Comparison of bird species diversity with respect to different habitat types, in Pelwatta sugar plantation area

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.