Species Composition, Relative Abundance, and Habitat Association of Avifauna in Zegie Peninsula Forest Patches and Associated Wetlands, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. Ethiopia is one of the most avifauna rich countries in Africa. Avifaunal surveys are required to inform conservation decisions and enhance land management for biodiversity. Avifaunal surveys from Ethiopia are lacking. This study examines species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association of avian fauna in Zegie Peninsula forest patches and associated wetlands from surveys carried out from August 2018 to March 2019, covering both the wet and dry seasons. Data Collection. Forest, shrub, lakeshore, and wetland habitats were identified as ecologically relevant habitats in the study area for data collection. Data were collected using point count and line transect methods, for 24 days in total for both seasons in the morning and afternoon. Results. A total of 96 species of birds were identified during the whole study period. Out of the total, 40 species were observed during the wet season, 13 during dry and 43 species in both seasons. There was significant variation of species distribution among habitats. During the wet season, the highest species diversity was recorded in the wetland habitat followed by forest habitat. During the dry season, avian diversity was the highest in the lakeshore followed by wetlands. The highest evenness was observed in the shrubland during both the wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, the highest species similarity was recorded between wetland and lakeshore habitats, and during the dry season, the highest species similarity was recorded between forest and shrub habitats. Based on encounter rate data, 64 (66.66%) of the avian species were uncommon. Conclusions. Compared to previous studies conducted in the study area, species diversity was lower. This might be due to various anthropogenic activities such as deforestation of trees for timber and cutting trees for firewood. Therefore, awareness creation should be given to the local community to reduce habitat destruction due to various human-induced factors.

Diversity, Species Composition, and Relative Abundance of Avifauna at Debre Libanos Monastery, Ethiopia

“…A study supported by Tsegaye et al [26], indicated that diferences in species diversity, species abundance, and number of individuals among diferent species were associated with diferences in habitat characteristics and feeding habits. In addition, Mola et al [36] reported that the distribution and abundance of many bird species is determined by the vegetation structure. [30,37] say that the lowest species richness and abundance were observed in forest habitats than in farms and settlements.…”

Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Avifauna in District Jhang, Pakistan

“…Avian diversity of wetlands in Bahir dar, Ethiopia was determined during wet and dry seasons. The eld survey identi ed 96 species of birds in which 40 species were observed in wet season, 13 species in dry season while 43 species were common at both seasons (Mola, 2021). During the year around survey 2550219 individuals from 55 species of birds were reported.…”

“…By following Mola et al (2021) Line transect method was used for observing the birds of wetland area of Thal desert. Since Thal desert contains uniform type of habitat due to very little vegetation, birds are easily visible.…”

“…Pakistan harbor very diverse avian fauna due to its geographical structure and is home for more than 750 species of birds (Mehmood et al, 2018). Wetland and riverine system are some best sites for wintering and migratory birds (Mola et al, 2021). Thal desert area and trimmu barrage support huge number of resident as well as migratory birds such as houbara bustard, cuckoos and quails.…”

Diversity and Abundance of Avifauna: Implications for Conservation and Ecotourism Development in Suba Forest, Central Ethiopia

“…The possible random blocks were selected for natural, plantation, and farmland habitats. As shown in table (8), below a grid to each habitat consisting of 0.5x1km cells was applied [60]. Then random blocks were selected, resulting in 24 blocks in the natural forest, 10 in the plantation forest, and 10 in the farmlands based on the size of habitats [59].…”