Population Dynamics and Nesting Ecology of Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocepahlus Latham, 1790) in Anand District, Central Gujarat, India

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus Latham, 1790), also known as Oriental White Ibis, Indian White Ibis, and Black-necked Ibis, is a species of wading bird of ibis family Threskiornithidae, breeds in South and Southeast Asia from India to west and as far east as Japan. It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head. The down-curved beak and legs are also black. Though often referred to as a wetland species, the black-headed ibis also forages in natural and man-made habitats. This species of ibis nests only during the rainy season. To understand population trend, nesting ecology and potential habitats of this species, nine months (March-September, 2023) field study was undertaken in eight Talukas of Anand District, Central Gujarat, India. Among physical, phytological and ornithological parameters, following findings (Please See Attached Data File) were observed and recorded. Plant Height (m) (Min. 3.10-March, Max. 6.90-April, Mean: 5.51), Plants (N=129) (Min. 4.00-September, Max. 35.00-August, Mean: 18.43), Plants (N=129) (Min. 4.00-September, Max. 35.00-August, Mean: 18.43), Nests (N=1518): Min. 64.00-September, Max. 404.00-April, Mean: 216.86, Individuals (N=2742): Min. 108.00-September, Max. 780.00-April, Mean: 391.71), Nest Height (m): Min. 2.20-March, Max. 6.20-April, Mean: 4.73), Outer Canopy (N): Min. 57.00-September, Max. 376.00-April, Mean: 202.71), Inner Canopy (N): Min. 7.00-March & September, Max. 42.00-September, Mean: 14.14), Upper Canopy (N): Min. 36.00- September, Max. 248.00-April, Mean: 138.14), Middle Canopy (N): Min. 16.00- August, Max. 154.00-March, Mean: 65.57), Lower Canopy (N): Min. 2.00- May, Max. 56.00-March, Mean: 14.57), Birds (N=1528): Min. 64.00- September, Max. 404.00-April, Mean: 218.29), Nest Position: North (Min. 11.00-June, Max. 122.00-April, Mean: 63.57), East (Min. 22.00-September, Max. 187.00-March, Mean: 90.14), South (Min. 6.00-June, Max. 75.00-April, Mean: 20.00), West (Min. 20.00-September, Max. 100.00-March, Mean: 42.29), Nesting Birds (N=1512): Min. 64.00-September, Max. 404.00-April, Mean: 216.00). This ‘Near Threatened’ species is undergoing a population reduction, suspected to be moderately rapid, and faces threats like hunting and disturbance at breeding colonies to drainage and conversion of foraging habitats to agriculture. It is vulnerable to drainage, disturbance, pollution, agricultural conversion, destruction of roosting and nesting