HABITAT LOSS AS AN IMPEDIMENT TO POPULATION GROWTH IN WATER FOWL
M. ANARKKALY *
DEPATRMENT OF ZOOLOGY MAR IVANIOS COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 015, INDIA
A.K. CICILYKUTTY *
DEPATRMENT OF ZOOLOGY MAR IVANIOS COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 015, INDIA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The population of white-breasted waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus has been reported to decline in numbers due to the loss of its habitat. As part of a study on the population structure of this species data on its density was collected from January 2013 to December 2015 from 53 habitats distributed in two sectors in Mannar Village. (9°5’ N latitude and 76° 17’ & 76° 44” east longitude), Alappuzha District, Kerala state, South India. Total count method for population studies was followed. The mean monthly population of adults showed a decrease of 32.43% in 2013-4 and 44% in 2013-15. Chicks showed a decrease of 40.42% in 2013-14 and 25% in 2014-15. Juveniles showed a decrease of 61.11% in 2013 -14 and 21.42% in 2014-15. ANOVA of the population of adults, chicks and juveniles during the months and in the different sectors were found significant. Study has proved that loss of wetland habitats are responsible for its decline. Hence effective wetland habitat management strategy is crucial for the conservation of this aquatic bird.
Keywords: White-breasted waterhen, population structure, population density, Mannar, Kerala