Population trend of the black coot (Fulica atra) in the Punjab, Pakistan during 1989 through 2008 (original) (raw)

2011, Pakistan Journal of Zoology

The Black Coot (Fulica atra) was studied at Head Qadirabad, Head Marala, Head Rasul, Chashma Barrage, Taunsa Barrage and Patisar Lake from 1989 through 2008 during midwinter (January) each year. In total 852,758 coots were counted. The maximum population of coots was recorded during 1989 at Chashma Barrage, whereas the minimum population was recorded during 2008 at Head Marala. Overall 92% population was declined at six sites together in twenty years while locality wise, the highest decline was 99% at Patisar Lake followed by 93%, 88%, 80%, and 70% for Chashma, Head Rasool, Taunsa, and Head Qadirabad respectively. Illegal hunting and netting of coot, habitat degradation due to livestock grazing, cutting of aquatic vegetation, use of land for agricultural purposes, and shortage of water at wetlands were the major threats for population decline. There is an urgent need to protect and conserve this innocent species through management planning of these important wetlands.