干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

In the present study, species richness of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians was studied from June, 2006 to June, 2009 at Chotiari Reservoir, Sanghar, Sindh Province. Data were collected through standard direct as well as indirect methods. A total of 203 species including 32 mammals, 136 birds, 32 reptiles and three amphibians belonging to 29 orders and 73 families were recorded during the study. Significant wildlife species included Red fox, Bengal fox, Indian desert cat, Caracal, Fishing cat, Smooth-coated Otter, Indian Civet, Pallas’s fishing eagle. Houbara bustard, Cinereous Vulture, Great White-fronted Goose, Marsh Crocodile and Rock Python. Comparison with previous studies revealed that wildlife species composition in the study area had changed. It was found that Indian wolf, striped hyena and Hog deer have been disappeared from the area. Existence of Caracal and Sindh babbler was not ascertained despite of best efforts. Marbled teal was not found during the present study period. Changes in land use practices, habitat modification, hunting, unregulated fishing, overexploitation, community-wildlife conflict and trapping