UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This study evaluated the hatching success of the Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) at the Machchhu-I and Machchhu-II dam sites in Morbi District, Gujarat, India, and compared breeding outcomes between the two reservoir habitats. Field observations were conducted during three consecutive breeding seasons from 2024 to 2026. Reservoir margins were systematically searched for nests, and active nests were discreetly marked using naturally coloured stones to facilitate relocation while minimising the risk of attracting predators. Nests were monitored every three to four days to record final clutch size, hatching outcomes, and causes of egg loss. A total of 102 Kentish Plover nests were monitored, comprising 60 nests at Machchhu-I and 42 nests at Machchhu-II. Mean clutch size ranged from 2.82 to 3.13 eggs at Machchhu-I and from 2.19 to 2.93 eggs at Machchhu-II. Hatching success ranged from 75.92% to 81.25% at Machchhu-I and from 74.29% to 90.63% at Machchhu-II. Overall, 137 of 177 eggs hatched at Machchhu-I, while 90 of 108 eggs hatched at Machchhu-II. Across both sites, 58 eggs were lost. Nest damage was the principal recorded cause of egg mortality, accounting for up to 50.00% of egg losses at Machchhu-I and 66.67% at Machchhu-II, followed by predation and hatching failure. The findings indicate high hatching success at both reservoirs during the study period, while also identifying shoreline nest damage as an important source of egg mortality.