Avifauna and its conservation in dal lake

The avifauna of Dal Lake was studied from October 2010- to October 2011.Seventy six species belonging to 34 families were recorded. Of these, 26 were summer visitors, 20 were winter visitors, 9 were local altitudinal migrants and 21 were resident. Family Anatidae showed maximum species diversity. The distribution and abundance of birds varied with season and maximum number of species was recorded during spring. Landscape alteration, poaching, felling of nesting trees were the major threats for the survival of birds. Conservation aspects of birds of this region are discussed.