An inventory of urban faunal diversity with reference to Thevara, Kochi, Kerala

Focus on urban biodiversity is gaining importance today due to many reasons world over. But biodiversity remains under explored in urban areas of Kerala to a major extent. A ten month long monitoring of urban fauna in Thevara, a part of the city of Kochi, Kerala from January 2013 to October 2013 yielded a total of 193 species of animals comprising, 64 invertebrates and 129 vertebrates. Sampling was carried out once a month adopting standard methods of collection. The data from the present study indicate the appreciable richness of biodiversity in the study area. Fauna include a variety of resident and migratory species among which some are endemic and some others threatened. Checklists of various groups of animals recorded were also prepared. The present data can be used for effective management and conservation of biodiversity of this area which is under severe stress of urbanization.