gmeu

sA

MC

ES-

IVR

e69

. L

ittl

e St

int

Cal

idri

s m

inut

aA

ML

CS-

IVFC


[24]

TAB

LE

2. C

onti

nued

Sl.

IUC

N

IWPA

N

o.Fa

mily

Com

mon

nam

eSc

ient

ific

nam

eH

abit

atSt

atus

stat

usSt

atus

Abu

ndan

ce

Pod

icip

edid

ae70

. *D

unlin

Cal

idri

s al

pina

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

71.

Cur

lew

San

dpi

per

Cal

idri

s fe

rrug

inea

AM

LC

S-IV

UC

72.

Bro

ad-b

illed

San

dpi

per

Lim

icol

a fa

lcin

ellu

sA

ML

CS-

IVU

C73

. *R

uff

Phi

lom

achu

s pu

gnax

AM

LC

S-IV

Re

74.

Rec

urvi

rost

rid

aeB

lack

-win

ged

Sti

ltH

iman

topu

s hi

man

topu

sA

RL

CS-

IVFC

75.

Lar

idae

Riv

er T

ern

Ster

na a

uran

tia

AR

NT

S-IV

C76

. B

lack

-nap

ed T

ern

Ster

na s

umat

rana

AM

LC

S-IV

C77

. C

omm

on T

ern

Ster

na h

irun

doA

ML

CS-

IVC

78.

Bla

ck-b

ellie

d T

ern

Ster

na a

cuti

caud

aA

ME

NS-

IVC

79.

Whi

sker

ed T

ern

Chl

idon

ias

hybr

idus

AM

LC

S-IV

UC

80.

Bla

ck T

ern

Chl

idon

ias

nige

rA

ML

CS-

IVC

81.

Col

umbi

dae

Blu

e R

ock

Pige

onC

olum

ba li

via

TR

LC

S-IV

C82

. L

ittl

e B

row

n D

ove

Stre

ptop

elia

sen

egal

ensi

sT

RL

CS-

IVC

83.

Spot

ted

Dov

eSt

rept

opel

ia c

hine

nsis

TR

LC

S-IV

C84

. R

ed C

olla

red

-Dov

eSt

rept

opel

ia tr

anqu

ebar

ica

TR

LC

S-IV

C85

. Ps

itta

cid

aeR

ose-

ring

ed P

arak

eet

Psi

ttac

ula

kram

eri

TR

LC

S-IV

C86

. C

ucul

idae

Pied

-cre

sted

Cuc

koo

Cla

mat

or ja

cobi

nus

TR

LC

S-IV

C87

. *R

ed-w

inge

d C

rest

ed C

ucko

oC

lam

ator

cor

oman

dus

TM

LC

S-IV

Re

88.

Bra

infe

ver

Bir

dH

iero

cocc

yx v

ariu

sT

RL

CS-

IVC

89.

Dro

ngo

Cuc

koo

Surn

icul

us lu

gubr

isT

RL

CS-

IVU

C90

. A

sian

Koe

lE

udyn

amys

sco

lopa

cea

TR

LC

S-IV

C91

. Sm

all G

reen

-bill

ed M

alko

haP

haen

icop

haeu

s vi

ridi

rost

ris

TR

LC

S-IV

C92

. G

reat

er C

ouca

lC

entr

opus

sin

ensi

sT

RL

CS-

IVC

93.

Les

ser

Cou

cal

Cen

trop

us b

enga

lens

isT

RL

CS-

IVR

e94

. Ty

toni

dae

Bar

n O

wl

Tyto

alb

aT

RL

CS-

IVR

e95

. St

rigi

dae

Spot

ted

Ow

let

Ath

ene

bram

aT

RL

CS-

IVC

96.

Cap

rim

ulgi

dae

Com

mon

Ind

ian

Nig

htja

rC

apri

mul

gus

asia

ticu

sT

RL

CS-

IVU

C97

. A

pod

idae

Asi

an P

alm

-Sw

ift

Cyp

siur

us b

alas

iens

isT

RL

C-

C98

. H

ouse

Sw

ift

Apu

s af

finis

TR

LC

-C

99.

Hem

ipro

cnid

ae*C

rest

ed T

ree-

swif

tH

emip

rocn

e co

rona

taT

RL

C-

Re

100.

A

lced

inid

aeSm

all B

lue

Kin

gfis

her

Alc

edo

atth

isA

RL

CS-

IVC

101.

