THE ROLE OF AVIAN COMMUNITIES IN THE REGENERATION AND CONSERVATION OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCT SPECIES IN THE FORESTS OF CHHATTISGARH

Abstract

The tropical deciduous forests of Chhattisgarh constitute an important reservoir of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). Given the economic significance of these resources and the dependence of forest-dwelling tribes on them, ensuring tree regeneration in this ecoregion is a crucial policy concern. This article focuses on the role of the native avifauna communities in facilitating forest regeneration in Chhattisgarh. Classified into functional guilds based on their roles, birds shape the spatial organization of commercial tree species and aid their recruitment and establishment by altering genetic structure among fragmented populations. Physiologically, birds facilitate germination by removing inhibitory seed pulp and exerting mechanical pressure on the endocarp during digestion, shortening the time required for dormancy release. Additionally, certain avian species create ‘nucleation sites’ of regeneration, reversing the degradation of forest edges, while generalist species exert density-dependent effects on host tree populations and lower competitive exclusion. This article reviews the contribution of such avian-mediated mechanisms to the regeneration of commercially important NTFP species in the state forests of Chhattisgarh.