ASSESSMENT OF AVIAN BIODIVERSITY IN THE DARA ADAM KHEL REGION DISTRICT KOHAT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of avian biodiversity in the Dara Adam Khel region of District Kohat, situated within the transitional ecotone between the semi-arid plains and the north-western Himalayan foothills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Conducted over a four-month period from November 2024 to February 2025, the study employed standardized ornithological survey methods—including point counts, transect walks, and photographic verification—to assess bird species richness, residency status, habitat preferences, and ecological roles. The survey was carried out across six strategically selected sites, encompassing two main habitat types: mountainous/forested areas and human-inhabited residential zones. A total of eleven avian species were recorded, spanning six orders, eleven families, and twelve genera. Notably, four species—Garrulus lanceolatus (Black-headed Jay), Dendrocitta vagabunda (Rufous Treepie), Anthus similis (Long-billed Pipit), and Pycnonotus leucogenys (Himalayan Bulbul)—were recorded in the region for the first time, expanding the known avifaunal range and adding novel insights to the region's biodiversity profile. Species documentation involved both visual and photographic observations, with identifications cross-verified using regional field guides and taxonomic references. Observed birds represented a wide range of ecological guilds, including omnivores, insectivores, scavengers, and granivores, indicating diverse habitat functions such as seed dispersion, pest control, and scavenging. Most species belonged to the order Passeriformes, consistent with global trends. The study also highlighted species sensitive to environmental and climatic variables, such as the Bubulcus ibis (Cattle Egret), which was seen only during rainfall events. Despite the ecological richness of the region, findings suggest an overall low avian diversity relative to comparable studies in nearby areas like Bajaur Valley and Kotal Wildlife Park. This decline appears to be linked to increasing anthropogenic pressures including habitat destruction, overgrazing, climate change, and noise disturbance, all of which compromise the ecological integrity of avian habitats. The study concludes that the Dara Adam Khel region, though underexplored, holds substantial ecological value and requires targeted conservation interventions. It underscores the urgent need for longitudinal biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, and policy-driven conservation strategies to safeguard avian diversity in this ecologically sensitive zone.