*S

tork

-bill

ed K

ingf

ishe

rH

alcy

on c

apen

sis

AR

LC

S-IV

Re

102.

W

hite

-bre

aste

d K

ingf

ishe

rH

alcy

on s

myr

nens

isA

RL

CS-

IVC

103.

*B

lack

-cap

ped

Kin

gfis

her

Hal

cyon

pile

ata

AR

LC

Re


[25]

TAB

LE

2. C

onti

nued

Sl.

IUC

N

IWPA

N

o.Fa

mily

Com

mon

nam

eSc

ient

ific

nam

eH

abit

atSt

atus

stat

usSt

atus

Abu

ndan

ce

Pod

icip

edid

ae10

4.

Les

ser

Pied

Kin

gfis

her

Cer

yle

rudi

sA

RL

CS-

IVU

C10

5.

Mer

opid

aeSm

all B

ee-e

ater

Mer

ops

orie

ntal

isT

RL

C-

C10

6.

Blu

e-ta

iled

Bee

-eat

erM

erop

s ph

ilipp

inus

TR

LC

-C

107.

C

hest

nut-

head

ed B

ee-e

ater

Mer

ops

lesc

hena

ulti

TR

LC

-C

108.

C

orac

iidae

Ind

ian

Rol

ler

Cor

acia

s be

ngha

lens

isT

RL

CS-

IVC

109.

U

pupi

dae

Com

mon

Hoo

poe

Upu

pa e

pops

TR

LC

S-IV

C11

0.

Cap

iton

idae

Whi

te-c

heek

ed B

arbe

tM

egal

aim

a vi

ridi

sT

RL

CS-

IVU

C11

1.

Cop

pers

mit

h B

arbe

tM

egal

aim

a ha

emac

epha

laT

RL

CS-

IVC

112.

Pi

cid

aeC

omm

on G

olde

n-ba

cked

Woo

dpec

ker

Din

opiu

m ja

vane

nse

TR

LC

S-IV

FC11

3.

*Les

ser

Gol

den

-bac

ked

Woo

dpe

cker

Din

opiu

m b

engh

alen

seT

RL

CS-

IVFC

114.

Pi

ttid

aeIn

dia

n Pi

tta

Pit

ta b

rach

yura

TR

LC

S-IV

Re

115.

A

laud

idae

*Ben

gal B

ush-

Lar

kM

iraf

ra a

ssam

ica

TR

LC

S-IV

Re

116.

A

shy-

crow

ned

Spa

rrow

-Lar

kE

rem

opte

rix

gris

eaT

RL

CS-

IVR

e11

7.

Hir

und

inid

ae*C

omm

on S

wal

low

Hir

undo

rus

tica

TM

LC

-C

118.

H

ouse

Sw

allo

wH

irun

do ta

hiti

caT

RL

C-

C11

9.

Red

-rum

ped

Sw

allo

wH

irun

do d

auri

caT

RL

C-

C12

0.

Mot

acill

idae

Lar

ge P

ied

Wag

tail

Mot

acill

a m

ader

aspa

tens

isA

RL

CS-

IVC

121.

Ye

llow

Wag

tail

Mot

acill

a fla

vaA

ML

CS-

IVC

122.

G

rey

Wag

tail

Mot

acill

a ci

nere

aA

ML

CS-

IVC

123.

Pa

dd

yfie

ld P

ipit

Ant

hus

rufu

lus

TR

LC

S-IV

C12

4.

Cam

peph

agid

aeC

omm

on W

ood

shri

keTe

phro

dorn

is p

ondi

ceri

anus

TR

LC

S-IV

Re

125.

Py

cnon

otid

aeR

ed-v

ente

d B

ulbu

lP

ycno

notu

s ca

fer

TR

LC

S-IV

C12

6.

Whi

te-b

row

ed B

ulbu

lP

ycno

notu

s lu

teol

usT

RL

CS-

IVC

127.

Ir

enid

ae*C

omm

on Io

raA

egit

hina

tiph

iaT

RL

CS-

IVC

128.

L

aniid

ae*B

ay-b

acke

d S

hrik

eLa

nius

vit

tatu

sT

RL

C-

FC12

9.

*Sou

ther

n G

rey

Shri

keLa

nius

mer

idio

nalis

TR

LC

-R

e13

0.

Turd

inae

Ori

enta

l Mag

pie-

Rob

inC

opsy

chus

sau

lari

sT

RL

CS-

IVFC

131.

In

dia

n R

obin

Saxi

colo

ides

fulic

ata

TR

LC

S-IV

C13

2.

