Diversity, Distribution and Relative abundance of the Avian Fauna of Denkoro Forest Proposed National Park
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Date
2008-07-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study was carried out to investigate the diversity, distribution and relative abundance of avian fauna in Denkoro priority Forest Area covering wet and dry seasons from August 2007 to March 2008. The study area was stratified based on the vegetation types. Four habitat types: Forest, Erica woodland, Grassland and Farmland were identified. Each vegetation type was used as sample site. Point count and line transect methods were employed. The data were collected in the morning and late afternoon. A total of 154 species of birds were identified. Erica woodland habitat had the highest species diversity (H = 3.332) during the wet season and Forest habitat had the highest species diversity (H = 3.850) during the dry season. The species richness of birds during the wet season was between 15-28 and that of the dry season ranged between 25-47. Simpson’s similarity Index indicated the highest similarity between Forest and Erica and Forest and Grassland during the wet season. During the dry season, the highest species similarity was observed between the Forest and Erica woodland. The mean number of individuals showed significant difference between habitats. Season had significant effect on bird abundance (p < 0.0001). The interaction of season and habitat was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The chi-square analysis for the habitat association of birds showed significant difference based on vegetation types (p < 0.001). Deforestation habitat fragmentation, agricultural expansion and settlement are the main threats for the avian fauna. Hence, conservation measures should be taken to protect the wildlife in the area.
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Species Diversity, Distribution, Relative Abundance Species Richness Species Similarity, Point Count, Line Transect, Denkoro Forest, Threat, Conservation