Galliform Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Ecological Studies of the Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida Meleagris Meleagris) in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley, Southwestern Ethiopia
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A study was conducted to investigate Galliform species composition, population size, relative abundance and threats, and the feeding and breeding ecology of wild Helmeted Guineafowl (N. meleagris meleagris) in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley, southwestern Ethiopia. Data were collected from January 2018 to December 2020, covering both the dry and wet seasons. The study area was classified into four habitats: farmland, forest, grassland and riverine areas based on vegetation features. Point count methods and line transect surveys were employed in the dense and open habitats, respectively, to study Galliformes. The species composition and relative abundance of Galliformes were estimated by timed species count and encounter rates. The feeding ecology and habitat use of Helmeted Guineafowls were investigated using direct focal flock observation and scan sampling techniques. The breeding ecology of the species was studied by ground surveys and nest monitoring techniques. Egg morphometry parameters were determined using vernier caliper (range: 0–150 mm, accuracy: 0.001 mm) and digital balance (range: 2000 g x 0.1 g). Direct inventories, questionnaire surveys and informal communications were employed to assess public knowledge and threats to Galliformes. Three Galliform bird species namely: Clapperton's Francolin (Pternistis clappertoni), Helmeted Guineafowl (N. m. meleagris) and Stone Partridge (Ptilopachus petrosus) were recorded in the area. Helmeted Guineafowl were abundant (66.83%) while Clapperton's Francolin was common (30.14%) and Stone Partridge was frequent (3.03%). The population size of Galliformes recorded in the study area was 461 during the dry and 365 during the wet season. The population size of Galliformes showed differences across habitats, and it was statistically significant (F=90.06, df=3, p<0.05). Helmeted Guineafowls were omnivorous with diets consisting of mainly insects (52%), and seeds (53%) during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The active breeding period of Helmeted Guineafowls was from June through September where intensive egg-laying was observed. A total of 17 active nests comprising 207 eggs were located and monitored throughout the study period. Most of the nests were located in grassland (41.18%, n=7), followed by farmland (35.29%, n=6) and forest (23.53%, n=4) habitats. The mean clutch size of the species was 12.18±1.07 (range: 5-19). The eggs were pointed, with a mean egg-shape index value of 60.15±0.81 mm. The mean egg volume was 37.67 mm3. The breeding performance of Helmeted Guineafowl recorded in the present study was moderate with an overall breeding success of 64.71% (n=17) and egg-hatching rates of 66.67% (n=207). The mean incubation period was 28.50±1.83 days (range: 25-32, n=6). The majority (86.36%, n=286) of residents have an awareness of Guineafowl and Francolin species and perceive the socio-economic attributes of these birds. Galliformes and their habits in the Arjo-Didessa River Valley area are under immense anthropogenic pressure which needs immediate conservation actions. Further research efforts, community-based conservation interventions and threat reduction are, therefore, essential to understand the post-hatching successes. Thorough monitoring of the population trends of Galliformes and protection of their habitats is vital to enhance the breeding success of the species and hence its conservation in the region.
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Keywords
Breeding Success, Diet Composition, Foraging Ecology, Galliform, Habitat Use, Helmeted Guineafowl, Population Size, Relative Abundance, Species Composition