The Diversity and Abundance of Waterbirds in Lakes of Bangalore City, Karnataka, India

The diversity and abundance of waterbirds in lakes of Bangalore city, Karnataka, India

S. RAJASHEKARA A ND * M. G. VENKATESHA

Department of Zoology, Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi, Bangalore 560056, Karnataka.

ABSTRACT. Observations were made on the occurrence, abundance, and richness of waterbird species in 15 lakes of Bangalore city during 2008 - 2009. During the study period 34 species of aquatic birds were recorded. There was a significant difference in the mean percent abundance, percent frequency and species distribution ratios of waterbird species in different lakes (P<0.05). The abundance and richness of aquatic bird species among different families was significantly different (P<0.05). Of the 34 waterbird species, Pelecanus philippensis (Spot-billed Pelican) and Mycteria leucocephala (Painted Stork) were near threatened species and rest of the species were least concerned. Both species-wise and family-wise dendrograms formed two major clusters, which showed significant negative affinity.

KEYWORDS. Abundance, Bangalore lakes, distribution ratio, diversity, frequency, richness, waterbirds.

Introduction Wetlands are the most productive and biologically diverse in the world but very fragile Birds are often common denizens of the ecosystems ecosystems (Gibbs, 1993). Wetlands and waterbirds and they have been considered as an indicator species are inseparable elements and thus form a rich array of of inhabited areas (Blair, 1999). Studies showed that waterbird communities (Grimmett and Inskipp, 2007). depressed abundance of various bird species in most Waterbirds are an important component of most of the parts of the world today especially in urban areas are wetland ecosystems as they occupy several trophic of particular concern as many cities are growing rapidly levels in the food web of wetland nutrient cycles. both in area and in population (Emlen, 1974; Donaldson Activities of waterbirds are considered as indicator of et al., 2007). Population of birds is a sensitive indicator quality of the wetland ecosystem and form the terminal of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem links in many aquatic food chains, and as a result they (Gaston, 1975; Hardy et al., 1987). The estimation of reflect changes originating in several different local densities of avifauna helps to understand the ecosystem components (Custer and Osborne, 1977). abundance of various species of other organisms Urbanization is a universal phenomenon and (Turner, 2003). One of the major priorities in conserving its impact on biodiversity, especially in terms of animals is monitoring their populations to find methods irrecoverable habitat fragmentation and loss, for their long term survival (Caughley, 1982). extermination of native and migratory species are

* Corresponding author: [email protected] Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2): 63-73 63 64 Rajashekara & Venkatesha slowly being understood (Mckinney, 2002). Owing to fast urbanization native species tend to become rare and are restricted to sites that have escaped high intensity development (Godefroid, 2001). Bangalore city is the fifth largest city in India and is also known as the Garden City because of its many beautiful parks, lakes, gardens and natural vegetations (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangalore). Like many Indian major cities, industrial and automobile pollutions and habitat destruction are common features in Bangalore city. Despite the fast growth, the city has several small to large lakes where activities of various species of waterbirds are very common. Lakes and wetlands in cities serve as reservoirs Figure 1. Map of Bangalore city showing locations of the study lakes for sustaining native flora and fauna (Grimmett and Inskipp, 2007; Surana et al., 2007). The aquatic bird climate in Bangalore from December to February is communities of the Bangalore region are important winter, March to May is summer, and from June to bioindicators of lake ecosystems which should be November is rainy season and the city receives both protected to conserve the biodiversity and environment. the southwest and northeast monsoons (http:// Although aquatic bird species in some lakes of www.indianchild.com/climate_india.htm). Bangalore have been recorded by Manjunath et al., There are several important lakes located in (2005), their composition, abundance and diversity have and around the city (http://www.ldakarnataka.co.in/ not been thoroughly studied in most of the major lakes. case%20studies.htm). Fifteen study lakes were chosen Hence, we evaluated aquatic avian species composition, based on their locations, water level and occurrence abundance and diversity in different lakes with a view of bird populations (Figure 1). to generate data which could be used to evolve better management and conservation methods for various Bird Survey and sampling method: aquatic bird species in the Bangalore region. No single survey can provide all data to answer Methods every research question (Turner, 2003). However, basic data for any study provide a framework upon which Study sites: Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka more detailed investigations may be conducted (Turner, State, is located in the heart of South Deccan of 2003). Although some general principles have emerged Peninsular India. The Bangalore region lies between from the study of wildlife in urban areas, not all areas, latitudinal parallels 12º 39' - 13º 18' N and longitudinal human cultures, and natural communities are the same. parallels 77 º 22' - 77 º 52' E at an elevation range 839- Thus, an efficient protocol that can be adopted in 962m mean sea level (http://www.ces.iisc.ernet.in/ different places should be developed (Turner, 2003). energy/wetlands/sarea.html). The city covers an area Based on our experience of bird sampling in the field of 2191 sq. km (http://www.bangaloreit.com/html/ considering the habitat status and area of each study aboutbang/bangprofile.html). In Bangalore average lake, bird sampling was made by walking at a slow maximum and minimum temperature is 36ºC and 14ºC pace (about 1-1.5 km/h) along the bank of the lakes respectively, and humidity range is 35-80% RH. The (as the aquatic birds are usually found around or in the

