To Study the Avian Diversity in Mahim Bay, Mumbai

Many bird species are known to inhabit the urban Mumbai metropolis and its surrounding areas including Mahul, Uran, Vasai, and Thane Creek. However, there is lack of thorough survey on the bird diversity of western coast of Mumbai especially in the Mahim Bay. This area is home to many bird species. The large congregations of migratory and resident water birds use this area as a wintering ground. The birds are attracted to the Mahim bay because it has rich benthic fauna and fish diversity, which is their food source. The Mahim bay is considerably polluted due to anthropogenic activities like, sewage disposal especially from the Mithi River and BMC drainage outlets, recreational activities and religious rituals such as Ganesh visarjan. Therefore the present survey is been conducted to prepare a checklist of the birds observed at the Mahim bay. Birds play an essential role in many ecosystems. They are fundamental parts of food chains and food webs. Birds are predators, eating other organisms and serve as prey for animals as foxes, raccoons, and snakes. This phenomenon keeps a check on the number of particular species in an ecosystem. Birds play a vital role in keeping balance of nature. Birds are natural pest controllers, fruit-eating birds help disperse seeds, whereas nectar-feeding birds are pollinators. The dung of seabirds contain phosphorus& guanine, hence add nutrients to the soil and water. Thus, it is very important to obtain a base line data of avifauna in any habitat. Therefore the present survey was conducted to prepare a checklist of the birds occurring in the Mahim bay.