Diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India

Abstract

Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of an ecosystem. This study was undertaken to determine the diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India. An intensive study was carried out by line transect method. A total of 117 species of birds belonging to 37 families and 10 orders were recorded and the Shannon-Wiener Diversity index was calculated (H'= 3.85). Family Muscicapidae dominated the area comprising of 16 species, followed by Timaliidae with 6 species. Among all the species recorded, Alcippe nipalensis has the highest relative abundance (13.35%), followed by Staphida castaniceps (Striated Yuhina) and Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental White Eye) with 8.6007% and 6.03337% each. Family-wise relative abundance revealed that Pycnonotidae has the highest relative abundance (17.45%), followed by Sylviidae (15.91%) and Timaliidae (13.35%). The area supports a rich and diverse avian community, therefore, recommended better management of the entire landscape.