Avifaunal Diversity and Abundance of Jalikhara and Etila Beel (wetland) of Kamrup (metro) District, Assam, India

Avifaunal diversity is very common in wetland ecosystem. Wetlands like river, beels, marshes provide a significant habitat for incalculable species of birds. The purpose of this study was to find out the diversity and abundance of avifauna in two selected wetlands of Dimoria region namely Jalikhara and Etila. The study was conducted between March 2016 to April 2017. The line transect method was used to collect data on bird diversity and abundance. And to determine the species diversity Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) was used. A total of 45 bird species belonging to 23 families were recorded. Both the Jalikhara and Etila beel are rich in avifaunal diversity. But the diversity of Etila is found to be comparatively lower (3.17) than the Jalikhara (3.68). And the family Ardeidae is found abundantly in Jalikhara beel while Sturnidae is the most abundant family in Etila beel. The main reason behind it is the avoidance of Etila beel by water birds is due to high effluent discharge by Hindustan Paper Corporation (Nogoan Paper Mill).