Survey of vertebrate diversity in Narthamalai reserve forest, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India

The present survey documented the vertebrate diversity of Narthamalai, a reserve forest located in the Kulathur taluk of Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, an area with suitable habitat availability for faunal species. The herpeto, avian and mammalian fauna were surveyed by direct observation at nine sampling stations. The present survey recorded a total of 43 different species of which 11 were amphibians/reptiles, 22 avian and 10 mammals. Amongst the total number of individuals (1136) recorded in the present survey, 301 were herpeto, 674 were avian and 161 were mammals. With respect to the herpeto fauna, the relative dominance, relative density, relative frequency, Simpson’s index of dominance, community dominance index and species diversity index were 25.58%, 26.50%, 0.26%, 0.26, 1.18% and 0.009 respectively. In the case of avian fauna, it was 51.16%, 59.33%, 0.31%, 0.59, 1.48% and 0.019 respectively. For mammalian fauna, it was 23.26%, 14.17%, 0.42%, 0.14, 1.20% and 0.008 respectively. Evaluating and recording biological diversity intent to develop a strategic framework for predicting the behavior of key variables in order to improve controlling, increase management options and provide an early warning of system modification. Accomplishment of monitoring for biodiversity depends on various factors such as using an appropriate taxon. Therefore, it is essential that biodiversity rich regions and reserve forests managed in ways that allow protection and conservation of biodiversity as much as possible.