Biodiversity of Bajwat Wetland and Wildlife Sanctuary, Sialkot, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10542734Keywords:
Fauna, breeding sites, habitat loss, Bajwat Wildlife SanctuaryAbstract
Bajwat Wetland and Wildlife Sanctuary (BWWS) is an internationally important wetland that is located near Sialkot district, Punjab, Pakistan. The present study was conducted for 11 months from October 2020 to August 2021. One to two surveys were conducted per week at dawn and dusk. Data was collected both by direct and indirect observation methods. A total of 23 species of mammals, 22 of herpetofauna, 37 of fish and 107 bird species were recorded during the study period. Out of 107 bird species, 49.53%, 33.64%, 16.53%, 3.73% were resident, winter, summer, and year-round visitors respectively. One bird species Dendrocitta vagabunda (Rufous treepie), also known as Indian treepie is also recorded in the study area that was not reported in earlier studies. Different indexes were also calculated for the avifauna which showed the area was rich in biodiversity. Although Bajwat Wildlife Sanctuary was found very rich in animal fauna however, many threats such as destruction, fragmentation of habitat illegal hunting, human interference in animal breeding sites, lack of awareness, and pollution of water were recorded. These threats might be due to the careless attitude of the wildlife department. It is suggested that the study site should be conserved for noticed threats on priority basis by implementation and regulation of already formed wetland and wildlife sanctuaries rules.
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