Sterna acuticauda

Abstract: The global population of Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) is declining, and insufficient information is available on its breeding ecology. The aim of this study was to record its breeding ecology and factors affecting breeding success along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. Breeding was observed during January-April 2018, with peak activity in March. Among 24 nests recorded on seven sandy islands, only 11 nests successfully produced chicks. Factors affecting survival of nests were flooding due to anthropogenic changes in water levels (54%), predation (31%), and trampling (15%). Dredging of canals that use water from the river is recommended to reduce fluctuations in water levels. Targeted long-term studies along the entire length of the Mahanadi River and other large rivers can aid in identifying other breeding sites and ongoing threats to this rare and endangered species. Outreach in communities near breeding sites and recruiting of local residents as nest guardians can also help in protection of nesting sites.

Abstract: The conservation status, distribution and habitat of two threatened bird species, Jerdon’s Babbler Chrysomma altirostre and Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii, with special reference to Pakistan, are summarized. An account of observations of these relatively little-known species during a survey in Punjab and North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan, in February 1996, is given. Jerdon’s Babbler was observed 250 km further north along the Indus floodplain than the most northerly locality previously known in Pakistan. The threats to the remaining tall grassland habitat occupied by these species are discussed. A list is provided of 144 bird species observed during the survey, including two additional globally threatened species: Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca and Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda.

Abstract: The Black-bellied Tern is an endangered species and its population is declining severely due to the loss and degradation of its foraging and breeding habitats because of increasing anthropogenic activities. We report the breeding of Black-bellied Tern from different localities along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. We recommend the protection and conservation of its breeding sites along with regular community outreach activities for the long-term conservation of this globally threatened species.

Abstract: Birds were surveyed in the Yamuna Nagar District, Haryana, India and the threat categories of the species observed were determined with the IUCN Red List. A total of 185 species belonging to 46 families were observed. Families Accipitridae, Passeridae, Corvidae and Scolopacidae dominated the list. There were 13 species with various IUCN Red List categories. One Critically Endangered species, the Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus , and two Endangered species Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus were observed. A prerequisite for all the measures focussed on management and conservation of species is that the status and population trends of the target species must be known, and future work should be in this direction.