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) Diversity and abundance of waterbirds in lakes of Bangalore city, 65 lake area) as followed by Gaston (1975) and Bibby et RESULTS AND DISCUSSION al., (2000). However, wherever necessary point count of birds was also made within the visible radius by The occurrence, percent frequency, conservation stopping briefly for two minutes as followed by other status and ecological status, and food sources of workers (Blondel et al., 1981, Bibby et al., 2000, different species of aquatic birds recorded in the Froneman et al., 2001, Kaul and Howman, 1992; various Bangalore lakes are given in Table 1. During Turner, 2003; Urfi et al., 2005). Surveys were the study period we recorded 34 species of aquatic conducted once a fortnight in the identified lakes during birds that belong to 21 genera under 11 families and February 2008 - January 2009. Birds were counted at eight orders. However, Manjunath et al., (2005) their point of first detection and care was taken to recorded 42 species of waterbirds in the lakes of north ensure that same birds were not counted again. The Bangalore in which the presently recorded all the 34 number of aquatic birds of various species was species are mentioned. Of the recorded species, recorded in a data sheet at each sampling lake on each maximum number of species were belonging to census day. Call notes of the birds were also used for Ardeidae (8) and the minimum number of species was locating the birds. Counting of the birds was made at from Podicipedidae (1) (Table 1). The maximum different timings of the day from morning 07.00 AM to number of genera (5) was also from Ardeidae (Table evening 06.00 PM when they are most active and 2). Some of the common waterbirds such as Cattle conspicuous. Recordings were not made at the time of Egret, Little Grebe, Smaller Egret, Pond Heron, and heavy rains. The check list of species was prepared Purple Moorhen recorded in the lakes were also following Ali (1996), Manakadan and Pittie (2001) and recorded as commonly occurring birds in the wetland Grimmett and Inskipp (2007). agro-ecosystems of maiden area of Karnataka (Basavarajappa, 2006). Data analysis: Waterbird species diversity was Of the 34 aquatic bird species, 10 species assessed which provides information about rarity and were carnivorous/insectivorous, seven - carnivorous, commonness of species in a community. The percent five - piscivorous, four - insectivorous, four - abundance and frequency and the distribution ratio herbivorous, two - omnivorous, and two - piscivorous/ of aquatic bird species were calculated. Pearman’s insectivorous. Similarly, 19, 10 and five species were correlation was applied to determine the relationship resident migrants, pure residents and pure migrants, between species frequency and abundance, and respectively. Feeding habit and residing status of each between abundance and species distribution ratio. bird species is presented in Table 1. Similar Moreover, the abundance and Marglef’s richness composition of waterbirds has been reported in India index of aquatic bird families were calculated using earlier (Bhatnagar et al., 2008; Shahu and Rout, the Window’s Microsoft Excel. Percent abundance, 2005). percent frequency, distribution ratio, and richness of Out of 34 waterbird species, only two species, aquatic bird species were statically analyzed using Pelecanus philippensis (Spot-billed Pelican) and analysis of variance Megastat version 7.25 software Mycteria leucocephala (Painted Stork) are near (Orris, 1999). Cluster analysis was carried out to threatened species and the rest were least concerned create a dendrogram to assess the similarity in (IUCN, 2010). abundance of waterbird species and waterbird Of the various recorded waterbirds, Anas families in the Bangalore lakes using Biodiversity Pro querquedula and Bubulcus ibis (13.79% each) was Version 2 (McAleece et al., 1997). highly abundant species, whereas Anas clypeata was