Pied

Bus

chat

Saxi

cola

cap

rata

TR

LC

S-IV

C13

3.

Tim

aliin

ae*R

ufou

s-be

llied

Bab

bler

Dum

etia

hyp

eryt

hra

TR

LC

S-IV

UC

134.

*J

ungl

e B

abbl

erTu

rdoi

des

stri

atus

TR

LC

S-IV

UC

135.

W

hite

-hea

ded

Bab

bler

Turd

oide

s af

finis

TR

LC

S-IV

C13

6.

Sylv

iinae

*Fra

nklin

's P

rini

aP

rini

a ho

dgso

nii

TM

LC

S-IV

C13

7.

Jung

le P

rini

aP

rini

a sy

lvat

ica

TR

LC

S-IV

C


[26]

TAB

LE

2. C

onti

nued

Sl.

IUC

N

IWPA

N

o.Fa

mily

Com

mon

nam

eSc

ient

ific

nam

eH

abit

atSt

atus

stat

usSt

atus

Abu

ndan

ce

Pod

icip

edid

ae13

8.

Ash

y Pr

inia

Pr

inia

soc

ialis

T

RL

CS-

IVC

139.

Pl

ain

Prin

iaPr

inia

inor

nata

T

RL

CS-

IVC

140.

B

lyth

's R

eed

War

bler

Acr

ocep

halu

s du

met

orum

TM

LC

S-IV

UC

141.

C

omm

on T

ailo

rbir

dO

rtho

tom

us s

utor

ius

TR

LC

S-IV

C14

2.

Gre

enis

h L

eaf-

War

bler

Phy

llosc

opus

troc

hilo

ides

TM

LC

S-IV

UC

143.

M

onar

chin

aeA

sian

Par

adis

e-Fl

ycat

cher

Terp

siph

one

para

disi

TR

LC

S-IV

UC

144.

R

hipi

dur

inae

*Whi

te-b

row

ed F

anta

il Fl

ycat

cher

Rhi

pidu

ra a

ureo

laT

RL

CS-

IVR

e14

5.

Dic

aeid

aeT

hick

-bill

ed F

low

erpe

cker

Dic

aeum

agi

leT

RL

CS-

IVC

146.

Ti

ckel

l's F

low

erpe

cker

Dic

aeum

ery

thro

rhyn

chos

TR

LC

S-IV

UC

147.

N

ecta

rini

idae

Purp

le-r

umpe

d S

unbi

rdN

ecta

rini

a ze

ylon

ica

TR

LC

S-IV

C14

8.

Purp

le S

unbi

rdN

ecta

rini

a as

iati

caT

RL

CS-

IVC

149.

L

oten

's S

unbi

rdN

ecta

rini

a lo

teni

aT

RL

CS-

IVC

150.

E

stri

ldid

ae*

Whi

te-t

hroa

ted

Mun

iaLo

nchu

ra m

alab

aric

aT

RL

CS-

IVR

e15

1.

Spot

ted

Mun

iaLo

nchu

ra p

unct

ulat

aT

RL

CS-

IVC

152.

B

lack

-hea

ded

Mun

iaLo

nchu

ra m

alac

caT

RL

CS-

IVC

153.

Pa

sser

inae

Hou

se S

parr

owP

asse

r do

mes

ticu

sT

RL

CS-

IVR

e15

4.

Ploc

eina

eB

aya

Wea

ver

Plo

ceus

phi

lippi

nus

TR

LC

S-IV

C15

5.

Stur

nid

aeB

rahm

iny

Star

ling

Stur

nus

pago

daru

mT

RL

CS-

IVU

C15

6.

*Ros

y St

arlin

gSt

urnu

s ro

seus

TM

LC

S-IV

Re

157.

C

omm

on M

yna

Acr

idot

here

s tr

isti

sT

RL

CS-

IVC

158.

O

riol

idae

Eur

asia

n G

old

en O

riol

eO

riol

us o

riol

usT

RL

CS-

IVC

159.

*B

lack

-hea

ded

Ori

ole

Ori

olus

xan

thor

nus

TR

LC

S-IV

Re

160.

D

icru

rid

aeB

lack

Dro

ngo

Dic

ruru

s m

acro

cerc

usT

RL

CS-

IVC

161.

A

shy

Dro

ngo

Dic

ruru

s le

ucop

haeu

sT

ML

CS-

IVC

162.

W

hite

-bel

lied

Dro

ngo

Dic

ruru

s ca

erul

esce

nsT

RL

CS-

IVC

163.

