STUDIES ON AVIFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF SHIMLA REGION OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA.

The current study represents avian species found in and around Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. 52 bird species belonging to 6 orders and 26 families were recorded. The predominant order and family were Passeriformes and Muscicapidae, respectively. The IUCN assessment reveals that 1 species is Near Threatened (NT), while 51 are Least Concern (LC). Population trends indicate 4 increasing, 13 decreasing, 29 stables, and 6 with unknown trends. The Chailly region of Shimla boasts high bird diversity due to minimal human disturbance with abundant sightings of tits, warblers, bulbuls, streaked laughing thrush, blue whistling thrush and large-billed crows. Shimla is confronted with threats to avian diversity from construction, tourism, and deforestation, putting rare species at risk. Regular analysis of avian fauna is essential for understanding the impact of stressors on regional biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]