Some observations on the aquatic avifauna of Hastinapur wetland, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

摘要

Hastinapur wetland, located in Western Uttar Pradesh, has a diverse habitat comprising of a number of water bodies varying, forest patches, agricultural fields and course of river Ganga. Observations were made during winter 2001-2002 on the aquatic birds keeping their conservation and management issues in view. The wetland supports a sizable number of water birds including some uncommon species such as Sarus Crane Grus antigone, Goliath Heron Ardea goliath, Darter Anhinga rufa, White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, and Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus. Observations reveals that illegal harvesting of forest wood, aquatic reeds, fishes, and water fowls is a major threat for biodiversity loss and degradation/fragmentation of habitats.