A

rtam

idae

Ash

y W

ood

swal

low

Art

amus

fusc

usT

RL

C-

C16

4.

Cor

vid

aeIn

dia

n Tr

eepi

eD

endr

ocit

ta v

agab

unda

TR

LC

S-IV

C16

5.

Hou

se C

row

Cor

vus

sple

nden

sT

RL

CS-

IVC

166.

Ju

ngle

Cro

wC

orvu

s m

acro

rhyn

chos

TR

LC

S-IV

C

*: N

ew A

dd

itio

ns,

#:

Dou

btfu

l O

ccu

rren

ce (

no p

hoto

grap

h/ev

iden

ce),

A:

Aqu

atic

, T:

Ter

rest

rial

, M

: M

igra

tory

, R

: R

esid

ent,

CE

: C

riti

cally

End

ange

red

, E

N:

End

ange

red

, NT:

Nea

r T

hrea

tene

d, S

-I: S

ched

ule

I, S-

IV: S

ched

ule

IV, C

: Com

mon

, Re:

Rar

e, F

C: F

airl

y C

omm

on, U

C: U

ncom

mon


[27]


[28]

several aquatic birds (pelicans, coots, darters).Fishing also causes direct disturbance to birdsdue to reduced availability of fish species, someof which the birds consume as food. Aquaticplants such as Hydrilla verticillata, Najas minor,etc. are food for many birds of Oussudu. Duringfishing, these aquatic macrophytes entangle inthe fishing net, and thus are removed causingdisturbance and imbalance in the biodiversitycomposition of the lake.

Hunting of birds in and around the Oussudusanctuary is another important issue that needsattention. During the present study, we foundthat several families of the Narikuravacommunity (a tribe) were engaged in hunting ofbirds, which had become their chief source oflivelihood. There is an encroachment by ahamlet of around 15 families of Narikurava onVillianur-Pathukanu junction road. Thissettlement hunts several species of resident andmigratory aquatic birds. The birds such as AsianKoel (Endynomys scolopacea; state bird ofPuducherry), Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris),Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), White-breasted Water-hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus),Common Myna, Common Coot (Fulica atra),egrets, and cormorants were commonly huntedand sold for Rs. 150/- to Rs. 200/- per kg. Inorder to stop such hunting, alternative andappropriate sources of livelihood andemployment need to be found for thiscommunity.

The Suthukeni Canal is essentially the onlymeans of water movement / discharge ofsewage and storm water to the lake. It iscurrently a channel, into which considerablequantity of municipal and non-point sourceeffluents flow in. Rubber and glass industries,and the agricultural lands located aroundOussudu Lake release runoff water with variouschemicals into the lake. Several tanning andleather industries occur along the shores, withdisposal of effluent from these industries likelyaffecting the lake’s ecology. In addition, theagricultural fields around the lake contributesignificant amounts of N, P, and K fertilizers andpesticides through run-off. Such runoff canstimulate the growth of aquatic macrophytesand plankton, resulting in eutrophication.Heavy metals and several pesticides, as anoutcome of application of agrochemicals innearby agriculture fields, may bio-accumulate

(macrophytes to fishes, etc.) in the wetlandecosystem and ultimately affect the apex of thefood chain, i.e. birds.

It is apt that steps should be taken to bringadjoining parts of the lake under protection.Mechanisms to manage the area jointly by bothgovernments and people of Tamil Nadu andPuducherry need to be developed. In view ofthe present scenario with threats to its existenceand functioning, Oussudu sanctuary needsactive conservation and managementinterventions. It is also expected that Oussuduwould loose its ecological integrity, if propercoordinated efforts are not taken bymanagement authorities and non-governmentorganizations including the general public tosave this fragile wetland ecosystem. This mayinclude activities such as protection, preventionof encroachment and control of pollutingactivities, eco-restoration and initiating habitatimprovement programs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe would like to thank Dr. P.A. Azeez, Director,Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and NaturalHistory (SACON) for encouragement andfacilities; Dr A. Anilkumar, Conservator ofForests, Puducherry Forest Division, Pudu-cherry, for logistics and constant support tocarry out the study. We greatly acknowledge thehelp from Mr P. Subramanian and Dr S.Bhupathy during the study period.

REFERENCESABBASI, S. A. 1997. Wetlands of India-Ecology and

Threats: The Ecology and the Exploitation ofTypical South Indian Wetlands. Vol. I. DiscoveryPublishing House, New Delhi. 149 pp.

