Importance of urban forest in conservation of bird biodiversity in Kota city

Abstract

With the advent of agriculture urbanisation started. Topologically plain areas which were covered by forests were deforested to set up agriculture fields. Further human settlements arose nearby crop fields. Up to this phase there was still cooperative interaction between humans and nature. Second and major blow came from industrialization. This led to immense negative impact on landscape shape and its biodiversity. Biodiversity of any area reflect the ecosystem health and also give insight to its future prospect and age. Any change in the landscape shows change in various interactions, particularly interspecific competition and population density of different inhabitants. A study is conducted in Government College Kota campus and JDB College which is a major urban forest in the heart of Kota city. This region is covered by Mango trees (Anacardiaceae), Ficus – Peepal, Banyan (Moraceae), Casia – Fabaceae. Other includes plants from Asteraceae, Gramineae family plants which provide food material for much type of birds and small animals. This urban forest is inhabited by Forty seven bird species compared to the other parts of city in which only thirty one avifauna was recorded. Green area harbours more biodiversity than constructed city areas. In urban forest though pigeons continues to dominate but have other co-habitants such as rose ring parakeet Psittacula krameri , collared dove Streptopelia decaocto, jungle babbler Turdoides striata, and different species of peafowl, babret, humming birds, spotted owl, . These birds compete for nesting holes in building walls, prefers cooler sites then areas which are more sun exposed. Study shows that nest site competition is also affected by sun exposed area where nesting sites were less than shadow area with more tree surrounding. This clearly indicates dire need of more trees particularly trees with greater canopy and fruits.