Preliminary Assessment of Bird Species Diversity in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Nigeria

Abstract

Birds are excellent bio indicators of health of biodiversity. Urbanization has been identified as one of the causes for bird decline. This study aimed at assessing bird diversity and distribution within Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University (COOU), Igbariam campus, Anambra State, Nigeria with a view to providing baseline information for ecological management. The study area was stratified into forested and open spaces; hence, 5 plots of 100 m × 100 m size were systematically laid in each stratum. Bird activities were recorded from line transects with stating points systematically determined in each plot for one (1) month. Birds were identified to species level. The species compositions were analyzed using Shannon Wiener (H') diversity and Pielou’s richness (E) indices. A total of 1984 birds distributed in birds consisting of 73 species distributed among 28 families were recorded COOU. Cisticolidae and Estrildidae were the most dominate family. Streptopelia semitorquata (Red-eyed dove) had the highest Relative density (RD) of 13.58% in the open space and 21.30% in the forested habitats. The result showed that COOU had H' and E had values of 3.20 and 0.461 for the forested area and 3.18 and 0.463 for the open area, respectively. The study concluded that COOU Igbariam campus has high bird species diversity. Furthermore, the design of programmes that encourage nature conservation were recommended.