Research Article | Published: 30 September 2023

Avian fig foragers in sustaining forest ecosystem in Kariyanshola, a heritage site of Anamalai Tiger Reserve

T. Ajayla Karthika and C. Ravichandran

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 46 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 105-109 | 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2023-62IZ9X | Cite this article

Abstract

Ficus species (Moraceae), play a pivotal role as keystone species within the forest ecosystem. They serve as a source of food for the frugivores in the forest, throughout the year. We conducted a survey of the frugivores in the protected area of Kariyanshola forest in Topslip and recorded the avian frugivores that feed on the fruits of fig trees. The study brought to light 31 species of birds from 7 families feeding on the figs of 7 different species of Ficus. Accentuating the richness of frugivores in the forest ecosystem helps in emphasizing the value of the keystone resources for those frugivores, which is the Ficus species. These fig trees that attract the various avian frugivores are suggested to be introduced in forest restoration activities to enrich the biodiversity of the area and enhance the health of the ecosystem.

Keywords

Conservation, Ficus, Fig-eating birds, Frugivores, Western Ghats

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Fig. 1

Map of the study area – Kariyanshola

Fig. 2

Avian Frugivores of Kariyanshola

Fig. 3

Percentage of species of birds from different orders Fig-eating birds observed in the Kariyanshola

Fig. 4

No. of Species in each Family of Fig-eating Birds observed in Kariyanshola

Fig. 5

IUCN Status of the Fig-eating Birds Observed in Kariyanshola

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How to cite

Ajayla Karthika, T. and Ravichandran, C., 2023. Avian fig foragers in sustaining forest ecosystem in Kariyanshola, a heritage site of Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Indian Journal of Forestry, 46(2), pp.105-109. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2023-62IZ9X

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 04 September 2023

Manuscript Revised on 25 September 2023

Manuscript Accepted on 27 September 2023

Manuscript Published on 30 September 2023

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