Checklist and comparison of the bird diversity from the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, India

Abstract

Agricultural ornithology plays a crucial role in managing and sustaining agroecosystems. In agriculture, birds such as insectivores and raptors serve as natural controllers of insect and rodent pests, contributing to integrated pest management strategies. In this study, a checklist of birds was compiled using data collected over three years (2019–2022) from the agricultural landscape surrounding Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (HPAU), India. The study area comprises varied habitats including agricultural fields, forest patches, water bodies, and tea orchards. A total of 116 avian species, spanning 17 orders and 44 families were documented. Muscicapidae emerged as the most dominant family, comprising 16 species and exhibiting the highest relative diversity index value (13.79). A comparison with previous records revealed that 40 avian species were absent, while 34 bird species were reported for the first time in the study area. These finding revealed the significant shift in avian diversity at HPAU compared to previous assessments (HPAU 2019). The observed decline in avian diversity may be attributed to rapid habitat degradation driven by large-scale shrub trimming and other development activities, particularly construction projects.