Habitat selection of Common Moorhen
Pakistan J. Wildl., vol. 16(2), pp 36-42, 2025
Habitat selection of Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) during Breeding in Impounded Marsh Wetlands in District Bahawalpur, Punjab
Sangam Khalil1*, Rukhsana Khatoon2, Sana Fatima3, Tanveer Hussain4
1Institute of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Running Title: Habitat selection of Common Moorhen
ABSTRACT
This study has provided basic insight in to the habitat selection during breeding of common Moorhen in the area of Bahawalpur at different locations. First, of all vegetation, survey was conducted and the 32 flora species were recorded. Acacia nilotica, Prosopis juliflora, Dalbergia sissoo, Typha elephantiana, Cynodon dactylon, Saccharum bengalensis, Solanum nigrum, Calotropis procera, Phoenix dactylifera and Zizyphus numularia were commonly present in the habitat of moorhen. Typha elephantiana was the most abundant and preferred for moorhens during breeding season. Moorhen nests were searched through visiting all possible sites and monitoring the activities of the adults at dawn and dusk. Moorhen only used the microsites to build nests on the branches of trees or emergent vegetation bended on water up to 3-5 feet above the water level. These birds used foliage of Dalbergia sissoo, Prosopis juliflora and Acacia nilotica and other nearby vegetation as hide. Water and soil samples of all selected wetland were also collected and analyzed. Data obtained is a major addition in existing meager information on the common moorhen and its habitat use, especially during breeding season, along with different wetland parameters preferred by this species in its habitat.
Key words: Habitat Selection, Impounded Marsh, Microsites, Moorhen