Avifauna and its interactions with the plants at Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Observations of plant-bird interactions at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Arid Zone Regional Centre (AZRC) in Jodhpur campus have been supported by photographic evidence. A total of 55 species of birds have been recorded here, including winter migratory birds (8), internal migratory birds (7) and sedentary birds (40). In the analysed area, interactions of birds with 75 species of plants, representing 34 families, were recorded (most of these plants belong to the families Fabaceae and Poaceae). During the observation, it was found that these plants brought various benefits to the birds living in the area. Most plants are a source of insects that are part of the diet of birds and a shelter or nesting site. These observations allowed for the formulation of conclusions regarding the importance of urban gardens and native plant species for the preservation of biodiversity in urbanised conditions.