Assessing the Impact of Climate Variability on Migratory Bird Patterns and Habitat Dynamics: A Case Study of Bharatpur, India

Authors

  • Vipin Chandra Lal

    Department of Geography, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110094, India
  • Arun Pratap Mishra

    Office of the Registrar General of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi 110011, India
  • Usha Rani

    Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110027, India
  • Cheetar Mal Meena

    Department of Geography, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana 123031, India
  • Rashmi Singh

    Department of Geography, Miranda House, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
  • Mijing Gwra Basumatary

    Department of Geography, B. Borooah College (Autonomous), Guwahati, Assam 781007, India
  • Ashvini Kumar

    Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
  • Teja Ram Nitharwal

    Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i5.10819
Received: 1 July 2025 | Revised: 18 July 2025 | Accepted: 30 July 2025 | Published Online: 14 November 2025

Abstract

Climate change, largely driven by the rapid rise in greenhouse gas emissions, is now widely recognized as a major force reshaping ecological systems around the world. One of the clearest signs of this transformation is the noticeable shift in bird migration patterns, particularly among species that travel long distances. This study explores how unusual changes in temperature and rainfall are influencing migratory bird behavior in Bharatpur, a renowned wetland region in India. Using a combination of firsthand insights from local communities and sanctuary staff, along with official climate data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the research follows a mixed-method approach. Fieldwork, ecological monitoring, and statistical analysis were conducted to better understand these dynamics. The results show a clear decline in the arrival of iconic species, such as the Indian Sarus and the Siberian Crane, which is linked to irregular rainfall and warmer winters. Changes in seasonal timing, such as earlier blooming of plants and insect emergence, are also creating mismatches with bird breeding periods, resulting in food shortages for chicks. The study also notes that while monsoon rains tend to support crane populations, excessive winter rainfall may have the opposite effect. In addition to climate pressures, human-related challenges such as shrinking habitats and the spread of invasive species are further endangering these migratory birds.

 

Keywords:

Climate Variability; Bird Migration; Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary; Rainfalltrend

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How to Cite

Lal, V. C., Mishra, A. P., Rani, U., Meena, C. M., Singh, R., Basumatary, M. G., Kumar, A., & Nitharwal, T. R. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Climate Variability on Migratory Bird Patterns and Habitat Dynamics: A Case Study of Bharatpur, India. Research in Ecology, 7(5), 109–119. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i5.10819

Issue

Vol.7, Iss.5 (December 2025)(in progress)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Vipin Chandra Lal, Arun Pratap Mishra, Usha Rani, Cheetar Mal Meena, Rashmi Singh, Mijing Gwra Basumatary, Ashvini Kumar, Teja Ram Nitharwal

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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