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) 66 Rajashekara & Venkatesha

Table 1. Various details of aquatic birds of Bangalore city lakes

Scientific name Common name# Conservation Food Residing Species Species Species status## habit* status* Abundance Frequency Distribution Index (%)a Index (%)b Ratioc Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe Lc C/I R 1.08 61.11 0.02 Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae Pelecanus onocrotalus Pelecanus philippensis Rosy Pelican Lc P RM 0.73 16.11 0.05 Phalacrocoracidae Spot-billed Pelican N T P RM 2.07 46.67 0.04 Phalacrocorax carbo Large Cormorant Lc P RM 0.99 40.56 0.02 Phalacrocorax niger Little Cormorant Lc P RM 7.33 95.00 0.08 Anhinga rufa Darter Lc P RM 0.67 25.00 0.03 Ciconiiformes Ardeidae Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Lc C RM 3.49 91.67 0.04 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron Lc C RM 1.40 37.78 0.04 Ardea alba Large Egret Lc C RM 2.14 53.33 0.04 Ardeola grayji Pond Heron Lc C/I R 2.62 75.56 0.03 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Lc C/I RM 13.79 100.00 0.14 Egretta intermedia Median Egret Lc C RM 0.78 32.78 0.02 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Lc C R 9.59 97.22 0.10 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron Lc C/I R 0.53 21.11 0.03 Ciconiidae Mycteria leucocephala Painted Stork NT C RM 1.33 41.67 0.03 Anastomus oscitans Openbill Stork Lc C/I R 0.86 24.44 0.04 Anseriformes Anatidae Anas acuta Northern Pintail Lc H M 0.42 08.89 0.05 Anas poecilorhyncha Spot-billed Duck Lc H RM 2.01 55.00 0.04 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Lc H RM 0.41 11.11 0.04 Anas querquedula Garganey Lc H M 13.79 73.89 0.19 Anas clypeata Northern Shoveller Lc C M 0.24 05.56 0.04 Gruiformes Rallidae Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Moorhen Lc O R 2.67 32.78 0.08 Fulica atra Common Coot Lc O RM 12.23 92.78 0.13 Charadriiformes Charadridae Vanellus indicus Red-wattled Lapwing Lc C/I R 1.12 35.56 0.03 Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Lc C/I RM 2.06 72.78 0.03 Scolopacidae Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Lc C/I M 0.89 30.56 0.03 Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Lc C/I RM 2.71 92.22 0.03 Coraciiformes Alcedinidae Ceryle rudis Lesser Pied Kingfisher Lc P/I R 1.32 69.44 0.02 Alcedo atthis Small Blue Kingfisher Lc P/I RM 1.46 82.22 0.02 Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted Kingfisher Lc C/I R 1.87 91.67 0.02 Passeriformes Motacillidae Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Lc I RM 1.28 60.00 0.02 Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail Lc I M 1.77 81.11 0.02 Motacilla alba White Wagtail Lc I RM 1.22 57.22 0.02 Motacilla maderaspatensis Large Pied Wagtail Lc I R 3.16 99.44 0.03

#Manakadan and Pittie (2001); *Ali (1996); M- Migrant, R- Resident, RM- Resident Migrant; C- Carnivorous, H- Herbivorous, I-Insectivorous, O- Omnivorous, P-Piscivorous. ##Sources: BirdLife International (2007); Lc- Least concern, NT-Near threatened. a Percent abundance of aquatic bird species was significantly different (F=20.75, df=33, P<0.05); b total percent frequency of aquatic bird species was significantly different (F=120.68, df=33, P<0.05); c Species distribution ratios among bird species was significantly different (F=20.15, df=33, P<0.05).

