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Seasonal Variation and Spatial Distribution of Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) in Urban Wetlands of Kota, Rajasthan, India

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, Government College Kota, Kota, Rajasthan, India
  • 2Department of Zoology, Government College Kota, Kota, Rajasthan, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 15, Issue (1), Pages 17-20, February,10 (2026)

Abstract

The Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) is a wetland-dependent species and an important indicator of ecosystem health in aquatic ecosystems. This study examines its spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuations across three urban wetlands in Kota, Rajasthan —Abheda Pond, Ummedganj Pakshi Vihar Conservation Reserve (UPVCR), and Right Main Canal—from November 2024 to November 2025. Abundance patterns showed a marked seasonal rhythm, with highest numbers recorded during the pre-monsoon period (April–June) and the lowest during winter. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman‘s correlation) revealed significant temporal and spatial differences in abundance (p < 0.05). The pronounced increase in pre-monsoon aligns with the species' nesting activity and the availability of shallow foraging habitats. Overall, the study emphasizes the ecological importance of urban wetlands and canals in sustaining heron populations when hydrological stability and minimal disturbance are maintained.

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