Journal of Animal Diversity

Journal of Animal Diversity

Avian diversity and habitat preferences in Rangia College Campus, Assam, India

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
NItul Ali 1
Prem Kishan Singha 2
1 Department of Zoology, Rangia College, Kamrup, Assam, India
2 Department of Zoology, Rangia College, Kamrup, Assam. India
10.22034/JAD.2025.7.3.1
Abstract
Avian assemblages serve as sensitive bioindicators of habitat quality and ecological resilience, particularly within anthropogenic landscapes such as institutional campuses. The present study conducted a comprehensive diversity assessment of avifauna in Rangia College Campus, Assam, India, from August, 2024 to July, 2025 to evaluate species composition, trophic guild structure, habitat preferences, and conservation status. Standardized line transects and point count methods were employed across four habitat types, and community parameters were quantified using Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, Margalef, Berger–Parker, and Pielou’s indices. A total of 54 species across 43 genera, 32 families and 12 orders were recorded, of which Leptoptilos javanicus (Vulnerable) was of global conservation concern. Insectivores dominated the trophic structure (31.48%), and habitat analysis revealed maximum richness and diversity within tree-dominated patches (HT-1). Diversity indices indicated marked variation across habitats, with HT-1 exhibiting the highest Shannon diversity (H′= 2.685) and HT-3 (Open areas like rooftops, playgrounds, fields and roadsides) the lowest (H′= 2.001). These findings demonstrate that structurally heterogeneous, vegetation-rich habitats act as micro-refugia sustaining both common and threatened taxa within an urban–educational matrix. The study provides a robust baseline inventory, elucidates the role of microhabitat heterogeneity in shaping avian communities, and highlights the need for biodiversity-sensitive campus management in rapidly urbanizing regions of Assam.
Keywords
Conservation status, diversity assessment, feeding guild structure, habitat heterogeneity, institutional campus biodiversity

Subjects

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