Avian Diversity in the Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen's Medical College, Wayanad, Kerala, India
Abstract
This study surveys the avian diversity within the Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, South Wayanad, Kerala, situated in the ecologically rich Western Ghats. Given the urgent need to document biodiversity in urbanizing landscapes, this research aims to establish a baseline understanding of bird species composition in the region. Over one year, we employed point count and line transect methods to systematically survey bird populations throughout the botanical garden. This approach enabled consistent monitoring of various habitats, documenting the diversity and abundance of avian species while tracking seasonal variations and migratory patterns. A thorough checklist was compiled, detailing each species observed along with species-specific counts.
In total, we identified 166 bird species, highlighting the garden’ssignificance as a habitat for avifauna amidst urban expansion. Notably, several endemic species were recorded, including the Wayanad Laughing Thrush (Trochalopteron fairbanki) and Jerdon’s Baza (Aviceda jerdoni).
This study serves as the first comprehensive checklist of bird species in the Naseera Nagar Botanical Garden, offering a valuable reference for future research. It underscores the essential role of botanical gardens and educational campuses in preserving biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for both native and migratory birds. Such spaces not only support avian conservation but also engage students and the public in learning about biodiversity, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices in educational institutions.
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Introduction
Biodiversity is a fundamental component of ecosystem health, serving as a critical indicator of ecological stability and resilience. Birds, in particular, play an essential role in ecosystem functioning, participating in food webs and acting as natural indicators of habitat health. Their presence, diversity, and population dynamics offer invaluable insights into environmental conditions, as bird communities often reflect underlying changes in vegetation structure and respond with sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. These responses highlight birds' unique role in maintaining ecological resilience and promoting ecosystem stability, making avian studies vital for conservation and environmental monitoring efforts. Documenting bird diversity within specific habitats is therefore important for understanding habitat quality, assessing ecological health, and tracking long-term environmental changes. While extensive research has been conducted on avian diversity in protected areas and untouched natural habitats, studies on bird populations within urban and semi-urban environments are comparatively limited. In particular, botanical gardens and educational institutions provide green spaces that can serve as refuges for various bird species, offering shelter, food sources, and breeding sites. Yet, these spaces are often overlooked in biodiversity assessments, despite their potential to support significant avian populations, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.
The Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, South Wayanad, Kerala, represents one such semi-urban green space within the ecologically rich and biodiverse region of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are known for their remarkable endemism and diverse flora and fauna, yet semi-urban areas within this biodiversity hotspot remain understudied, particularly regarding avian diversity. The botanical garden has thus far not been examined for its avian population, making it an unexplored yet potentially significant site for local bird species.
This research aims to fill this gap by conducting a systematic survey of bird diversity within the Naseera Botanical Garden, establishing a baseline checklist of species within this environment. Over the course of a year, we employed standardized point count and line transect methods to document bird species and population counts, allowing for a detailed analysis of avian diversity in this educational campus setting. Our study not only provides the first inventory of bird species within the botanical garden but also adds valuable data on the composition and abundance of bird populations in a semi-urban habitat, contributing to a broader understanding of avian ecology with Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College, South Wayanad, Kerala.
This work emphasizes the importance of preserving biodiversity in educational campuses and botanical gardens, which can serve as important green spaces amidst urban expansion. By fostering avian diversity, such spaces provide ecological value, contribute to environmental education, and offer opportunities for future research on biodiversity conservation in urbanized landscapes. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential for botanical gardens within educational institutions to act as microhabitats supporting diverse bird populations and underscores the need for sustainable management practices that enhance their ecological function.
Conclusion
The assessment of avian diversity within the Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College has revealed a rich tapestry of bird species, underscoring the ecological importance of this habitat in the Western Ghats. Our findings indicate that most species observed fall under the Least Concern (LC) category, suggesting a stable population status for the majority of birds within the garden. However, the presence of Near Threatened (NT) species such as the Malabar Parakeet and Wayanad Laughingthrush highlights the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts in the region. Additionally, the identification of Vulnerable (VU) species, including Jerdon's Baza, Malabar Gray Hornbill, and Malabar Starling, serves as a crucial indicator of the pressures these birds face in their natural habitats. This underscores the necessity for proactive conservation strategies to safeguard these species and their ecosystems.
Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of the Naseera Botanical Garden at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College as a vital sanctuary for avian diversity. It is essential to maintain and enhance such green spaces, not only for the birds they support but also for the broader ecological health of the Western Ghats. Further research and targeted conservation actions will be imperative to protect vulnerable species and ensure the sustainability of bird populations in this biodiverse region.
