Avian Richness in Dongargarh-Dhaara Forest Area: A Baseline Study for Future Conservation, District Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, India

The Dongargarh-Dhaara Forest, situated in north-west region of Rajnandgaon District of Chhattisgarh, India, represents a crucial habitat for avian biodiversity. This study presents a comprehensive checklist of the avian fauna within this reserve forest, aiming to document the diversity and provide a baseline for future conservation efforts. Systematic surveys were conducted over a period of one year, from January 2022 to December 2022, covering various seasons to account for migratory, local migratory and resident bird species. Standard ornithological methods, including point counts and transect walks, were employed to ensure robust data collection. A total of 289 bird species were recorded, belonging to 56 families, 289 genera and 19 orders. Among these, several species of conservation concern were identified, including the Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus ichthyaetus) laggar falcon (Falco jugger) Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca), painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala), black-headed ibis or Oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), are listed on the IUCN Red List. The avian community structure showed a dominance of Passeriformies species, reflecting the diverse habitats ranging from dense forest canopies to open grasslands and water bodies within the reserve forest. The findings highlight the Dongargarh-Dhaara Forest as a significant avian biodiversity hotspot in the region. The presence of a variety of species, including endemic and migratory birds, underscores the ecological importance of this forest and the need for its conservation. -This checklist serves as a vital resource for ornithologists, conservationists, and policy-makers, providing a foundation for monitoring avian population trends and implementing effective management strategies to preserve this rich avian heritage.