International Journal of Advance Scientific Research

(ISSN – 2750-1396)
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Pages: 1-5
SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5.478) (2022: 5.636) (2023: 6.741)
OCLC – 1368736135

Research Article

EXPLORING AVIFAUNAL COMMUNITIES: A COMPARATIVE

STUDY IN MEHSANA, NORTH GUJARAT

Journal Website:
Submission Date: January 22, 2024, Accepted Date: January 27, 2024,
http://sciencebring.co Published Date: February 01, 2024
m/index.php/ijasr Crossref doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/ijasr-04-02-01
Copyright: Original
content from this work

Aditya Khandla
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons attributes Department of Life Science, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India
4.0 licence.

Dharmik Parihar
Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Ugc-Center of
Advance Studies, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT
This comparative study investigates the avifaunal communities in Mehsana, North Gujarat, to elucidate
biodiversity dynamics in the region. Three distinct avifaunal communities are examined, shedding light on
species composition, distribution patterns, and habitat preferences. Through field observations and data
analysis, this research explores the factors influencing avian diversity and abundance across different
habitats and landscapes in Mehsana. Findings contribute to our understanding of avian ecology and
conservation priorities in North Gujarat, providing insights for biodiversity management and habitat
preservation efforts.

KEYWORDS
Avifaunal communities, Mehsana, North Gujarat, Biodiversity dynamics, Species composition, Distribution
patterns, Habitat preferences, Conservation, Ecology.

INTRODUCTION
Mehsana, nestled in the heart of North Gujarat, natural landscapes that serve as habitats for a
boasts a rich tapestry of ecological diversity and myriad of avifaunal species. As a region of

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International Journal of Advance Scientific Research
(ISSN – 2750-1396)
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Pages: 1-5
SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5.478) (2022: 5.636) (2023: 6.741)
OCLC – 1368736135
ecological significance, Mehsana provides a
unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of
avian communities and their interplay with the
surrounding environment. This comparative
study endeavors to delve into the avifaunal
communities of Mehsana, North Gujarat,
elucidating the intricate relationships between
species composition, habitat preferences, and
biodiversity dynamics.
The avifaunal communities in Mehsana represent
a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, ranging from
agricultural lands and wetlands to urban areas
and natural reserves. Each habitat harbors a
distinct avian assemblage, shaped by factors such
as habitat structure, food availability, and
anthropogenic influences. By examining the
composition and distribution of avifaunal species
across different habitats, this study aims to
unravel the underlying mechanisms driving avian
diversity and abundance in the region.
Understanding avian ecology in Mehsana holds
broader implications for biodiversity
conservation and ecosystem management in
North Gujarat. Avifaunal communities serve as
indicators of ecosystem health and
environmental quality, offering valuable insights
into the status of habitats and the impacts of
human activities on natural ecosystems. By
elucidating the dynamics of avian populations,
this research seeks to inform evidence-based
conservation strategies and land-use planning
initiatives that promote the preservation of
biodiversity in Mehsana and beyond.
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
In the following sections, we will embark on a
comparative exploration of avifaunal
communities in Mehsana, examining the species
richness, habitat preferences, and ecological
dynamics that shape avian diversity in this region.
Through field observations, data analysis, and
ecological insights, we aim to contribute to the
growing body of knowledge on avian ecology and
biodiversity conservation in North Gujarat.
METHOD
The process of exploring avifaunal communities
in Mehsana, North Gujarat, involved a systematic
and multi-faceted approach aimed at
comprehensively documenting avian diversity
and understanding habitat associations. Initially,
three distinct habitats were selected across
Mehsana, encompassing agricultural lands,
wetlands, and urban areas, to capture the diverse
range of ecosystems present in the region.
Field surveys and observations were conducted
by trained ornithologists and field biologists
across the selected habitats using standardized
protocols. These surveys involved systematic
visual and auditory observations of avian species
present in each habitat, ensuring thorough
coverage and minimizing observer bias. Field
researchers meticulously recorded data on
species composition, abundance, and habitat
preferences, leveraging field guides, binoculars,
and bird calls for accurate species identification.
Statistical analyses were performed on the
collected data to assess patterns of avian diversity
and abundance across different habitats in
2
International Journal of Advance Scientific Research
(ISSN – 2750-1396)
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Pages: 1-5
SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5.478) (2022: 5.636) (2023: 6.741)
OCLC – 1368736135

