AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF NIHARI TAWI RIVER IN DISTRICT RAJOURI, JAMMU AND KASHMIR UT, INDIA

An avifaunal survey was conducted at river Nihari Tawi, district Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir for one and half year, starting from November 2015 to April 2017.The study reveals a rich avian diversity and a total of 122 species of birds belonging to 50 families were identified.As the water of the Nihari Tawi rich in dissolved oxygen and supports variety of aquatic fishes makes it suitable for birds and attracts many migratory birds in the particular region during the winters. Continuous monitoring of the avifaunal diversity is required to evaluate the ecological status of the birds and their habitats.Birds plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance.Due to increase in urbanization and various anthropogenic activities,diversity and distribution of bird’s species is on declining trend all over the globe.Therefore,it is our prime concern to conserve the avifaunal diversity for maintaining the nature’s balance.