Avifauna of Kalimpong in Eastern Himalayan Forest Range:Diversity, Distribution and Conservation Perspectives

Among the ecoregions in India, Kalimpong, an ecological hotspot, is located in the eastern Himalaya. It is an important district in the north Bengal region of West Bengal with an average elevation of 4,101 ft from sea level. Cinnamon, ficus, bamboo and cardamom are common hill side flora, while pine forest and ever green alpine forest are common at higher altitude. A wide range of temperate forests made up of oak, birch, maple is also very common in the range. These wide ranges of flora is a major source of nectar, caterpillar, different types of flies, various fruits including small berries which ultimately support diverse array of avian species. Various bird groups include different types of tree creepers, barbets, cuckoos, doves, malkohas, fantails, minivets, sunbirds, tits, finches, warblers, etc., are frequently seen in open forest areas whereas birds like owls, babblers, nuthatches, thrushes are secretive in nature and they are much common in dense part of the forests. Some species of flycatchers, sunbirds, tits and chats use human household resources regularly to meet their need of food and shelter. This extensive variety of avifauna maintains the web of forest ecosystem, crucial to sustain human civilization. However, it is mentioned that despite different conservation approaches taken by government, in last few years various reports have stated that overall diversity and number of birds are decreasing due to heavy deforestation, habitat loss, urbanization and other human activities.