Ecological Patterns and Conservation Implications of Avian Diversity in a Tourism-Impacted Coastal Habitat: A Case Study of Rabindranath Tagore Beach, Karwar, Karnataka

Abstract

This research examines the ecological patterns and conservation implications of avian diversity, with particular emphasis on pelagic birds, along the Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, Karnataka—a coastal ecosystem experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressure from tourism and fishing activities. Systematic field surveys employing distance sampling methods were conducted twice weekly from January to April, covering post-winter and summer seasons. Data on species composition, abundance, and diversity indices were collected along a 1 km transect spanning zones with varying anthropogenic disturbance levels. The study documented ten avian species, with only two pelagic species (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus and Chroicocephalus ridibundus) compared to eight non-pelagic species. Seasonal analysis revealed a decrease in pelagic species from post-winter (2 species) to summer (1 species), while non-pelagic species increased from five to eight. Diversity indices showed higher values in summer (Shannon's H'=1.57, E=0.39) compared to post-winter (H'=1.07, E=0.32), reflecting shifting community structure. The Rabindranath Tagore Beach supports limited pelagic bird diversity, heavily influenced by seasonal migrations and anthropogenic pressures. The dominance of generalist non-pelagic species indicates ecosystem transformation toward homogenization. Urgent conservation interventions, including expanded temporal monitoring, habitat protection measures, and regulation of human activities, are recommended to preserve the remaining avian biodiversity and ecological integrity of this coastal habitat.