Faunal Diversity of Pong Dam and Its Catchment Area (District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh)

Contents: 1. Overview. 2. Earthworm: Oligochaeta. 3. Insecta: Odonata. 4. Rhopalocera: Lepidoptera (Insecta). 5. Orthoptera (Insecta). 6. Pisces. 7. Amphibia. 8. Reptilia. 9. Aves.

From the Introduction: "The Pong Dam Wetland is also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar is situated at the based Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It is an important man made reservoir across the river Beas in Kangra Valley bring in one of the districts of the state of Himachal Pradesh in the lap of Shiwalik Hills, situated at an altitude of 335-436 meters.

The earthworms which play a significant role in the wetland ecosystem are studied and 12 new distribution record of this group are reported from this area. The Order Odonata where life histories are dependent upon the wetland, 15 species from different parts of the wetland is recorded. 38 species of Orthoptera and 52 species of Lepidoptera are recorded from the island and the exposed part of the Wetland during the lean period. The Amphibians are reported by 8 species belonging to 3 families i.e. Ranidae, Bufonidae and Microphyladae representing common frogs, toads and burrowing frog. Among Reptile fauna a report of 15 species is also a new distribution record. the status of population of Avian fauna is reviewed and 418 species are recorded from the wetland. The abundance of population of Bar Haeded geese during winter season is also assessed."