Study on Density, Diversity and Distribution of Migratory Waterfowl Birds in relation to Vegetation Communities in Hashilan Wetland,Kermanshah, Iran

Density, distribution and diversity of migratory waterfowl birds in relation to vegetation communities were investigated in Hashilan wetland in duration of Oct. 2006 to Mar. 2007.This study was carried out by employing Total Count approach by recording number and types of the birds in relation to vegetation communities existing in the study scope in autumn and winter seasons (4 times in a month). From the results obtained of this survey, 18 species of 10 families of the migratory waterfowl birds were observed in the wetland. The most density was found to be Anatidae family (0.79 no. per hectare) and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos species (0.37 no. per hectare). According to Simpson and Shannon-Weiner indices, the most diversity was recorded in Nov. 2006 (Simpson, 0.907 and Shannon-Weiner, 3.655). The results from species richness were in good agreement with the results from the diversity. Furthermore, in Sedge community (8.6 hectare) the most diversity (Simpson, 0.796 and Shannon-Weiner, 2.682) was obtained whereas in yellow pond-lily community (1.3 hectare) the highest density was observed.

Keywords:

migratory birds , vegetation communities , Hashilan wetland