AVIAN FAUNA OF AMBOLI GHAT, SINDHUDURG DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA.

The present report puts forth a systematic checklist of bird species observed at Amboli Ghat in Maharashtra from 2009 to 2012, along with information on their status. A total of 208 species were recorded, which is around 15% of bird species of the Indian subcontinent. A family-wise analysis showed that the families Accipitridae and Muscicapidae (14 species each) followed by Ardeidae dominated the avifauna of the region. The study also revealed that the area consisted of 11 species of birds that are classified under Near Threatened category and two under Vulnerable category of IUCN. This study highlights the urgent need to conserve the biodiversity-rich area of Amboli Ghat with long-term plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]