STUDIES ON ASSESSING THE DIVERSITY OF BIRDS, PHYTOPLANKTONS AND ZOOPLANKTONS IN PONDS IN MUTHUPETTAI BLOCK, THIRUVARUR DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

The study was aimed to make an assessment on birds, phytoplanktons and zooplanktons in the ponds of Muthupet block, Thiruvarur and samples were collected from five ponds. Plankton samples were collected from the surface water at predecided locations and were identified. Nearly 22 phytoplanktons and 11 zooplanktons were identified from the ponds. Spot counting was used for recording the number of water birds and counting was done during early morning hours. The identification was done using an identification manual of Indian sub Continental birds by Grimmett and nearly 22 water birds were recorded. The pond water remains green in color in all the seasons. The presence of cyanophyceae members like Anacystis sp. and Spirulina sp. may be responsible for green color of the pond water. Migratory birds like gull billed tern, yellow wagtail and wooded sand piper were recorded in the month of February. The water quality of the pond is in eutrophic condition but the presence of rich bank vegetation attracts the birds for roosting. Further, the thick vegetation of Eicchornia sp. provides hiding place for the water birds.