Published Paper Details:

Water quality is a critical factor affecting the health and abundance of aquatic ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them. Avifauna, in particular, is highly sensitive to changes in water quality, as they rely on water bodies for various aspects of their life cycles. This study investigates the impact of water quality on avifauna, with a special focus on the Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), a waterbird species commonly found in Asia. The Oriental Darter is an indicator species that reflects the health of freshwater ecosystems due to its sensitivity to water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen levels, turbidity, pH, and nutrient concentrations. This study reviews existing literature on the ecological requirements of the Oriental Darter and its habitat preferences. Field data collection methods, including water sampling and bird observation, were employed to quantify water quality parameters and the presence of Oriental Darters in selected study sites. Preliminary findings reveal a strong correlation between water quality parameters and the presence and behavior of Oriental Darters. Higher levels of pollution and decreased water quality were associated with reduced Oriental Darter populations and altered foraging behavior. These changes in avian behavior may have cascading effects on the ecosystem dynamics of the water bodies they inhabit.