Assessing The Habitat Suitability of Six Coniferous Forests Using Avian Assemblages At High Altitude Ecosystem

Abstract

Birds are habitat specialist, i.e. often selects habitat that offers ample services such as a variety of food resources, safe breeding and less disturb sites to satisfy their needs. We aimed to ascertain the conservation status of avian assemblages inhabited in six different coniferous forests. The study employed the point count method to determine the avian assemblages in each forest type. The surveys were conducted employing the distance sampling point count method and determining the floristic composition through direct visual estimation from January 2018 to March 2019. In total, 2465 bird individuals representing 57 species and 29 families were observed in six coniferous forests. Twelve tree species, nine shrub species, and 14 grass species were identified in the forests. Except for the Streptopelia turtur (vulnerable), all bird species are listed as “least concern” according to the IUCN Red List Category and Criteria 2019–2. Notably, the relative abundance of bird assemblages among six coniferous habitats was significantly different (F5, 293 = 22.8, p < 0.05). The CAP results reflected that bird diversity indices varied coniferous forests. Strikingly, dry–temperate coniferous forest (BG) was densely populated (5.831 ± 0.694 birds•ha−1) as compared to other habitats. These findings suggested that subtropical coniferous forests are cradles of life for a wide array of avian assemblages and hence should be declared as protected forests to enhance avian assemblages in this region.