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Yilma ZA, Mengesha G, Girma Z. Species composition, relative abundance, and habitat association of birds in Dodola dry evergreen afro-montane forest and sub-afro-alpine scrubland vegetation, southeast Ethiopia. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16775. [PMID: 38223764 PMCID: PMC10788088 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Birds' functional groups are useful for maintaining fundamental ecological processes, ecosystem services, and economic benefits. Negative consequences of loss of functional groups are substantial. Birds are usually found at a high trophic level in food webs and are relatively sensitive to environmental change. Methods The first surveillance bird study was carried out southeast of Ethiopia adjacent to Bale Mountain National Park aimed at investigating the composition, relative abundance, and distribution of Aves. Using regular systematic point transact sampling, the density and species composition were analyzed through the mark recapture distance sampling engine assisted by R statistical software. Results This study recorded a total of seventy-eight bird species over two distinct seasons. Among these, fifteen species were exclusive to Erica habitats, twenty-six were found in natural forest habitats, and three were specific to plantation forest habitats. The study also discovered three endemic species. Based on the 2018 IUCN Red List categories, six of the species are globally threatened, three are near threatened, and the remaining sixty-nine are classified as least concern. The relative abundance of birds did not significantly differ across habitats and seasons, but variations were observed among blocks. Bird density was found to fluctuate across the three habitats and two seasons; however, these habitat differences were not influenced by seasonal changes. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that the differences in composition and relative abundance are not merely seasonal changes in the forest and Erica habitats. Instead, these habitats create microclimates that cater to specific bird species. However, this localized endemism also presents challenges. The concentration of endemic species and potential resource constraints could pose a threat to these habitat-specialist birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Girma Mengesha
- School of Wildlife and Eco-tourism, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Girma
- Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resource, Hawassa University, Wondo Gent, Ethiopia
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Rajpar MN, Rajpar AH, Zakaria M. Riverine forest as a significant habitat to harbor a wide range of bird species. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e256160. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.256160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Riverine forests are unique and highly significant ecosystems that are globally important for diverse and threatened avian species. Apart from being a cradle of life, it also serves as a gene pool that harbors a variety of flora and fauna species (repeated below). Despite the fact, this fragile ecosystem harbored avian assemblages; it is now disappearing daily as a result of human activity. Determining habitat productivity using bird species is critical for conservation and better management in the future. Multiple surveys were conducted over a 15-month period, from January to March 2019, using the distance sampling point count method. A total of 250 point count stations were fixed systematically at 300 m intervals. In total, 9929 bird individuals were recorded, representing 57 species and 34 families. Out of 57 bird species, two were vulnerable, one was data deficient, one was nearly threatened, and the remaining 53 species were of least concern. The Eurasian Collard Dove – Streptopelia decaocto (14.641 ± 2.532/ha), White-eared Bulbul – Pycnonotus leucotis (13.398 ± 4.342/ha) and Common Babbler – Turdoides caudata (10.244 ± 2.345/ha) were the three first plenteous species having higher densities. However, the densities of three species, i.e., Lesser Whitethroat – Sylvia curruca, Gray Heron – Ardea cinerea and Pallas Fish Eagle – Haliaeetus leucoryphus, were not analyzed due to the small sample size. The findings of diversity indices revealed that riverine forest has harbored the diverse avian species that are uniformly dispersed across the forest. Moreover, recording the ten foraging guilds indicated that riverine forest is rich in food resources. In addition, the floristic structure importance value index results indicated that riverine forest is diverse and rich in flora, i.e. trees, shrubs, weeds and grass, making it an attractive and productive habitat for bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. N. Rajpar
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal Dir, Pakistan
| | - A. H. Rajpar
- Jouf University, College of Engineering, Saudi Arabia
