65. Eco-biology and conservation of potential insectivorous birds in the arable biomes of central Punjab
Main Article Content
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the eco-biology of insect predator avian species and the effects of environmental factors on the eco-biology and bird populations in Punjab, Pakistan. Data on ecology and other aspects of bank myna was collected from three districts of Central Punjab including Faisalabad (an industrial area with large effects of heavy metals by usage of sewage water of industries in irrigation & pesticides), Sargodha (with medium level of industries & pesticides use) and Mandi Bahauddin (no industry and low use of pesticide). Specimens were collected to observe gut contents. Gut contents were analyzed to account for the prey and feeding niche. Major insect pests of crops were identified and listed from gut contents. Relative population density of useful birds was assessed and continuously monitored for population trends around the year. Breeding ecology of both predacious birds was studied to evaluate breeding success, mortality rate and to weigh up the effects of pesticides used and pollution. Breeding ecology, population dynamics and gut contents analysis were significantly (P ≤ 0.001; R2 ≥ 0.75) influenced by the use of pesticides. It was concluded that use of pesticides without studying their toxic effects is detrimental to these predacious birds. Blind sprays should be prohibited and alternatives should be adopted to conserve the predacious birds in order to achieve effective biological control.
Keywords: Predacious birds; Eco-biology; Population dynamics