ECOLOGICAL INSIGHT INTO NESTING, BREEDING, AND FEEDING BEHAVIORS OF PSITTACULA KRAMERI IN THE NATURAL HABITAT OF LAKKI MARWAT, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Psittacula krameri is a popular, talkative bird that belongs to the phylum Chordata in the kingdom Animalia. Its common name is the rose-ringed parakeet, but in many regions of Pakistan, it is commonly known as "tota". It can mimic human speech, which makes it highly popular among people. In this study, Psittacula krameri's general behavior patterns during nesting, breeding, and feeding in the three tehsils of Lakki Marwat, KPK, are observed. Prior to this research, no studies existed on the ecological behavior of Psittacula krameri in Lakki Marwat, KPK. This study addresses that gap. For data collection, I used scan and random sampling techniques along with various tools such as an inch tape, notebook, camera, binoculars, and pen. Bamboo sticks were also used to measure nest heights. SPSS was used to analyze data using a variety of statistical tests. Descriptive data suggested that the tallest nests were located in Lakki City, and the parrots preferred to build their nests above 20 feet on trees. According to One-way ANOVA and Chi-square analyses, the slight differences in average nest heights between the tehsils (27.2 feet in Lakki, 25.3 feet in Naurang, and 21.9 feet in Ghazni) were likely due to regional environmental factors and were not statistically significant. This suggested that the nesting patterns of Psittacula species were remarkably consistent across locations, supporting the idea that such behavior was instinctual and not strongly influenced by geographic variation. The study also observed Psittacula krameri’s monogamous breeding and herbivorous feeding behaviors in Lakki Marwat, KPK. It suggests that enhancing public awareness of the species’ survival behaviors and its role in maintaining ecosystem balance is essential to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure effective management and preservation in natural habitats.