Ecological distribution and analysis on the current distribution of Rufous-throated wren babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus) in the Indian Himalayan Region
Avantika Thapa, RujasYonle and Dawa Bhutia
Department of Zoology, Environmental Biology laboratory, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734101 (India) *Corresponding author Email: rujasyonle@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
A review on the geographical distribution of Rufous-throated wren babbler in the Indian Himalayan Region was made based on photographic documentation and available scientific literature. Rufousthroated wren babbler is endemic to Eastern Himalayas and inhabits the dense undergrowth of forests in the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Northern part of West Bengal. With an altitudinal range of 1,500 m to 2,500 m asl and occasionally to 3,100 m asl it is a restricted range bird whose population is declining due to habitat loss. This study indicated the highest number of sightings in the state of West Bengal; it was also found out that these species mostly occur in protected forest areas suggesting their specific niche requirements fulfilled by old forests.