Abstract:
Diurnal Avifaunal species richness, diversity and density was studied along
the Bolgoda Canal in Bellanwila- Attidiya Marsh from June 2005 to February
2006 using the fixed distance line transect method. Six line transects (length
500m each) totaling 3.00 km, which provided the maximum visibility of the
Bolgoda canal was marked along the canal bank using a GPS. All birds seen
within one hundred meters on either side of each transect were recorded for
each month from June 2005 to February 2006. Atotal number of 107 individuals
belong to 53 bird species, thirteen orders and thirty one families were recorded
during the study period. The globally endangered Spot Billed Pelican (Pelecanus
philippensis) and four migratory species Common Sandpiper (Actitis
hypoleucos), Eurasion Thick- Knee (Burhinus Odicnemus), Gull - Billed
Tern (Gelochelidon niloticai, and Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone
paradis i) were among them. Diversity and density indices were significantly
different among months (ANOVA, F=4.24, p<O.OI and F=8.828, p<O.OO\)
respectively. Relative abundance indicated that House Crow (Corvus
splendens) was the most abundant species while Crested Serpent Eagle was
the least abundant bird followed by Pheasant Tailed Jacana and Lesser Whistling
Teal. Present study revealed that although the study site is in close proximity
to densely populated residential areas; it still provides a vital habitat to large
number of bird species and therefore warrants protection.
