INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue IV, April 2025

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Faunal Diversity in Nhavare and Surrounding Villages of Shirur

Tehsil, M/S, India

*Sharad Giramkar, Sunita Khedekar, Mahesh Joshi, Prachi Amrale, Sanika Tilekar, Rutuja Korhale, Sanskruti Oval and

Yogita jagtap

identified with taxonomic keys. There were 24 species that were observed, out of which six species belonging to the Phylum

Arthropoda while 18 species belong to the Phylum Chordata. Six resident birs species were found namely: Corvus splendens,

Corvus culminates, Passer domesticus, Ardeola grayii, Milvus lineatus, Dicrurus macrocercus. The ecological importance of

Nhavare as an essential habitat for bird and other faunal diversity. Also diverse species of insects, arachnids, and reptiles to birds

and mammals were identified such as Apis dorsata, Ptyas mucosa, and Milvus lineatus signifies the ecological diversity of the

area. The research also emphasizes the contribution of agriculture to local biodiversity. The record of faunal diversity in Nhavare

provides a baseline for future ecological monitoring and conservation management planning. The knowledge of species composition

and spatial distribution can inform biodiversity conservation and management strategies. This work highlights the importance of

ongoing monitoring of biodiversity, especially in rural environments that are increasingly subject to anthropogenic pressures. It is

recommended to carry out further long-term studies in different seasons to compare fluctuations in species abundance and habitat

strategies [7 and 8].

Nhavare village in the Shirur taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, is situated in the Desh area of the Western Maharashtra plateau.

The region has a semi-arid climate with clear seasonal variations that affect the abundance and distribution of fauna. The land use

in Nhavare is characterized by agricultural activity with scattered natural vegetation patches, resulting in a heterogeneous landscape

supporting diverse taxa, such as arthropods, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Agroecosystems can play a major role in conserving

biodiversity by offering foraging opportunities, nesting habitats, and shelter for a wide variety of species [3].

Research has highlighted the importance of rural landscapes in maintaining biodiversity in those regions that experience land-use

change due to agricultural expansion and urbanization [5]. Little is documented, however, about faunal diversity in Nhavare. This

research aims to methodically document faunal species in Nhavare village and provide insights into species richness and ecological

roles. Examination of distribution patterns among various taxa will contribute to conservation efforts in biodiversity and inform

May), Monsoon (June to September), and Post-Monsoon (October to January). The survey was done by direct field observation in

pre-defined transects with photographic records for identification of species. Data were collected between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm,

twice during each season. A Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 12 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom was utilized for

photography. Identification of species was done based on standard field guides and taxonomic sources. To assess species diversity

quantitatively, two ecological indices were applied: the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H') and the Simpson’s Diversity Index

(1 – D). Non-invasive techniques were applied to avoid any disturbance to the wildlife. The research followed guidelines of ethics

for biodiversity studies, and no specimen was collected or injured during the survey.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue IV, April 2025

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III. Result and Discussion

Insecta

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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Arthropoda, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia. The reported biodiversity is indicative of the ecological importance of agricultural

ecosystems in maintaining diverse taxa. Other reports have indicated that semi-arid agro-ecosystems harbor important insect, bird,

and small mammal microhabitats, lending stability to the ecosystem [4].

Existence of diverse insects, specifically honeybees (Apis sp.), dragonflies (Dragonfly sp.), and grasshoppers (Diabolocatantops

pinguis), emphasizes the pollinators and primary consumers as key maintainers of trophic dynamics [11]. Diversity in the pollinator,

which is an essential element to crop production as well as sustainable ecosystems, is associated with losses due to fragmentation

of habitat as well as exposure to pesticides (Potts et al., 2010). The arthropod diversity seen in Nhavare implies that local farming

practices sustain pollinator communities to a certain degree, although more studies are required to determine the effect of

agrochemicals on insect populations.

Reptilian diversity within the study region, such as the Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) and the Indian cobra (Naja naja), reflects a

(Corvus culminatus) have been observed to adjust to anthropogenic alterations, but long-term observation is required to identify

the impact of land-use conversion on bird populations [9]. Agricultural intensification and habitat changes have been found to result

in declines in farmland bird populations worldwide, requiring biodiversity-friendly farming practices [2]. The values of Shannon-

Wiener and Simpson’s Diversity Index indicate a high level of species diversity and evenness within the study area. A high Shannon

index suggests that the species are distributed fairly evenly, with no particular species dominating the ecosystem. Similarly, the

Simpson’s index value close to 1 further supports the presence of rich and balanced faunal diversity. Such a diversity profile implies

a healthy and relatively undisturbed environment, supporting ecological stability and resilience. This biodiversity may be attributed

to the heterogeneity of microhabitats available in the area.

V. Conclusion

The current research points towards the high faunal diversity at Nhavare and neighboring villages, which confirms the ecological

dynamics of species composition and examination of the effects of land use changes on dynamics of biodiversity must be the focal

areas of research in the coming years. The results of this research can provide useful inputs for biodiversity conservation practices

in the semi-arid regions and bring attention to applying combined land management methods balancing crop production with

ecosystem protection.

Ethical Approval Statement

This study did not require ethical approval as it did not involve human participants or animal experimentation. The research was

conducted following all applicable ethical guidelines and regulations.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue IV, April 2025

www.ijltemas.in Page 72