Executive summary of the minor research project
“Study of Charadriiformes Shorebirds,Waders, Gulls and Terns in
catchment area of Godavari River from Ahmednagar District”
Dr. D. K. Mhaske
The project aims at to study Charadriiformes shorebirds from
Godavari River basin from Ahmednagar district. Charadriiformes
shorebirds include Plovers, Sandpipers, Snipes, Curlews, Godwits,
Stilts, Lapwings, Coursers, Pranticoles, Gulls & Terns. These
wadering birds are wings on the wind which migrate very long
distance, probably Arctic to Antarctic regions. Least is known about
shorebirds migrating, along the wetlands in India. Attempts will be
made to record the shorebirds visiting Godavari River basin & water
bodies in the catchment area. Special attention will be given to
shorebirds visiting, Jayakwadi Dam, one of the important birds area
(IBA), during their winter migration. This will focus light on
migratory birds enroute India, during their winter migration and
reveal environmental status of wetlands & nearby sites This will also
help in knowing the biodiversity wealth of India.
Objectives : To obtain information about shorebirds like waders, terns &
gulls.
 To record & count waders like Plovers, Sandpipers, Snipes,
Curlews, Godwits, Stilts, Lapwings, Coursers, Gulls & Terns.
 To promote conservation & management of habitat for
migrating water birds.
 To create environmental awareness among people.
 Shorebird count will be communicated and shared with BNHS
& Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC).
Result:
On scrutiny it has been revealed that total number of water birds
visiting sites under investigation nears 20,000 birds, belonging to
28 species. Many of the bird species are near threatened and some
of them are endangered and vulnerable which may likely become
conservation dependent. The Wetland sites under study, along the
backwater of Jayakwadi Dam have potential for reorganization as
Wetlands of International importance under Ramsar convention 7 th
May, 1999. The Wetland site under investigation covers only a
small portion of Godavari River and Jayakwadi Dam; and the
whole of reservoir may be supporting and harboring much more
birds during their migration and stay at the site. During
investigation only Charadriiformes birds were emphasized, whose
number is nearly 20000. All other waterfowl may count more than
350000+ birds, with such a large number of birds; Jayakwadi Dam
alongwith its catchment area may certainly emerge as the
"Wetlands of International Importance". The wetland site along the
catchment area of Godavari River and backwater of Jayakwadi
Dam was under close observation for the year 2010 and 2011. The
data collected during study period will be of immense importance
and use for the conservation of bird biodiversity. It will help to
identify, document and advocate the protection and management of
site that are important for the long term viability of naturally
occurring bird population across the geographic range. Collected
data will contribute in the development of National Conservation
Strategy and highlight sites which are threatened or inadequately
protected. It will help buildup regional and national networks of
ornithologists and conservationists.
Information gathered during project work will help
in identifying high biodiversity areas and future priorities for bird
biodiversity conservation. It will provide material for education,
training and assist government authorities in the implementation of
various agreements, plans and National Biodiversity Strategy &
Action Plan. As the birds are fairly reliable indicator of
biodiversity loss, a significant proportion of bird can be effectively
conserved, by protection of key sites with necessary and
appropriate management and or through the promotion of
sustainable land use practices.
Prin.Dr.D.K.Mhaske
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