Avian diversity in a fragmented landscape of central Indian forests (Bhopal Forest Circle)

With increasing fragmentation of natural areas and a dramatic reduction forest cover in several parts the world, quantifying impact such changes on species richness community dynamics has been subject much concern. Therefore, this study intends to assess avifaunal biodiversity fragmented forests. Forest patches between sizes 10ha 700ha were identified Bhopal Circle (BFC), which covers Vindhyan plateau. classified based their size degree isolation. A sample 21 fragments was selected using proportional sampling. Bird surveys conducted point count method at each site. Three replicates taken Avian patch calculated. The results suggest that is positively associated with patches. Larger as Binapur (166ha, Chao 1= 73), Sayar (107ha, 78) Kalyanpura (133ha, 80) had relatively high richness, except for including Narsinghgarh (393ha, 28) Singota (184ha, 45) levels anthropogenic disturbance. Smaller found have fewer bird species, although small lesser degrees disturbance Lalghati (99ha, 1 = 62), Lasudli (16ha, 65), Ghot (36ha, 53), Nasipur (23ha, =52) more diverse than other These protected due being sacred groves (Lalghati Lasudli) or under private ownership (Ghot Nasipur). total 131 recorded from all sampled embedded an agrarian landscape play vital role conserving biodiversity, hence conservation efforts should also be focused these fragments.