Conservation significance of Changaram wetlands - a key wintering site for migratory shorebirds and other waterbirds in the western coast of Kerala, India

Abstract

Changaram wetland is an important stopover ground for migratory shorebirds, gulls, terns, and other waterbirds in the western coast of Kerala and it encompasses major habitats like exposed mudflats, mangrove fringes, and an agroecosystem. A total of 77 species of waterbirds (shorebirds, large wading birds, gulls, and terns) including long distance migrants, local migrants, and resident species were encountered in our survey carried out during 2018 and 2019. Ten out of these 77 species fall under threatened category in the IUCN Red List and hence the Changaram wetlands demand immediate attention from the conservation perspective. Considering tremendous anthropogenic pressures faced by these wetlands, and the decline in the abundance of waterbirds, a regular system for monitoring the bird population and the wetlands must be deployed for the conservation of the ecosystem and of the birds.

Assessing avian diversity and conservation status in Dighal Wetlands, Haryana, India

“…However, wetland habitats across India face significant threats, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation; water quality deterioration due to contamination; recreational pressures; and developmental activities (Kumar & Sharma 2018;Chakraborty et al 2021;Kaur & Brraich 2021;Mandal et al 2021;Yashmita-Ulman & Singh 2022;Anand et al 2023;Muralikrishnan et al 2023). The Dighal wetlands are no exception, as they support a diverse community of winter migrants and species of global conservation concern, all of which are vulnerable to various anthropogenic pressures.…”

“…They have specific ecological characteristics, functions, and values. Approximately 5-8% of the Earth's surface is occupied by wetlands (Anand et al 2023). In addition to providing various ecosystem services, wetlands are reservoirs of incredible biodiversity, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants.…”

“…In addition to providing various ecosystem services, wetlands are reservoirs of incredible biodiversity, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants. Therefore, wetlands are often viewed as treasuries of biodiversity within a region or landscape (Bhat et al 2009;Singh & Brraich 2022;Anand et al 2023;Byju et al 2023).…”

“…Wetlands are important for both resident and migratory birds. They are used by birds for various purposes such as foraging, breeding, roosting, and nesting habitats, and sometimes also as stopover sites (Ganbold et al 2018;Kumar & Sharma 2018;Panda et al 2021;Yashmita-Ulman & Singh 2022;Anand et al 2023;Muralikrishnan et al 2023). Birds are extremely sensitive to changes in their habitats such as human disturbance, poisoning, pollution, eutrophication, and siltation; therefore, they can be used as an excellent ecological indicator for assessing the quality, productivity, and stability of wetlands (Mistry et al 2008;Amat & Green 2010).…”

“…In India, 4.6% of the geographical area is under wetlands (Bassi et al 2014;Anand et al 2023). Of the 1,353 bird species reported from various habitats within the geographical limits of India (Praveen & Jayapal 2023), 310 are recognised to be dependent on wetlands (Kumar et al 2005).…”