Population status of Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Suliformes: Anhingidae) in Keoladeo National Park, India

Keoladeo National Park (KNP), India, sustains a viable resident population of the globally 'Near Threatened' Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), with seasonal fluctuations in abundance. The study, conducted across eight wetland blocks from January to December 2021, found the highest average population (112.8 ±43.8 SE) during winter and the lowest (1.8±1.1 SE) in summer. Block D hosted the largest mean population (84.3±20.2 SE), while Block F recorded the minimum (0.3±0.16 SE). Total counts across seasons were 287 in winter, 83 in summer, and 212 during monsoon. These findings underscore KNP's ecological significance for the species, though further research is needed to elucidate seasonal movement patterns and inform long-term conservation strategies.

Imtiyaz, N., & Kumar, S. (2023). Population status of Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Suliformes: Anhingidae) in Keoladeo National Park, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 15(7), 23596–23600. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8500.15.7.23596-23600