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Hedhili A, Hanane S, Hamza F, Chokri MA, Almalki M, Jribi I. Assessing The Effectiveness of Rainwater Harvesting Systems In Improving Wintering Bird Richness In Pre-Saharan Tunisia. Environ Manage 2023; 72:805-817. [PMID: 36881177 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01807-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The impact of rainwater harvesting systems on biodiversity in hyperarid North African areas has not been assessed to date despite its demonstrated usefulness. The present study investigated this impact by considering the richness of wintering birds (RWB) in the Tataouine region (pre-Saharan Tunisia). We used data from three sets of variables-rainwater harvesting system type, microhabitat conditions, and topography-to determine the best predictors causing variation in the RWB by means of generalized linear mixed models. Our results show that the jessour system is the most attractive for the wintering bird species, followed by the tabia system, and lastly by the control areas. In the jessour system, RWB is influenced positively by slope and shrub cover and quadratically by tree cover, whereas this richness is affected positively by the extent of the herbaceous layer in the tabia system. In the control areas, RWB is negatively affected by elevation and quadratically affected by tree cover. Variation partitioning (VP) analysis reveals that (i) space is the most robust factor explaining the RWB in control areas (adj. R2 = 0.15, p = 0.001), (ii) microhabitat is central in the tabia system (adj. R2 = 0.10, p = 0.001), and (iii) the shared fraction between microhabitat and space is relevant in the jessour systems (adj. R2 = 0.20). Specific management actions, especially preserving, maintaining, and promoting these traditional systems, are suggested to improve the attraction of wintering bird species to the Tataouine region. The implementation of a scientific watch system is recommended to understand how changes take place in such an arid environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlem Hedhili
- Laboratoire BIOME, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1171, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Saâd Hanane
- Center for Innovation, Research and Training, Water and Forests National Agency, Avenue Omar Ibn El Khattab, BP 763, 10050, Rabat-Agdal, Morocco
| | - Foued Hamza
- National Center for Wildlife, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Ali Chokri
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Valorization of Bioresources in Arid Zones, Faculty of Sciences of Gabes-City Erriadh, Zrig, Gabes, 6072, Tunisia
| | - Mohammed Almalki
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imed Jribi
- Laboratoire BIOME, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1171, 3000, Sfax, Tunisia
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Derebe Y, Derebe B, Kassaye M, Gibru A. Species diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of avifauna in different habitats within Lewi Mountain, Awi zone, Ethiopia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17127. [PMID: 37484391 PMCID: PMC10361310 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all habitats on the planet are home to birds, from the lowest deserts to the highest mountains. Birds have proved to be excellent indicators of biodiversity or productivity as they are easily observed and are relatively well known compared to other animals. Although bird species are distributed across the globe, habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss have adversely affected their survival and distribution. Therefore, this study is an attempt to prepare a baseline data on avifaunal diversity with their relative abundance and species richness in different habitats within Lewi Mountain Awi zone, Ethiopia from December 2018 to October 2020, including both the wet and dry seasons. The sampling sites were stratified based on land cover features, and transect count techniques were employed. The data were summarized per season and habitat type in the excel spreadsheet throughout the study period. In this study, one-way ANOVA was used to determine the effect of habitat type on species diversity and abundance. T-tests are also use to analyze bird populations among seasons. A total of 1591 individuals, 56 bird species belonging to 29 families and 12 orders were identified during the two seasons. The Wetland habitat had the highest species diversity index (H' = 3) with high evenness index (J = 0.88) during the dry season followed by the open shrubs habitat (H' = 2.97) with the highest evenness index (J = 0.95). The settlement had the lowest species diversity (H' = 2.17) and the lowest evenness index (J = 0.8) in the same season. During the wet season, disturbed forests recorded the highest Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H' = 3.2) with the highest evenness (J = 0.92) followed by Wetland habitat (H' = 2.97) with high evenness index (J = 0.87). During dry and wet seasons, the abundance of birds' species in different habitat types did not differ significantly (F = 1.91, p = 0.193, dƒ = 3) and (F = 1.579, p = 0.199, dƒ = 3), respectively. From all studied habitats, the overall mean abundance of bird species between dry and wet seasons was significantly different (F = 3642, P ≤ 0.001, dƒ = 1). In conclusion, settlement had the lowest species diversity and the lowest evenness index in the research area for the entire season. The habitats are important to the conservation of birds, so good habitat management is required, such as minimizing agricultural expansion and overgrazing, demarcating the forest habitats for wild species only, and creating awareness among local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Derebe
- Department of Forest and Climate Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Ethiopia