Mehsana. Measures such as species richness,
species evenness, and abundance indices were
calculated to quantify avian community structure
and composition. Comparative analyses allowed
for the identification of significant differences in
avian diversity metrics among the sampled
habitats, providing valuable insights into the
distribution patterns and habitat associations of
avifaunal species in the region.
Throughout the process, ethical considerations
were paramount, with measures in place to
ensure the ethical treatment of wildlife and
adherence to regulatory guidelines governing
wildlife research and conservation in Gujarat.
Field activities were conducted in accordance
with permits and regulations, minimizing
disturbance to avian species and their habitats.
The study selected three distinct habitats in
Mehsana, North Gujarat, representing diverse
ecosystems: agricultural lands, wetlands, and
urban areas. These habitats were chosen based on
their ecological significance and potential to
support varied avifaunal communities. Sampling
sites within each habitat were identified to ensure
representative coverage of the landscape and
capture the diversity of avian species.
Field surveys were conducted across the selected
sampling sites to document avifaunal diversity
and abundance. Trained ornithologists and field
biologists conducted systematic observations
using standardized protocols, including visual
and auditory surveys, to record avian species
present in each habitat. Surveys were conducted
during optimal birding hours to maximize species
detection and minimize observer bias.
Data on avian species composition, abundance,
and habitat preferences were meticulously
recorded during field surveys. Species
identification was facilitated using field guides,
binoculars, and bird calls. Information on habitat
characteristics, including vegetation structure,
water availability, and human disturbances, was
also documented to contextualize avian
distribution patterns and habitat associations.
Quantitative data obtained from field surveys
were subjected to statistical analysis to assess
patterns of avian diversity and abundance across
different habitats in Mehsana. Measures such as
species richness, species evenness, and
abundance indices were calculated to quantify
avian community structure and composition.
Comparative analyses were conducted to identify
significant differences in avian diversity metrics
among the sampled habitats.
Ethical guidelines for wildlife research and
observation were strictly adhered to throughout
the study. All field activities were conducted in
accordance with permits and regulations
governing wildlife research and conservation in
Gujarat. Measures were implemented to
minimize disturbance to avian species and their
habitats, ensuring the ethical treatment of wildlife
during data collection.
Despite rigorous sampling efforts, the study
acknowledges potential limitations inherent in
avian surveys, including detection biases,
temporal variability, and habitat heterogeneity.

Volume 04 Issue 02-2024 3

International Journal of Advance Scientific Research
(ISSN – 2750-1396)
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Pages: 1-5
SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5.478) (2022: 5.636) (2023: 6.741)
OCLC – 1368736135
While efforts were made to standardize survey
protocols and minimize confounding factors, the
study recognizes the inherent complexities of
avian ecology and the dynamic nature of
ecosystems.
Despite inherent limitations associated with
avian surveys, including detection biases and
habitat variability, the study provides a robust
foundation for understanding avifaunal
communities in Mehsana, North Gujarat. By
elucidating the ecological dynamics of avian
populations across different habitats, the
research contributes valuable insights to
biodiversity conservation and habitat
management efforts in the region.
RESULTS
The comparative study of avifaunal communities
in Mehsana, North Gujarat, revealed distinct
patterns of species composition and abundance
across the sampled habitats. Agricultural lands
harbored a diverse array of species adapted to
open fields and agricultural landscapes, including
raptors, seedeaters, and insectivores. Wetlands
supported a rich diversity of waterfowl, waders,
and shorebirds, attracted by the abundance of
aquatic resources and wetland vegetation. Urban
areas, characterized by human settlements and
fragmented green spaces, hosted adaptable
species such as pigeons, sparrows, and mynas,
adapted to anthropogenic environments.
Statistical analyses indicated significant
differences in avian diversity metrics among the
sampled habitats, with wetlands exhibiting the
Volume 04 Issue 02-2024
highest species richness and evenness, followed
by agricultural lands and urban areas. These
findings underscore the importance of diverse
habitats in supporting avian biodiversity and
highlight the role of wetlands as critical
ecosystems for avifaunal conservation in
Mehsana.
DISCUSSION
The results of the study provide valuable insights
into the dynamics of avifaunal communities in
Mehsana, North Gujarat, and underscore the
importance of habitat diversity in supporting
avian biodiversity. Wetlands emerge as key
habitats for avian diversity, serving as important
stopover sites for migratory species and
providing critical breeding and foraging grounds
for resident birds. Agricultural lands also play a
significant role in supporting avian populations,
albeit with lower species richness compared to
wetlands.
Urbanization and habitat fragmentation pose
significant challenges to avian conservation in
Mehsana, with urban areas supporting fewer
species and exhibiting lower diversity compared
to natural habitats. Anthropogenic disturbances,
including habitat loss, pollution, and urban
sprawl, threaten the integrity of avian habitats
and pose long-term risks to avifaunal populations
in the region.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the comparative study of avifaunal
communities in Mehsana, North Gujarat, provides
4
International Journal of Advance Scientific Research
(ISSN – 2750-1396)
VOLUME 04 ISSUE 02 Pages: 1-5
SJIF IMPACT FACTOR (2021: 5.478) (2022: 5.636) (2023: 6.741)
OCLC – 1368736135

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