Human Disturbance and Its Effects on Waterbird Populations at Atpadi Water Reservoir

Human activities around wetlands alter habitat structure, resource availability, and disturbance regimes, often leading to changes in waterbird abundance, diversity, and behaviour. This study investigates the effects of human disturbance on waterbird populations at the Atpadi Water Reservoir (hereafter Atpadi Reservoir), Sangli district, Maharashtra. Field surveys were conducted monthly between January and December 2022 to 2024 at four fixed sampling sites around the tank. We quantified waterbird species richness, abundance, feeding and roosting behaviour, and disturbance events (fishing, livestock grazing, boating, bathing, fishing-net setting, and agricultural activities). Analyses combined descriptive statistics, diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Simpson), Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) linking disturbance intensity to bird abundance, and behavioural disturbance-response metrics. Results show a negative association between disturbance intensity and both waterbird abundance and richness, with the strongest impacts on large-bodied and easily flushed species (e.g., herons, storks, and some waterfowl). Areas with reduced human activity supported higher densities and nesting attempts. Management recommendations include delineating disturbance-free zones, seasonal restrictions on fishing and grazing, community awareness programs, and habitat enhancement measures. The study provides baseline data for local conservation planning and highlights the importance of managing human activities to conserve wetland-dependent birds in Atpadi.