Change in avifaunal diversity due to the management of community forestry

The alterations in the diversity of birds due to the management of community forestry (CF) were analysed as a case study between two CFs in Sindhuli District of Nepal having similar ecological parameters. The two CFs, Katahare CF of Ladabhir Village Development Committee (VDC) and Durga CF of Kakurhakur VDC, were located in similar socio-economic and ecological conditions having almost equal area and forest types. A total of 46 species of birds belonging to ten orders and 19 families were recorded from Katahare CF, whereas 42 species belonging to 9 orders and 18 families were recorded in Durga CF. Forty-two species of birds were common in both CFs. The abundance of 33 bird species was higher in the older CF (Katahare) than in the younger one (Durga), whereas the abundance of the remaining 13 species was lower in Katahare CF than in Durga CF. None of the birds found in Katahare CF were rare species, whereas four rare species were found in Durga CF. A list of bird species found in Katahare and Durga CF is provided.