ASSESMENT OF MIGRATORY AND RESIDENT BIRDS AT RAGHAGAN DAM, DISTRICT BAJAUR TEHSIL SALARZAI, KPK

The study is conducted to document the species richness and abundance of the migratory and resident birds at Raghagan dam district Bajaur. Raghagan dam is situated N 34.800307º, E71.580137º in tehsil salarzai of district Bajaur which is located at the extreme end of Himalayan range and creates variations in the monsoon rainfall from month to month and year to year. The dam support population of migratory bird and important stopover for migratory and native birds. The study is conducted in the month of March 2022 through direct focal observations and binoculars, therein 13 migratory species and 25 resident species are recorded with total numbers 895 and 711 respectively. The highest relative abundance among migratory birds species is family Anatidae followed by phalacrocoracid and the highest relative abundance among resident bird species is family Accipitridae followed by Columbidae. The area has potential for avian biodiversity thus concrete efforts are required to protect the birds diversity. Presence of ferruginous duck species in the month of May shows food richness, further research is required to know the causes and factors behind the presences of such duck species Effective management and monitoring of the dam should be in priority actions. Illegal hunting is another harmful factor for the killing of birds.