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) Diversity and abundance of waterbirds in lakes of Bangalore city, 67 the least abundant (0.24%) one (Table 1). There was intermedia, Halcyon smyrnensis, Motacilla alba, a significant difference in the percent abundance among Motacilla cinerea, Motacilla flava, Phalacrocorax waterbird species in the Bangalore lakes (F=20.75, carbo and Tachybaptus ruficollis (0.02 each) showed df=33, P<0.05). The rank abundance of aquatic bird the lowest species distribution ratio in the lakes due to species is presented in Figure 2. Bubulcus ibis was their less abundance and less frequency of occurrence encountered in all the visits and accounted for cent (Table 1). The highest percent abundance and percent frequency, whereas Anas clypeata was less distribution ratio of Anas querquedula could be due frequently (5.56%) observed species (Table 1). The to its herbivorous nature, feeding on the grains and highest percent frequency of Bubulcus ibis could be shoots of marsh plants which are abundant in all the due to its omnivorous nature, amphibious residing habit lakes as reported earlier (Ali, 1996; Mukherjee et al., and migratory status. This waterbird preferred the crop 2002). The availability of food resources, adequate fields because of the food availability such as grass shelter and breeding habitat are important factors that tubers, shattered grains, small molluscs, etc. at fixed determine the species abundance and richness of water depth of <1m as reported by Mukherjee et al. specific species (Froneman et al., 2001).There was a (2002). Whereas Anas clypeata was less abundant significant difference (F=20.15, df=33, P<0.05) in the and less frequent species owing to its carnivorous species distribution ratio of aquatic birds in the feeding habit; mainly feeds on the animal matter which Bangalore lakes. was not common in the lakes. There was a significant There was a significant positive correlation difference (F=120.68, df=33, P<0.05) in the percent between the abundance and percent frequency of frequency of various waterbird species in the Bangalore aquatic birds in the Bangalore lakes (r = 0.6015, P<0.05, lakes. Anas querquedula accounted for the highest n = 32) (Figure 3). Similarly, we found a significant species distribution ratio (0.19) in all the study lakes, positive correlation between the increasing number of whereas Alcedo atthis, Ceryle rudis, Egretta individuals and species distribution ratio of aquatic birds

Table 2. The species richness and abundance of aquatic birds under different families in the Bangalore lakes

Order Family No. of No. of species Abundance Margalef’s species a b Genera (S) (%) richness R1= S-1/ ln(n) Podicipediformes Podicipedidae 1 1 1.08 0.00 Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae 1 2 2.80 0.13 Pelecaniformes Phalacrocoracidae 2 3 8.98 0.22 Ciconiiformes Ardeidae 5 8 34.35 0.68 Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae 2 2 2.19 0.13 Anseriformes Anatidae 1 5 16.87 0.42 Gruiformes Rallidae 2 2 14.90 0.11 Charadriiformes Charadridae 2 2 3.18 0.13 Charadriiformes Scolopacidae 1 2 3.60 0.13 Coraciiformes Alcedinidae 3 3 4.65 0.24 Passeriformes Motacillidae 1 4 7.40 0.34 Total 21 34 100.00 - a Relative abundance of aquatic bird species in different families was significantly different (F=9.34, df=10, P<0.05); b Margalef’s species richness of aquatic bird species in different families was significantly different (F=22.91, df=10, P<0.05).

