Waterbird Habitat Management: Identification of Influencing Factors Through a Pilot Study of Two River Catchment Areas in India

Abstract This pilot study compared the richness and abundance of wintering waterbird species between two deep-water habitats, Kadamdeuli Dam and Gangdua Dam, in Bankura district, West Bengal, over three mid-wintering seasons (2021-2024). 59 waterbird species from 17 families were observed using the total count method. Kadamdeuli Dam had better water quality (73.8% water quality index) and higher dissolved oxygen, while Gangdua Dam (43.5% water quality index) faced agricultural runoff and sewage deposition. Despite poorer water quality, Gangdua’s larger area and depth supported more waterbirds, especially divers, while Kadamdeuli’s shallower waters attracted more dabblers. Gangdua’s longer shoreline supported more waders, though some waders preferred Kadamdeuli due to lower human activity. However, periodic water level fluctuations at Kadamdeuli influenced bird diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis confirmed these patterns. The study emphasises the importance of managing resource availability, habitat heterogeneity, and reducing anthropogenic interference for effective waterbird habitat conservation.