Contribution of Monuments in Sustaining the Avifauna of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Author(s): Sonika Kushwaha, Akhilesh Kumar and Sachin Kumar Maheshwari

: Orchha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India.It is a place of historic importance and has tremendous importance at the national and international level with respect to its architectural, natural and living heritage. It includes, Raj Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Chaturbhuj Temple, Laxmi Temple, Chhatri, and many other monuments. There are fourteen ‘Chhatris’ or memorials to the rulers of Orchha. Orchha lies 25.35° N and 78.64° E. The imperial monuments are an attraction to the foreign tourists as well as the local public. These monuments come to live with the chirping of different birds that find a safe shelter in them. The study was undertaken to know the avifaunal diversity that is being sustained by the archaeology of Orchha. The observations were done from 2009 to 2015 in Orchha using data sheets and 10 × 50mm binoculars while Photographical and video recordings were done with the help of 7D SLR Canon Camera. The results were remarkable with 51 bird species belonging to 18 families. Archaeological ornithology aimed at obtaining scientific information of birds in relation to monuments and using this information for their management and conservation

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