Vol. 19 No. 9 (2004): September
Field Reports

A preliminary report on the biodiversity of Mahul Creek, Mumbai, India with special reference to avifauna

Published 2004-09-21

Abstract

A preliminary faunal survey, with emphasis on avifauna, was carried out during July 2001-December 2002 in the Mahul Creek and its environs along the Arabian Sea coast.  Various habitat types such as tidal flood plains, mangroves, marshes, saltpans,crop fields and plantations attract rich biodiversity.  A total of 149 species of birds, seven mammals , 10 reptiles, 10 fish, 28 butterflies, five crabs, 15 molluscs and two species of polychaetes were identified.  The tidal flood plains all along the ceek attract more than 20,000 waterbirds every year making the area more appropriate to be declared a Ramsar site.  The area, being prohibited for public, is free from human disturbance to a large extent and therefore forms a large roosting site for flamingos, gulls and other small waders.  However, the factors influencing the survival of fauna and flora in this creek include chemical pollution and oil spillage.