The abundance and diversity of bird species in Logged Ehor Forest Reserve Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The abundance and diversity of bird species were studied in Ehor Forest Reserve Edo state, Nigeria. The study area was divided into three compartments based on their different land-use types. The line transects method was used to collect bird species diversity and abundance in the study area. In all of 60 transect lines were randomly placed, measuring 1000 m. Each transect was divided into 200 m sections, with each block having 20 transects randomly placed.  The site size determined the number of transect lines. Data were collected for six months (Dry and Wet seasons) in 20018. The quadrant method was used to determine plant species composition. This method involves a total enumeration count (TEC) of all trees above 1m in height and a Basal area of not less than 10cm from 25×25m
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quadrant sample plot, which was randomly selected through balloting from each sampling compartments.  Thirty-five (31) bird species were recorded in the Farmland, Forty-five (45) bird species in the Fallow Area, and sixty-seven (67) species encountered in the Undisturbed forest area. In all, a total of 143 bird species belonging to 43 families and 18 orders were recorded in the three study sites; the Order Passeriformes had the highest frequency (51 %) of the total number of birds recorded, while the dominant families were Cuculidae and Pycnonotidae, comprising (7.4 %) of the total species One endangered bird species, African Grey Parrot and 13 species cuculidae were encountered in the study area. A total of 117 tree species were enumerated in the study area, Ficus exasperata had the highest DBH, while Ceiba pentandra has the highest mean height. Alchornea oppositifolia has the highest frequency of occurrence in the study area.

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quadrant sample plot which was randomly selected through balloting form each sampling compartments.  Thirty-five (31) bird species were recorded in the Farmland, Forty five (45) bird species in the Fallow Area and sixty seven  (67) species encountered in the Undisturbed forest area. In all, a total of 143 bird species belonging to 43 families and 18 orders were recorded in the three study sites, The Order Passeriformes had the highest frequency (51 %) of the entire number of birds recorded, while the dominant families were Cuculidae and Pycnonotidae, comprising (7.4 %) of the total species One endangered bird species, African Grey Parrot and 13 species cuculidae were encountered in the study area. A total of 117 tree species were enumerated in the study area, Ficus exasperata had the highest DBH, while, Ceiba pentandra has the highest mean height. Alchornea oppositifolia has the highest frequency of occurrence in the study area.