On the diversity of the vertebrate fauna (excluding fishes) of Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia, West Bengal, India

摘要

The present study was conducted at Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia, West Bengal between June 2013 and May 2015. Multiple methods were used for making a consolidated checklist and comments on the relative abundance of vertebrate diversity, excluding fishes. The methods included hand capturing, extensive searches in micro habitats, opportunistic spotting and information collection from the local people. A total of 106 different vertebrate species were recorded during the study span of two years. Aves was recorded as the Class with the highest diversity (63 species) while Amphibia was recorded as the Class with the lowest diversity (9 species). Most of the species recorded during the present study belong to ‘Least Concern’ category as designated by IUCN. The Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena belong to ‘Near Threatened’ category while the White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis belongs to ‘Critically Endangered’ category. The present study location is facing pressures from the usual anthropogenic interventions and needs attention from the concerned authorities.