Available online at www.ischolarsresearchlibrary.com Scholars Research Library European Journal of Zoological Research, 2017, 5 (1):54-59 (http://scholarsresearchlibrary.com/archive.html) ISSN: 2278–7356 54 Scholars Research Library Seasonal Variation of Avifauna in Hygam Wetland of Kashmir Valley Shamim Ahmad Dar 1 *, GM Shah 2 , Shahnawaz Ahmad 3 1 Department of Zoology, GDC, Sopore, District Baramulla, Kashmir, India 2 Department of Zoology, Kashmir University, Hazratbal Srinager, Kashmir, India 3 Department of Applied Zoology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, Shimoga, Karnataka, India ABSTRACT The current study provides important information about the seasonal variations in aquatic birds in Haigam wetland. A total of 24 species of aquatic birds belonging to 8 orders showed variations for a period of two years (April 2012- March 2014). The aquatic birds showed an interesting pattern of fuctuations in the wetland and during these periods three categories of birds viz. resident, summer and winter migratory birds were noticed. Hence, the present study shows migration of different kinds of aquatic birds which needs regular monitoring to check anthropogenic activities. Keywords: Aquatic birds; Seasonal variation; Conservation INTRODUCTION The wetlands are complex communities of living organisms which integrate them with their physical environment. They have been productive in nature and one of the important components of the ecosystem and been the most important food sources for animals especially for birds. Wildlife biologists have been very much interested in the study of wetland ecology including Shaw and Fredin [1], Stewart and Kantrud [2], Cowardin and Johnson [3], Jaglum et al. [4], Cowardin et al. [5]. Beecher [6] was the frst to study the wetland vegetation substrates in relation to bird nesting and showed that number of bird nets was positively correlated with number of plant species. Wetlands in India cover an area of 58.2 million hectares, Prasad et al. [7] and approximately 23% (310 of 1340) of the bird species found in India, Manakadan and Pittie [8] are known to be dependent on wetlands, Kumar et al. [9]. The Jammu and Kashmir state is rich in natural resources particularly in wetlands. Wetlands of Kashmir valley provide wintering resort to millions of migratory birds particularly the waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) and conducive breeding grounds to a segment of resident and non-resident summer migrants (Shamim et al.) [10]. A total of 300 bird species have been documented from Jammu and Kashmir, which includes both resident and non-residents Ali and Ripley [11]. Of these, Bates and Lowther [12] have already listed some 102 species of breeding birds in their book “Breeding Birds of Kashmir”. Shah [13] has recorded 90 species of birds both resident and non-resident from Hokarsar wetland and 92 species have been listed by Holmes and Parr [14] from Hygam wetland. Kashmir valley wetlands are facing increased environmental threats due to manmade activities viz. eutrofcation, siltation, agriculture conversion, overfshing, habitat destruction etc. These wetlands are important breeding and roosting sites for a large number of resident and non-resident birds. The overall population of birds has declined both quantitively and qualitively. Keeping in view the above discussion, the present study was undertaken to study the migration and documentation of aquatic birds in this wetland and suggest proper management measures to save this wetland. MATERIAL AND METHODS Hygam is one of the important wetlands of the Kashmir valley which is protected and managed by the Department of Wildlife Protection of the state. It is the ideal place for a large number of both residents and non-resident birds. The wetland is located about 39 km to north-west of the Srinager city and at a distance of 2 km south-east from the National High Way. The wetland with an area of 9.5 sq km is oval in shape located between 34.20-34.50° N latitude