Status of Birds in Son Gharial Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India

To know the population status of birds in Son Gharial sanctuary a survey was conducted from 08 to 10 March, 2010. Bird’s population was estimated by point count method using a vantage point in 5 different locations. Survey was carried out either on foot or through stationary observations depending on local conditions and logistics. During the survey about 664 individuals of birds belonging to 30 species in 10 different families were counted. Pelecaniformes is the most predominant order in which 7 species were identified. Among the identified species Black Bellied Tern, Indian Skimmer, River Tern, Black-headed Ibis, Red-naped Ibis, Comb Duck, Black-necked Stork, Common Merganser and Egyptian Vulture were the prominent species. Major stretch of the river was found sub-optimal for sustenance of bird population as the sanctuary faces a multitude of threats and disturbances especially from fishing and sand-mining. Increase in agriculture, livestock grazing and other human activities degraded the nesting beaches along the river bank. Some recommendations have been suggested on the basis of the observations during the present survey.