| | - Binega Derebe
- Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Kassaye
- Department of Forest and Climate Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Gibru
- Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box- 30726, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Derebe Y, Derebe B, Kassaye M, Gibru A. Species diversity, relative abundance, and distribution of avifauna in different habitats within Lewi Mountain, Awi zone, Ethiopia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17127. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
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Chen W, Miao K, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Hu D, Wang P, Li P, Chang Q, Hu C. Using DNA barcoding and field surveys to guide wildlife management at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, China. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10005. [PMID: 37066064 PMCID: PMC10099200 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The conflicts between wildlife and aircraft have increased due to the development of the aviation industry. While many studies have quantified the relative hazards of wildlife to aircraft, few studies have combined DNA barcoding techniques with field surveys of bird communities in different habitats to reveal the exact species involved in bird strikes and how the habitat heterogeneity around airports affects bird communities and even the occurrence of bird strikes. Taking Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China as an example, based on the DNA barcoding technology and detailed field research, we establish the most commonly struck species, which can help managers identify the level of hazard and lead to meaningful reductions in hazards and costs associated with bird strike. The investigation of bird communities showed that there were 149 bird species recorded within an 8 km radius. There were 89, 88, 61, and 88 species in the woodland, wetland, farmland, and urban area, respectively. In total, 303 samples identified 82 species representing 13 orders and 32 family of birds from bird strike cases, of which 24 species were not found in the field survey. Passeriformes were the most common order of birds identified, with 43 species represented in 167 identifications. Skylark, Thrush, Shrike, Lapwing, and Swallow were most likely to cause damage or substantial damage to aircraft when strikes occurred. In addition to birds, we identified 69 bats individuals (accounting for 22.77%) using DNA barcoding. The Bray-Curtis similarity analysis revealed that species involved in bird strike had the highest similarity with urban area. Our findings suggest that policymakers should pay more attention to managing the wetlands and urban areas surrounding the airport. These findings imply that DNA barcoding can add to the environmental monitoring in airports, which can facilitate hazard management and improve air safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Chen
- College of Environment and EcologyJiangsu Open University (The City Vocational College of Jiangsu)NanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Keer Miao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yizheng Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jie Zhang
- China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Yang Zhao
- Nanjing Lukou International AirportNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Dongfang Hu
- Nanjing Lukou International AirportNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Peng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Qing Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Chaochao Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
- Analytical and Testing CenterNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
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Asmare BD, Derebe Y, Tamer M. Diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest Awi zone, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281595. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds are the most widespread vertebrate group, as they can be found in practically every type of habitat. However, lack of knowledge on bird ecology in Afrotropical highlands and bird habitat degradation are the main problems that is why this research was studied. The study was conducted in Awi zone, Amhara National Regional State with the objective of the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest in Awi zone, Ethiopia. Between November 2018 and December 2020, the transect method was conducted in both dry and wet seasons. Using one-way ANOVA, the effect of seasons and habitats on species richness and abundance was investigated and compared. In both the dry and wet seasons, a total of 2233 individuals, 47 species belonging to 35 families, and 14 orders were recorded. The abundance of bird species was not statistically differed between habitat types in the dry season, but it was statistically significantly in the wet season. The mean abundance of bird species differed significantly between the dry and wet seasons. In the dry season, the forest habitat type had the highest species diversity index (H’ = 3.18) and the highest evenness (J = 0.94), while in the wet season, the forest habitat type had the highest evenness (J = 0.94). These habitats must be conserved in order to protect the birds that live in the area.
