Abstract

Avian diversity is among the key components of the earth’s biodiversity. This study was conducted in Choke Mountains from January to April, 2018 to identify the diversity, relative abundance and distribution of avian fauna. Data were collected in three different habitats (natural forest, grazing and protected areas). The sampling areas were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Point count (for forest site) and line transect methods (for grazing and protected habitats) were employed to collect data. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H`), Encounter Rate, Richness index (RI), Evenness Index (E) and Simpson’s similarity index (SI) were used for data analysis. A total of 55 bird species belonging to 11 orders and 27 families were identified during the study period. Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata), Slender billed starling (Onychognathus tenuirostris), Alpine chat (Pinarochroa sordida), Waller’s starling (Onychognathus walleri) and White collared pigeon (Columba albitorques) were the most abundant species in the study area. Relatively higher diversity of bird species was observed in the natural forest habitat (H’ = 2.93) and the lower species diversity was observed in the protected area (H’ = 2.56). The evenness diversity index (E) indicated the highest evenness distribution was registered in the protected area (E = 0.89) and relatively, the lowest evenness was in grazing area (E = 0.87).  The highest species richness was registered in natural forest habitat (4.40) followed by Grazing (3.36) and protected habitats (2.57). Grazing and protected areas have higher similarity index (0.40) and the lower similarity index was observed between natural forest and grazing areas (0.20). Agricultural expansion, overgrazing of livestock contributed to the deterioration in the diversity and abundance of birds of the study area. Thus, serious action is needed to conserve the biological diversity in Choke Mountains.

Key words: Abundance, birds, Choke Mountains, distribution.