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Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keenjhar Lake
In the Margalef index Chotiari Reservoir shows the highest level of diversity
whereas the Shannon index gives Keenjhar Lake as the highest. The former does
not take into evenness so may be biased by the difference in animal counts.
Overall Keti Shah has the lowest diversity in both analysis followed by Pai Forest.
Reasons for the difference can be complex and need investigation to establish
what is driving the diversity at each site.
4.4 Avi-fauna
4.4.1 Summary
4.4.1.1 Keti Bunder
The main habitats in Keti Bunder are coastal areas, creeks, agriculture and fruit
farms, and riverine and estuarine area (Karo Chhan). A total of 68 species of
birds were recorded during the summer surveys. Out of these 68 species
recorded 22 were water birds, 6 birds of prey, and 25 passerines along with
pigeons, doves, mynas, kingfishers, parakeets, cuckoos, bee-eaters and
woodpeckers. Blue rock-pigeon, Common myna and Common-babbler were quite
common Grey and Black Partridges and Rain quails are they key species at this
site.
Along with the above mentioned birds 3 species were over summering bird’s viz.
Curlew Eurasian Redshank and Osprey along with the summer breeding visitor,
Pied Crested Cuckoo. The majority of the birds were found to in forest areas,
cultivated land and orchards. The main creek area comprises of Hajamro, Chann,
Khobar and Bhoori creeks.
A total of 91 species of birds were recorded in the winter surveys 50 species were
resident, 32 winter visitors, 7 were irregular year-round visitors and 2 passage
migrants. 2 species were rare and 6 species were scarce. The important species
recorded were; Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Common quail, Black-bellied
tern, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Paradise flycatcher and Rosy pastor.
4.4.1.2 Keenjhar Lake
The main habitats for birds in Keenjhar Lake are marshes, agriculture areas,
fallow land, stony areas and desert habitat. There are agriculture fields in the
north, east and western sides with an embankment on the southern side.
Between the bund and the National Highway, there are marshy areas with
villages around the lake. In the north is the town of Jhimpeer. There is a stony
area and desert habitat the astern and western Side.
A total of 57 species of birds were recorded in summer out of which 20 were
water birds, three raptors, twenty five passerines and twelve other including
Pigeons, Doves, Cuckoos, Bee-eaters etc. Two early migrants’ viz. barn swallow
and green sandpiper were recorded. The most common Bird species of Keenjhar
Lake were Little grebe, Little cormorant, Pond heron, Little egret, Pond heron,
Red-wattled lapwing, Blue rock-pigeon, Collared dove, Little brown-dove Little
Green Bee-eater, Bank myna and Streaked-weaver. Grey partridge, Purple heron
and Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse are the key species.
During the winter surveys, the main lake associated marshes, agricultural fields,
vicinity of villages, fish farm areas, grass field, bunds of the lake and another
wetland viz Jhol Dhand were surveyed. A total of 98 species of birds were
recorded. Out of which 51 were resident, 42 winter visitors 03 were irregular yearround
visitors and two passage migrants. Most of the birds were found on or near
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