Population dynamic and Species diversity of wintering waterbirds in mangroves wetland (Persian Gulf) in 1983 and 2013

Mangrove wetlands are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world, providing shelter and feeding sites for many bird species. With continuing degradation and destruction of mangroves, there is a critical need to understand the biodiversity of the mangrove ecosystems. Birds are bio-indicators of habitat quality and are sensitive to any subtle changes takes place in the mangrove wetland. Monitoring of species diversity is a useful technique for assessing damage to the system and maintenance of good species diversity is a positive management objective. This research was conducted in mangrove wetland (Hara Protected Area, Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar site) (30°20′26″ N 48°55′53″ E) in Khore Khoran Creek at Qeshm island coast on 28 January 1983 and 2013. The area of the mangrove wetland is about 22000 hectare. The aim of this study was to campier the present population status and species diversity of wintering water birds with population and species diversity in 1983 (30 years ago) in H.P.A. A total of 50 species of birds representing 7 orders, 18 family and 33 genera were recorded in H.P.A. Of the recorded species, 14 % belonged Terrestrial, 39 % Wadere, 14 % to long legged wading and 33 % to swimmer water birds. Avifauna of the order Charadriformes is dominant in mangroves and is represented by 7 families, followed by order Ciconiiformes and Falconiformes with 3 families each.