DIVERSITY OF BIRDS IN KUMARASAMY LAKE AND SINGANALLUR LAKE

A bird survey is carried out in lakes of Coimbatore (kumarasamy and singanallur) to examine the diversity and richness distribution of bird species in wetland region. This survey was taken from july 2018 to December 2018 to suitably access the bird diversity. A total number of 50 species from 13 orders and 34 families were recorded. The month of October and November maximum numbers of birds were identified. Pelicaniformes contributed maximum number of species. Finally, least number of birds recorded in Gruiformes, Strigiformes, Psittaciformes, Gariformes, Columbiformes and Podicipitiformes. Maximum bird species were recorded in Singanallur Lake and minimum in Kumarasamy Lake. The study revealed that Kumarasamy and Singanallur Lake acts as a refuge site for many water birds. Hence it is recommended that protection of the wetland from the human disturbance is of urgent need.


INTRODUCTION
Biodiversity is a measure of the numbers of species that make up a biological community and is considered to be one of the most important aspects of community organization and structure. The diversity of bird species is expected to vary with habitat type even at the smallest spatial scales. Among the living organisms, birds are regarded as important indicators of environmental fluctuations. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of habitat heterogeneity in wet land bird richness abundance (Svingen andAnderson, 1998: Edwards andOtis, 1999: Fairbairn and Dinsmore, 2001: Riffel et al., 2001: Zarate Ovando, 2008. Changes in landscape structure result in habitat loss and fragmentation which in turn affect biodiversity and ecosystem processes in urban areas Buyantuyev and Wu, 2009).
Wet lands support highly valuable pools of biodiversity and genetic resources, but unsustainable development is threatening the bio-wealth and even causing species extinction (Khan 2000) and wildlife protection, recreation and food prevention (Shivaperuman and Jayson, 2000). Wetlands provide breeding site for bird habitats (Ali, 2005) and many services that contribute to human wellbeing and poverty alleviation. One of the best known functions of wetland is to provide habitat for birds (Sampath and Krishnamurthy, 1990; Wetlands are important birds habitats and birds use them as migratory resorts for breeding, nesting and rearing young ones. Birds also use wetlands as a source of drinking water and for feeding, resting, shelter and social interaction. It is considered as a good bio indicators and useful models of the wetlands for studying the various environmental problems (Jayanta Mistry and Saradha Mukherjee, 2015).
However, studying of water birds in a wetland are excellent indicators of water quality and measures of biodiversity. As no detailed study ` Dr. J. Roopavathy et al, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Science Archive 5 | P a g e on water birds of Kumarasamy lake and Singanallur lake wetlands, this study was undertaken to determine the diversity of the water birds. As no detailed study on water birds of Kumarasamy lake and Singanallure lake are available, this study was undertaken to determine the diversity of the water birds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A present study was conducted in Muthanamkulam (Kumarasamy lake) and its surroundings in Singanallur lake Coimbatore.

DATA COLLECTION METHOD
Data collection was carried out by three different types, they are given below: (i) The water bird population was estimated by direct counting method (ii) Another method "total count" was used wherever possible, by walking around the wetlands or from specific vantage points to count the birds. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp (1999).were used as field guides and for preparing check list.
(iii) Point count method and direct observation methods were used.
Observations were made twice a month in the early morning and late evening. For watching, counting and identifying birds, wide range binoculars were used. Birds systematically conducted from morning 5.00 am to 6.00 am and evening 5.00pm to 6.00pm, using Bushnell binocular (8x42) and birds were identified by their characteristic features in accordance with the identification keys evolved by Ali (2002) Photography was done by making use of Sony Cyber shot W810 20.1 MP digital camera.

SPECIES RICHENESS
Variable species of birds were identified from each lake. A graph is drawn on the basis of species richness.

STATUS OF BIRDS
The observed birds were categorized into residential (

BIRD IDENTIFICATION
Identification of birds was done according to the keys given by Bikram Grewal, available literature on birds and experts help was also sought for identifying birds. They were also used Ali (2002) and their status following Ali and Ripley (2001).

RESULT
During the study period 50 species of birds were observed at Singanallur lake and kumarasamy lake, Coimbatore district. They belong to 15 order and 34 families. The order Pelicaniformes holds 63 bird species and it is the largest order that contributes more birds from the study area. The family Phalacrocorxidae shared 10 number of birds. Second largest family Ardeibae shared 35 birds followed by Threskiornithidae (6), Pelicanidae (6) and Anhingidae (3). The family Passeridae shared 17 number of bird's species, Hirundinidae, shared 4 birds species, Motacilla shared 3 bird species, Starling shared 2 number of birds species and least number only one bird was found in Aves.
The fifth order Anseriformes hold 11 bird species. Anseriformes belong to Anatidae, followed by Falconiformes (3) Cuculiformes (3) and least number of birds recorded in Gruiformes, Strigiformes, Psittaciformes, Gariformes, Columbiformes and Podicipitiformes. The number of orders in singanallur lake from anseriformes to charadriiformes. The order Pelicaniformes holds a maximum number of bird species observed in the field of study. The maximum number of birds were recorded in Singanallur lake and minimum in Kumarasamy lake order Ciconiiformes holds 37 bird species it is the second largest order that belong to 4 families like Arbeidae, Ciconiidae, threskiornithidae and Anatidae. The family Arbeidae shared 17 number of birds followed by cionciidae shared 10number of birds painted stork (5), wooly neck stork (5). The family Antidae spoonbill (7) shared 7 number of bird species followed by Threskiornithidae oriental white ibis (3) this is the least family of the Ciconiiformes. Similar result were identified by Pittock, 2003.
The present study was investigated to determine the diversity of the water birds. Besides hunting, solid waste dumping near the wetland, open defecation, sewage discharges were some of the human activities found in the wetland. It is recommended to plant high number of acacia tree that would attract high diversity of water birds in the wetland. Creating awareness to the local people regarding the importance of the wetland and water birds.