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) 68 Rajashekara & Venkatesha

Figure 2. Rank abundance of aquatic bird species at Bangalore lakes

Figure 3. Correlation of species frequency with species abundance of the aquatic birds in the Bangalore lakes

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) Diversity and abundance of waterbirds in lakes of Bangalore city, 69 in the Bangalore lakes (r = 0.9261, P<0.05, n = 32) sessils), Aponogeten natans, spiny amaranth (Figure 4). This indicates that the high abundance and (Amaranthus spinosus), water hyssop (Bacopa frequency of a species are related to its maximum monnieri), plumed cockscomb (Celosia argentea), distribution in different lakes as reported in the ponds colocasia (Colocasia esculenta), jointed flatsedge of Spain (Paracuellos and Tellería, 2004). (Cyperus articulatus), dwarf morning-glory Of the various recorded waterbird families, (Evolvulus alsinoides), hydrilla (Hydrilla Ardeidae showed the highest percent abundance and verticillata), water lily (Nymphaea spp.), castor richness, whereas Podicipedidae showed the least (Ricinus communis), milk weed plant (Calotropis percent abundance and richness (Table 2). There was gigantea and Calotropis procera), Oxalis sp., Swamp a significant difference in the abundance (F=9.34, morning-glory (Ipomoea aquatica), Polygonum sp., df=10, P<0.05) and richness (F=22.91, df=10, P<0.05) duck lettuce (Ottelia alismoides), reed-mace or cattail among different families. (Typha angustata), tape grass (Vallisneria spiralis), The highest number of species, abundance and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), water hyacinth (Eichornia richness of Ardeidae may due to the presence of more crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia spp.) in study generalist species such as Ardea alba, Ardea cinerea, lakes of Bangalore city. Mukherjee et al. (2002) Ardea purpurea, Ardeola grayji, Bubulcus ibis, recorded 19 species of water weeds in man-made Egretta garzetta, Egretta intermedia, and Nycticorax reservoirs of Kheda District, Gujarat in which the nycticorax as noticed in the wetland agro-ecosystems presently recorded four species (Eichornia crassipes, by Basavarajappa (2006) and Akoism et al. (2008). Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica and Typha Family wise constructed dendrogram shows angustata) were included. similarity in the number of waterbird species in different The many aquatic weeds in addition to the families in the Bangalore lakes is presented in Figure major hazardous growth of water hyacinth recorded 5. Ardeidae which accounted for the highest number in most of the lakes were found to decrease the lake of species were belong to one cluster, whereas rest of area. Bhatnagar et al. (2007) reported similar the 10 families with moderate to minimum number of findings in India. It was observed that the various species were formed another cluster. These two major decaying weeds in the lakes formed floating clusters show significant negative affinities. vegetation islands/mats which are known to Similarly, dendrogram showing similarity in deteriorate habitat quality and also interfere with the species abundance and their distribution ratio of foraging activities of waterbirds. Furthermore, we waterbirds in the Bangalore lakes is presented in have not observed any nests of waterbirds in these Figure 6. The aquatic bird species such as Anas weeds. Mukherjee et al. (2002) reported that querquedula, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, aquatic weeds and short vegetations are not suitable Fulica atra, and Phalacrocorax niger which for nesting. The activities of terrestrial birds such accounted for the highest abundance and distribution as crows (Corvus splendens and Corvus ratio were belong to one cluster, whereas rest of macrorhynchos), mynas (Acridotheres tristis and the 29 species with moderate to minimum abundance Acridotheres fuscus) and Common Pariah kites and distribution ratio were formed another cluster. (Milvus migrans) around the study lakes were not These two major clusters show significant negative found interfering with the activities of aquatic birds. affinities. It is difficult to assess the direct effect of During the study period we have recorded 23 pollution, anthropogenic activities, etc. on the bird species of aquatic weeds such as alligator weeds populations in the city lakes. As eutrophication has (Alternanthera philoxeroides and Alternanthera become a major factor of disturbance in many lakes of

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) 70 Rajashekara & Venkatesha

Figure 4. Correlation of number of individuals with species distribution ratio of the aquatic birds in the Bangalore lakes

Figure 5. Dendrogram showing relationship among various aquatic bird families at Bangalore lakes

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2) Diversity and abundance of waterbirds in lakes of Bangalore city, 71

Figure 6. Dendrogram showing relationship among various aquatic bird species at Bangalore lakes

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Received: 10-03-2010 Accepted: 15-11-2010

Biosystematica, 2010, 4(2)