Jodhpur, Sept. 7 -- A six-year survey across five wetlands in Rajasthan's southern Aravalli region has documented 194 bird species belonging to 67 families, underscoring the ecological importance of these water bodies for resident and migratory birds alike. The study, conducted between July 2018 and June 2024, covered Mangalwad Pond in Chittorgarh, Rundera Pond and Sarjana Dam in Udaipur, Sei Dam in Udaipur, and West Banas Dam in Sirohi. "We documented a total of 194 avian species across 67 families in these selected wetland habitats," said Dr. Hemsingh Gehlot, assistant professor, department of zoology, Jai Narain Vyas University. Among the five locations, Sarjana Dam recorded the highest species count with 169, followed closely by Mangalwad Pond with 167, Rundera Pond with 166, West Banas Dam with 163 and Sei Dam with 162. "Sarjana Dam had the highest species count," Dr. Gehlot noted, calling it a crucial wintering and staging site within the regional network of wetlands. According to researchers, the most numerous species by family were ducks, geese and swans belonging to Anatidae, with a total of 16 species. They were followed by the Accipitridae family of hawks and eagles with 10 species, while wagtails and pipits of the Motacillidae family and robins and flycatchers of the Muscicapidae family each contributed nine species. The researchers added that most species fall under the IUCN category of Least Concern, which includes 179 of the 194 species recorded. Eleven species were listed as Near Threatened, three as Vulnerable and one, the Egyptian Vulture, as Endangered. Notable threatened sightings include the Sarus Crane and River Tern, both categorized as Vulnerable, and Near Threatened species such as Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Black-tailed Godwit and Black-necked Stork. "The majority of bird species were classified as Least Concern, but the presence of Vulnerable and Endangered species underlines the protection value of these sites," Dr. Gehlot said. Seasonal classification showed that 129 species were resident, while 63 were winter migrants. The survey also documented two seasonal specialists: Pied-crested Cuckoo, which arrives during the monsoon, and Indian Pitta, which visits in summer. "Wetlands of the southern Aravalli are not just seasonal stopovers; they form a lifeline for migratory as well as resident species," said Narayan Lal Choudhary, co-researcher of the study. "Their ecological health directly influences bird survival, especially after the monsoon when food and water availability peak." Researchers conducted repeated visual surveys three to four days per season at each site-amounting to nine to twelve visits annually per wetland-using long-lens cameras and standard field guides to confirm identifications. "Such long-term monitoring is essential to understand species patterns and to ensure timely conservation action," Choudhary added....