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Asmare BD, Derebe Y, Tamer M. Diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest Awi zone, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281595. [PMID: 36943851 PMCID: PMC10030032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds are the most widespread vertebrate group, as they can be found in practically every type of habitat. However, lack of knowledge on bird ecology in Afrotropical highlands and bird habitat degradation are the main problems that is why this research was studied. The study was conducted in Awi zone, Amhara National Regional State with the objective of the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two habitat types of Dokima forest in Awi zone, Ethiopia. Between November 2018 and December 2020, the transect method was conducted in both dry and wet seasons. Using one-way ANOVA, the effect of seasons and habitats on species richness and abundance was investigated and compared. In both the dry and wet seasons, a total of 2233 individuals, 47 species belonging to 35 families, and 14 orders were recorded. The abundance of bird species was not statistically differed between habitat types in the dry season, but it was statistically significantly in the wet season. The mean abundance of bird species differed significantly between the dry and wet seasons. In the dry season, the forest habitat type had the highest species diversity index (H' = 3.18) and the highest evenness (J = 0.94), while in the wet season, the forest habitat type had the highest evenness (J = 0.94). These habitats must be conserved in order to protect the birds that live in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binega Derebe Asmare
- Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Derebe
- Department of Forest and Climate Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Tamer
- Department of Forest and Climate Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Climate Science, Injibara University, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Neupane B, Dhami B, Panthee S, Stewart AB, Silwal T, Katuwal HB. Forest Management Practice Influences Bird Diversity in the Mid-Hills of Nepal. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192681. [PMID: 36230422 PMCID: PMC9559466 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Forest management practice plays a critical role in conserving biodiversity. However, there are few studies on how forest management practice affects bird communities. Here, we compare the effectiveness of the Panchase Protection Forest (PPF; protected forest with government administration) and the Tibrekot Community Forest (TCF; community forest with community forest users' group administration) in hosting bird diversity in the mid-hills of Nepal. We examined 96 point count stations during summer and winter in 2019 and recorded 160 species of birds with three globally threatened vultures (red-headed vulture Sarcogyps calvus, slender-billed vulture Gyps tenuirostris, and white-rumped vulture Gyps bengalensis). Forest management practice, season, and elevation all influenced the richness and abundance of birds. The diversity, richness, and abundance of birds and the most common feeding guilds (insectivore, omnivore, and carnivore) were higher in TCF than in PPF; however, globally threatened species were only recorded in PPF. We also recorded a higher bird species turnover (beta diversity) in TCF than in PPF. Our study indicates that community-managed forests can also provide quality habitats similar to those of protected forests managed by the government, and provide refuge to various bird species and guilds. However, we recommend more comparative studies in other tropical and sub-tropical areas to understand how different forest management practices influence bird diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijaya Neupane
- Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
- Department of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: (B.N.); (H.B.K.)
| | - Bijaya Dhami
- Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
| | - Shristee Panthee
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun 666303, China
| | - Alyssa B. Stewart
- Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thakur Silwal
- Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus, Tribhuvan University, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
| | - Hem Bahadur Katuwal
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun 666303, China
- Correspondence: (B.N.); (H.B.K.)
