Urban habitat diversity and bird species associations in Kochi City, Kerala, India

Identification and characterisation of urban habitats and ascertaining their species associations are essential for the conservation and management of biodiversity in urban landscapes. The study attempts to identify, describe and categorise potential urban habitats in Kochi city, Kerala, India, and to explore the association of bird faunal assemblages with each of the habitats. The study was conducted from June ۲۰۱۸ to May ۲۰۲۰. The Urban Habitat Categories were identified, described and categorised as per the Urban Habitats Biodiversity Assessment (UrHBA) procedure and asample biotope map was prepared. The habitat association of bird species was determined from each of the identified Urban habitat Category by evaluating the species composition of each habitat. Species sharing between the identified habitats was also examined. Critical habitats of conservation concern were identified and their specific features were ascertained. A total of ۳۸ Urban Habitat Categories were characterised from the landscape of Kochi City with ۱۶۲ species of birds to be found associated with the urban habitats. The wide variety of urban habitats provide excellent dwellings for a large number of birds including several threatened and migratory species. Out of the five major urban habitat categories, most of the species utilise Sparsely vegetated - Life form categories. Among the ۳۸ urban habitats, Forest phanerophytes supports greater number of bird species. Vegetation structure is an important factor that determines bird diversity of the urban habitats. Together with the well-vegetated habitats, sparsely vegetated, non-vegetated and artificial built habitats also significantly contribute to biodiversity of urban centres. The diverse urban habitats and the associated bird species identified from Kochi city emphasise that modified urban landscapes are equally potent as natural landscapes in upholding diverse life forms. The study highlights the necessity of maintaining habitat complexity in urban landscapes for sustainable conservation of urban biodiversity. The baseline data on urban habitats and their species association will serve as a planning tool for safeguarding the critical habitats.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bird fauna ، conservation ، species-habitat study ، urban biodiversity ، urban planning