FOOD CONTENTS ANALYSIS OF WATERFOWL PASSING THROUGH INDUS THE RIVER AT TAUNSA, SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

A study was carried out to assess the food composition of migratory waterfowl in Bet Makwal Kalan, near Head Taunsa Barrage, along River Indus passage. Migratory water birds are thought be important components dispersal total living entity especially seeds due their proclivity for extensive relocations. They might found large numbers muddy sections. plant making migrations. sum 459 gizzard samples collected, during Fall migration, relating 10 Waterfowl species i.e. Northern Pintail (n=56), Eurasian Wigeon (n=17), Garganay (n=07), Mallard (n=02), Shoveler (n=22), Common Teal (n=129), Gadwall (n=158), Tufted Duck (n=04), Pochard (n=29) and Ferruginous (n=34). During winter picked plants over animals as primary source sustenance when travelling through Taunsa. Food research revealed that all consumed amounts seeds. Out ten duck species, two (Naias marina Potamogeton pusillus) consistently ranked among top ingested by six (Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Mallard, Gadwall, Duck, Pochard). Whereas Pintail, Shoveler, Teal, have been consume from pectinatus Poligonum spp. It determined molluscans crustaceans residues were well-represented ducks. The recent also highlighted various vegetations play vital role wetland ecosystems a basic wild provider. larger population migrating yield better findings this study, which is currently being undertaken.