Avian Diversity of Bhoj Wetland: A Ramsar Site of Central India

Abstract

Wetlands provide habitats for various types of birds in different seasons. The present paper discusses the diversity of water birds in Bhoj Wetland of Bhopal which is a Ramsar site and a thousand year old wetland constructed by Raja Bhoj. The wetland provides variety of habitats to the waterbirds and they occupy these habitats according to their niches. Anatidae was the most dominant family recorded during the study period in the peak winter period whereas the population started declining as the temperature rises in the subsequent months. This indicates that most of the migratory species belong to the family Anatidae comprising ducks. They prefer deep water habitats with submerged vegetation. Looking to the importance of the wetland a study was conducted in the winter season in Bhoj Wetland of Bhopal (Central India) which is a Ramsar site. 

DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4310