The proposed study was carried out at Ravi Siphon area in Sheikhupura district near Lahore, Punjab, which is an important site along the Indian Border. In this study, main emphasis was given on the population dynamics of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles in relation to the wetland characteristics particularly different types of riverine habitats, different seasons (summer, winter), relationship between different species of animals, seasonal changes, species identification, census of biodiversity and their population assessment. In addition, natural flora of the site was also recorded. Wildlife is an excellent indicator of the overall health of an ecosystem. On this research identification of nature and severity of problems being faced by biodiversity was identified and concluded as recommendation for the welfare of our wildlife to declare the site as a protected area.
Waterbirds depend on Ravi Siphon wetland for a variety of activities which include feeding, breeding, nesting and moulting. The highest number of waterbirds is often found in wetlands which have the greatest diversity of plant species and vegetation types, or where there is permanent water. In hot summer wetlands become visiting places for summer visitor birds and they provide a drought- refuge for several species of water birds.
During the study there were 87 species of birds recorded. According to seasonal distribution 24 winter visitors, 54 residents, 6 summer breeder and 3 year round visitor were recorded. In the study area, some birds were seen in a large diversity and others were seen rarely.
The present study about the status of bird species showed that 1 very common, 9 common, 20 fairly common, 34 uncommon, 12 rare and 11 very rare bird species were recorded. Monthly data was taken during the whole year (May 2009-April10) and 772 total birds population were found. In May 319, Jun 354, July 375, August 390, September 316, October 432, November 349, December 395, January 373. , February 389, March 401 and in April 363 bird's population were recorded.
Relative abundance, Census Index and Shannon Weiner Diversity Index were also calculated for studied bird data. The most dominant bird of the area was Indian Cliff Swallow found having relative abundance 5.69. The other dominant birds were Little Green Bee-eater (3.4), Large Egret (3.96), House Sparrow (2.3), and Bank Myna (2.6). Census Index was found to be 1.64 and Shannon Weiner Diversity Index was 5.98 found. Wildlife other than birds was also recorded. Three species of amphibians, eight species of reptiles and significant species of mammals were studied. A great variety of plant trees were also found at Ravi Siphon.