Checklist of Plankton Diversity in Upper and Lower Tiger Hills Reservoir of Upper Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract :

Wetlands are the major feeding habitats for water birds. This study was to determine and compare the population density, seasonal diversity and species richness of large waders. It was carried out in the Periaykulam lake and the birds were estimated weekly by using total count method during 06.00 am to 06.00 pm. Totally twelve species of large waders were observed from January, 2011 to December, 2012. Among the 12 species, Oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and Painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) were recorded as the ‘Near Threatened’ category of water birds in the lake. The density of large wader was greater during the summer season of the year I and monsoon season of the year II than the other seasons. The density, diversity and species richness varied significantly between the years and among the season (P<0.001). The study reveals that the Periyakulam lake is one of the most preferred habitats for water birds in India and provides favourable conditions for the water birds especially large waders.