Biodiversity of Avifauna in Chilkigarh, Jhargram, West Bengal, India

Chilkigarh is a rural and tribal area in the jangal-mahal belt of West Bengal situated at the bank of Dulung river in Jamboni block, district Jhargram, 14 km away from the main town of Jhargram. The present study deals with the documentation of avifaunal diversity in this region. The study was carried out from December 2021 to July 2022. The study area includes Chilkigarh Raj Palace, Dulung river bank, Chilkigarh Kanak Durga Sacred Grove, Chilkigarh hospital area, Sonajhuri garden, Sal Forest, Open grasslands, Agricultural lands, etc. A total of 37 birds belonging to 24 families under 10 orders were photographed and identified at the species level. 19 out of these 37 species are legally protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The most dominant species-rich order was Passeriformes (54%). Based on feeding habits they have been grouped and Omnivore becomes the dominant (37.8%) one. This study provides important data-based documentation for future investigation and conservation strategy planning in this particular area.