Zulfiqar Ali

Effect of Urban Congestion on Avian Diversity in Lahore: a Correlative Study Zulfiqar Ali

A correlative study was conducted to test the impact of urban congestion on the avian diversity in Lahore, Pakistan. A feeding station, offering a variety of seeds, was installed in the nine towns of Lahore and the number of birds that visited the station was noted in both the monsoon and winter season. Winter showed a significant increase in the abundance of birds in comparison with the monsoon season. Grain preference observed, proved Bajra, Indian Millet and Red Indian Millet were the preferred seeds in all areas while Mustard seeds, Corn and Chick Peas were least preferred. 49 species were observed in Lahore with the largest diversity in Nishtar Town followed by 41 species in Wagah Town. Only 2 -3 species of birds which were most urbanized were found in Shalimar and Ravi Town, the most congested towns of Lahore.