Birds of the Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot: Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation

Le résumé fourni par la source

Himalaya represents a unique landscape displaying varied eco-zones, climatic conditions, large elevation gradient, and enormous natural resources. Among the range of biodiversity, birds are well studied in the Himalaya but findings of research and exploration in the region has not been systematically compiled till date. In this chapter, we provide a detailed account of avifaunal wealth of the Himalaya covering species occurrence, elevation distribution range of each species (wherever available), IUCN threat category, range restricted status, migratory status, population trend, and habitat utilization of Himalayan birds. Based on the review of existing research articles, reference books, and authentic web sources supplemented by our own observations, we have developed a comprehensive database of birds covering all Himalayan states (erstwhile undivided Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh) along with neighboring countries Nepal and Bhutan. We also assessed whether the existing protected areas in the region are in congruence with the diversity of birds. We reviewed 1901 literatures and observed that ornithological exploration was initiated in the region in 17th century with rapid pace of research since 1990 reflecting the maximum number of publications (344) in the last decade (2011–2020). The database of birds with reported and potential distribution in the Himalaya comprises 987 species and 385 genera representing 99 avian families. Similarly, out of the total bird species, 180 (18.2%) are water birds and 807 (81.8%) terrestrial species representing ~39% forest specialist, ~30% forest generalist, ~8.2% high altitude birds, and 3.5% open land species. 294 Based on migratory status, 428 species are full migrants followed by 416 resident and 140 altitudinal migrant species. Among the total, IUCN has enlisted 881 species as Least Concerned, whereas 56 species are listed as threatened with extinction (vulnerable 33, endangered 12 and critically endangered 11) along with 49 near-threatened species. We observed a clear mis-match between the elevational distribution of protected areas (along with area coverage) and avian diversity showing maximum area coverage by PAs between 4000 and 5000 m elevation but maximum bird diversity at middle elevation gradient (~2000 m). We also noted the existence of 122 PAs in the region along with 165 notified Important Bird Areas and 19 designated Ramsar sites. We conclude that along with these legally protected conservation sites, human-modified areas (including agricultural lands) outside PAs are important for avian conservation and requires policy intervention.

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