Study on Nest Predation Rate on Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) in Relation to Average Vegetation Density at Hokersar and Haigan Wetlands Kashmir

Abstract: Ecology of prey species is influenced by predators, which increase mortality and alter the behavior of prey species. Cover at nest sites chosen by breeding birds can lessen the danger of nest predation. Wetlands of Kashmir give rearing locales to various waterfowls like Mallard, Common Moorhen, Purple moorhen, Dabchick, Pheasant followed jacana and egrets etc. Predation is the significant reason for nest failure, impacting the number of inhabitants in prey species. Exhibit think about was completed at Hokersar and Haigam wetlands from March 2014 to July 2017.This study concentrated on Prehatch predation of mallard at Hokersar and Haigam wetlands in connection to vegetation thickness and home conveyance. Predation rate was observed to be greatest amid early spring as vegetation was scanty. Fringe homes were observed to be more inclined to predation than those nests which were found in thick typha vegetation. 34% predation rate was found at hokersar and around 38.66% predation rate was found at haigam wetland individually. By applying SPSS measurable technique a negative corelation was found between vegetation thickness and nest predation rate. Haigam confronted high predation stretch contrasted with Hokersar because of less administration and high anthropogenic weight at haigam wetland. Real predators were common crow, yellow billed blue magpie, Marsh harrier and Black kite.