Abstract:
The study of Avifaunal diversity was conducted within the sugar plantation area of
PSI and its vicinity from November 01, 2003 to February 28, 2004. PSI is located
about 3 km from Burutha junction on the A-4 main road (Colombo-Batticaloa) and
the study site (section 2 and section 3) is 15 km away from the PSI factory. Line
transects, block counts, point counts and opportunistic observations were conducted in
four different habitat types to identify bird species diversity. The habitat types studied
were, old, man-made water body (re-established ini990), a new, man-made water
body (re-established in 2002), a hillock with rocks and shrubs and a stretch of the
river boundary of Manik ganga. All nesting habitats in canopy level were identified
and counted separately in all four habitat types.
A total of 103 bird species from 46 families and 15 orders were observed in all four
habitat types. 92 of them were resident species, 10 migrants and 1 endemic to Sri
Lanka. The species richness indicator values were 84, 61, 75, and 56 in the IPW (old
water body), PMW (new water body), MGR (riverine) and hillock respectively.
There was a marked difference in species composition and diversity between old and
new water bodies. Also it shows different species richness and abundance between
four habitat types. Some endangered, vulnerable and rare species like Red-faced
Malkoha, Blue-eared kingfisher; Spot billed Pelican categorized under international
conservation status were present in the study area. It is pertinent that that protection
and conservation programs for the area should be based on the presence of these
species.
The rich diversity suggests the ecological importance of the area in terms of bird
habitats and the economical importance in term of eco tourism. Also legislation
should set the stage for legalizing these habitat areas using under a series of
management control.
