Avifauna of Patan Wetland, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India
Abstract
Biodiversity enumeration of ecologically sensitive species is important for estimating the general health as well as development of proper conservation plans for the entire ecosystem. ‘Patan beel’ an relatively unexplored wetland of North-West Murshidabad is located between latitude 24°2’4” North to 24°3’ 20’’North and longitude 88°1’18’’ East to 88°0’15’’ East. The approximately 500 acres wetland contains forested area, some human habitation, and low but cultivable land. The area is unique in flora and fauna composition. This study has revealed that ‘Patan beel’ contains 49 species of birds. Some of the birds are totally aquatic. Some are migratory in nature. To conserve and manage wetland resources, it is imperative to have inventory of wetlands and their aqua-resources.
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