ABBASI, S. A., AND K. B. CHARI. 2008. Environmentalmanagement of urban lakes: with special referenceto Oussudu. Discovery Publishing House, NewDelhi. 269 pp.

ALEXANDER, R., AND P. PUSHARAJ. 2010. Resettlement ofweaver birds (Ploceus philippinus) in OussuduLake. Current Science 99: 10.

ALI, S., AND S. D. RIPLEY. 1987. Compact handbook ofthe birds of India and Pakistan together with thoseof Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.Oxford University Press, Delhi.

BIBBY, C. J., N. D. BURGESS., AND D. A. HILL. 1992. BirdCensus Techniques. Academic Press Publishers.257 pp.


[29]

BURNHAM, K. P., D. R. ANDERSON., AND J. L. LAAKE.1980. Estimation of density from line transectsampling of biological populations. WildlifeMonographs 72. 1-202 pp.

CHANDRA R., B. A. K. PRUSTY., AND P. A. AZEEZ. 2009.Impact of Prosopis juliflora on HerbaceousDiversity in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, p.09-13. In G. A. Thivakaran, A. Kumar, B. A. K.Prusty, and S. F. W. Sunderraj [eds.], Proceedingsof the National Symposium on Prosopis:Ecological, Economic Significance and Manage-ment Challenges, Gujarat Institute of DesertEcology, Bhuj, India. 115 pp.

CHARI, K. B., AND S. A. ABBASI. 2003. Ecology, habitatand bird community structure at Oussudu lake:towards a strategy for conservation andmanagement. Aquatic Conservation: MarineFreshwater Ecosystem 13: 373-86.

CHARI, K. B., AND S. A. ABBASI. 2007. Socio-economicimplications of the Oussudu lake (Pondicherry,India). Hydrology Journal 30: 77-90.

CHARI, K. B., S. A. ABBASI., AND S. GANAPATHY. 2008.Ecology, habitat and bird community structures atOussudu lake: Towards a strategy for conservationand management, p. 100-117. In S. A. Abbasi, andK. B. Chari [ed.], Environmental Management ofUrban Lakes with Special Reference to Oussudu.Discovery Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.

GRIMMETT, R., C. INSKIPP., AND T. INSKIPP. 1998. Birds ofthe Indian Subcontinent. Christoper HelmPublishers Ltd. London. 888 pp.

GRIMMETT, R., C. INSKIPP., AND T. INSKIPP. 2001. Pocketguide to the birds of the Indian subcontinent.Oxford University Press, Delhi. 384 pp.

IUCN. 2007. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Version 2007.1. Electronic Database accessible athttp://www.iucnredlist.org/. Captured on 20February 2007.

IWPA. 1972. Wildlife Protection Act. In: The Wildlife(Protection) Act, 1972. Professional BookPublishers, Wildlife Protection Society of India.

KLER, T. K. 2002. Bird species in Kanjali wetland. TigerPaper 39: 29-32.

KUMAR, A., J. P. SATI., P. C. TAK., AND J. R. B. ALFRED.2005. Handbook on Indian wetland birds and theirconservation. Zoological Survey of India. 472 pp.

KUMAR, P., AND S. K. GUPTA. 2009. Diversity andabundance of Wetland birds around Kurukshetra,India. Our Nature 7: 212-217.

MANAKADAN, R., AND A. PITTIE. 2004. Standardizedcommon and scientific names of the birds of theIndian subcontinent. Buceros 6: 1-37.

MOEF. 2009. National wetland conservationprogramme guidelines for conservation andmanagement of wetlands in India. Minsitry ofEnvironment & Forest, Govt. Of India, New Delhi.45 pp.

REGINALD, L. J., C. MAHENDRAN., S. S. KUMAR., AND P.PRAMOD. 2007. Birds of Singanallur Lake,Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Zoos’ Print Journal 22(12): 2944-2948.

SAC (2011). National Wetland Atlas. SpaceApplications Centre, Indian Space ResearchOrganization, Ahmedabad, India. 310 pp.

VERMA, A., S. BALACHANDRAN., N. CHATURVEDI., AND V.PATIL. 2004. A preliminary survey on thebiodiversity of Mahul Creek, Mumbai, India.Zoos’ Print Journal 19: 1599-1605.

Documents

AVIFAUNA OF THE OUSSUDU LAKE AND ITS ENVIRONS, … · 2015-03-07 · Aquatic (A) and Terrestrial (T) as per Grimmett et al. (2001). Bird abundance was based on the following criteria: