Temporal variations of shorebird (Charadriiformes) community and its diversity at Muttukadu backwaters - a wintering site in the southeast coast of India

Abstract

Abstract Shorebirds are group of migratory aquatic birds that spend time in coastal habitats such as tidal mudflats, sand bars, intertidal zones, and beaches. This groundbreaking study was conducted to assess the shorebird population and its diversity during September 2021 to September 2023 using total and block count method on the southeast coastline of India with a study site located at Muttukadu backwaters (12.8006oN latitude and 80.2363o E longitude), Chengalpet district of Tamil Nadu. The present study recorded 41 shorebird species from Muttukadu backwaters within the order of Charadriiformes with five families (Burhinidae, Recurvirostridae, Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, Laridae). The highest mean diversity of shorebirds was observed in the monsoon season. The mean abundance of shorebirds was higher in the post monsoon and followed by monsoon period due to the increased abundance of migratory species. The data from rarefaction curve shows that post monsoon and monsoon possess highest species richness than premonsoon and summer. This long-term survey of wintering shorebirds in the study area can be used for proposing the habitat management strategies.