1. Bird Diversity and Distribution along the Sunkosh River, Dagana Dzongkhag
Presented & proposed by:
Sonam Tobgay
BSc. Forestry

2. Presentation Outline Background Rational Research Questions Objectives
Study Area
Methods
Bird count
Data Analysis
Work plan
Expected Result

3. Background One of the ten global “hot spots”
Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area (Stattersfield, 1998)
9856 bird species in the world
699 bird species in Bhutan (Wangdi, 2015)
Anthropogenic activities
Development of hydropower

4. Rational To generate baseline data for more intensive research
To assess diversity and distributions quantitatively
To add scientific credibility to conservation work

5. Research Question
What are the species diversity, species richness and evenness of birds along the Sunkosh River, Dagana?
What types of bird species are present in three different types of habitats along the Sunkosh River?

6. Objectives
The primary objective of this research is to produce a reliable baseline data on bird diversity and distribution. The specific research objectives are;
To assess the bird species diversity and its distribution along the Sunkosh River, Dagana.
To compare bird species diversity between river confluence, settlement area and undisturbed forest.

7. Study Area Sunkosh River, Tsangkha gewog under Dagana Dzongkhag
Controlled by the Tsirang Territorial Division
One of the five major river systems of Bhutan
Chirpine and Warm broadleaved forest
meter above sea level

8. Sunkosh under Dagana Dzongkhag

9. Methods
Illustration plot laid at an systematic interval of 300 meters along the transect line
Point count
Both terrestrial and aquatic birds will be recorded within 360 degree from each point
Survey will be started from 5 am till 10 am and 3 pm to 6 pm. The count will last for at least 15 minutes in each point (Thinh, 2006)

10. Data Analysis
Assess species diversity through Shannon-wiener diversity index
In order to assess the significance of species diversity among three different habitats, student’s t-test will be used.

11. Work Plan Activity Field work preparation Field work and survey
Month of the year
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Field work preparation
Field work and survey
Data compilation
Data analysis
Report writing
Draft report writing
Final report submission

12. Expected outcome
Diversity of birds and its distribution along the Sunkosh River under Dagana Dzongkhag will be assessed and compared between river confluence, settlement area and undisturbed forest
A checklist of bird species spotted in the study area will be maintained for future scientific research
This scientific data collected can also guide the concerned authorities in framing better conservation activities and monitoring the species

13. Reference
Stattersfield, A. J. (1998). Endemic bird areas of the world: Priorities for bird conservation. Birdlife International.
Thinh, V. T. (2006). Bird species richness and diversity in relation to vegetation in Bavi National Park. BioOne, 5(1),
Wangdi, T. (2015, October 13). Four new birds discovered in Bhutan. Retrieved November 11, 2015, from Kuenselonline:

14. THANK YOU