Trend in the diversity of migratory ducks at Rawal Lake, Islamabad. - S. Bilal, M. Rais, M. Anwar, T. Mahmood, I. Hussain, M.S. Nadeem. - Berkut. 20 (1-2). 2011. - P. 65-69.
Rawal Lake is a part of the Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan. Present study was conducted to determine the trend in the richness and abundance of migratory duck species at Rawal Lake. Observations were made at three sampling units twice a month from November, 2008 to July 2009 during the morning and evening hours. Seven migratory duck species (Anas acuta, A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. strepera, A. clypeata, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula) were recorded. Data on average count, relative abundance and density calculated are given. Results of the present study were compared with the available past records of migratory ducks of Rawal Lake. It was observed that duck species diversity of Rawal Lake has decreased over the past 26 years. Around 75% decrease from 2,312 individuals of ducks in 1983 to 585 individuals during the present study was recorded (2.9% decrease per year). This trend was more obvious after recent development activities around the lake which included conversion of a part of the Lake area into park, construction of huts and increased tourism and its associated activities like boating. [English].
Key words: Pakistan, wintering, number, richness, abundance, decline, conservation.
Address: M. Rais, Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; e-mail: sahil@uaar.edu.pk.