Authors : Dr. Lalita Mishra

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yc58pyva

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5e4h56fj

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec785

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Abstract : Freshwater wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and play a crucial role in supporting bird diversity. Govindgarh Lake, located near Rewa city in Madhya Pradesh, is an important inland freshwater wetland that provides ecological, social, and recreational benefits to the surrounding region. Although the lake is locally known for its scenic value and tourism importance, information related to its bird diversity and potential for nature-based tourism remains limited and scattered across a few studies. The present paper reviews and synthesizes available secondary information on bird diversity reported from Govindgarh Lake and evaluates its suitability for nature-based tourism, particularly bird-watching tourism.Published studies indicate that Govindgarh Lake supports a variety of resident and migratory bird species associated with open water, shallow margins, and surrounding vegetated habitats. Seasonal variation in bird diversity is a prominent feature, with winter months showing higher species richness due to the arrival of migratory waterbirds. The presence of different feeding guilds, including piscivorous, insectivorous, and omnivorous birds, reflects habitat heterogeneity and availability of food resources within the lake ecosystem.In addition to its ecological value, Govindgarh Lake attracts local visitors throughout the year for recreational and cultural purposes. However, tourism activities around the lake remain largely unplanned and informal. The reviewed evidence suggests that Govindgarh Lake has considerable potential for low-impact, bird-based tourism if ecological considerations are integrated into tourism planning. Bird-watching tourism can promote conservation awareness while contributing to local livelihoods. This paper highlights the need for structured management, awareness programs, and future ecological monitoring to ensure that tourism development does not adversely affect bird habitats.

Keywords : Bird Diversity, Freshwater Wetland, Govindgarh Lake, Nature-Based Tourism, Bird-Watching, Madhya Pradesh

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