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Kumar S, Sohil A, Kichloo MA, Sharma N. Landscape heterogeneity affects diurnal raptor communities in a sub-tropical region of northwestern Himalayas, India. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0246555. [PMID: 35482717 PMCID: PMC9049523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Raptors are highly sensitive to environmental and human-induced changes. In addition, several species of raptors exist in considerably small numbers. It is thus critical to conserve raptors and their habitats across relatively larger landscapes. We examined the diurnal raptor assemblages and seasonality in a subtropical habitat in India’s northwestern Himalayas. Quantitative data on diurnal birds of prey and their habitat features across six distinct habitat types were collected from 33 sample sites. We observed 3,434 individuals of 28 diurnal raptors belonging to two orders and three families during a two-year survey from December 2016 to November 2018. A significant variation in bird species richness and abundance was found across habitats and seasons, with farmlands and winters being the most diverse and speciose. The generalized linear model, used to determine raptor community responses, indicated that elevation and proximity to dumping sites significantly affected the raptor abundance. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed significant differences in raptor assemblages across the habitat types. The study concluded that raptors’ persistence is largely determined by their preference for favourable feeding, roosting, and nesting opportunities. The presence of protected and habitat-exclusive species validates the high conservation importance of these ecosystems, particularly the forest patches and farmlands, necessitating robust conservation and management measures in this part of northwestern Himalaya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Govt. MAM College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Asha Sohil
- P.G. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzaffar A. Kichloo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Govt. Degree College, Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- Institute of Mountain Environment, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- * E-mail:
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Tesfaye D, Fashing PJ, Meshesha AA, Bekele A, Stenseth NC. Feeding Ecology of the Omo River Guereza (Colobus guereza guereza) in Habitats with Varying Levels of Fragmentation and Disturbance in the Southern Ethiopian Highlands. INT J PRIMATOL 2021; 42:64-88. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-020-00189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Dominic K, Muchai M, Kimanzi J, Mwangi J, Wamiti W, Bakari S, Walter B, Njoroge P. Habitat structure determines the abundance of the Endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei (Aves: Passeriformes: Motacillidae) at Timau montane grasslands in central Kenya. J Threat Taxa 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5366.12.5.15565-15571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the habitat selection and structure of a species is critical for developing evidence-centered conservation actions. Sharpe’s Longclaw Macronyx sharpei, a passerine bird endemic to Kenya, is threatened by reductions in habitat size and quality that have left it inhabiting a small and highly fragmented range. From January to June 2016 we investigated the abundance and density of Sharpe’s Longclaw in Marania farm located in Meru county in the northern sector of Mt. Kenya, where no previous study had been done. Population abundance and density were determined using the flush and count method. We observed that these birds were exclusively found in grasslands, being most abundant in habitats of short grass with tussocks, and less so in areas with tall grass. This habitat specificity indicates a key requirement for survival of Sharpe’s Longclaw populations in this area. We recommend surveys in and around Marania farm to determine the distribution of suitable habitats for this species, and that the farm be designated an Important Bird Area. Further studies should also focus on determining the intensity of grazing that is compatible with conservation of Sharpe’s Longclaw populations.
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Girma Z, Mamo Y, Mengesha G, Verma A, Asfaw T. Seasonal abundance and habitat use of bird species in and around Wondo Genet Forest, south-central Ethiopia. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3397-3405. [PMID: 28515875 PMCID: PMC5433982 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The habitat use and seasonal migratory pattern of birds in Ethiopia is less explored as compared to diversity studies. To this end, this study aimed at investigating the patterns of distribution related to seasonality and the effect of habitat characteristics (elevation, slope, and average vegetation height) on habitat use of birds of Wondo Genet Forest Patch. A stratified random sampling design was used to assess the avian fauna across the four dominant habitat types found in the study area: natural forest, wooded grassland, grassland, and agroforestry land. A point transect count was employed to investigate avian species richness and abundance per habitat type per season. Ancillary data, such as elevation above sea level, latitude and longitude, average vegetation height, and percent slope inclination, were recorded with a GPS and clinometers per plot. A total of 33 migratory bird species were recorded from the area, of which 20 species were northern (Palearctic) migrants while 13 were inter‐African migrants. There was a significant difference in the mean abundance of migratory bird species between dry and wet seasons (t = 2.13, p = .038, df = 44). The variation in mean abundance per plot between the dry and wet seasons in the grassland habitat was significant (t = 2.35, p = .051, df = 7). In most habitat types during both dry and wet seasons, omnivore birds were the most abundant. While slope was a good predictor for bird species abundance in the dry season, altitude and average vegetation height accounted more in the wet season. The patch of forest and its surrounding is an important bird area for migratory, endemic, and global threatened species. Hence, it is conservation priority area, and the study suggests that conservation coupled with ecotourism development is needed for its sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerihun Girma
- School of Wildlife and Eco-tourism Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Yosef Mamo
- Department of Biology Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Girma Mengesha
- School of Wildlife and Eco-tourism Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Ashok Verma
- School of Wildlife and Eco-tourism Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
| | - Tsyon Asfaw
- School of Wildlife and Eco-tourism Hawassa University Hawassa Ethiopia
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