International Journal of
Biodiversity and Conservation

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-243X
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJBC
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 678

Full Length Research Paper

Avian species composition, distribution and abundance in selected habitat types in Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania

Rajabu Mikole
  • Rajabu Mikole
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Google Scholar
Grayson Mwakalebe
  • Grayson Mwakalebe
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Google Scholar
Evaline Munisi
  • Evaline Munisi
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Google Scholar
Richard D. Lyamuya
  • Richard D. Lyamuya
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Google Scholar
Revocatus Meney
  • Revocatus Meney
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
  • Google Scholar
Emmanuel Masenga
  • Emmanuel Masenga
  • Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, P. O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania.
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  •  Received: 29 July 2023
  •  Accepted: 19 January 2024
  •  Published: 29 February 2024

Abstract

The study conducted at Lake Manyara National Park (LMNP) in 2021, covering both wet and dry seasons in aquatic, forest and woodland habitats, utilized the point count method to collect data on bird species composition, abundance and distribution. The results revealed a total of 171 identified bird species belonging to 52 families and 17 orders. Significant differences in species abundance were observed between woodland and forest (z = 4.32, p < 0.001), aquatic and woodland (z = 5.89, p < 0.001), and aquatic and forest habitats (z = 2.43, p = 0.015). The majority of bird species were recorded in the woodland (105), followed by the forest (69) and aquatic (38) habitats. These findings highlight the diverse bird species present in the selected habitat types of the park, emphasizing its significance as an important conservation area for birds. Detailed studies are recommended to further enhance our understanding of bird life in LMNP.

 

Key words: Bird species, biodiversity, conservation, environment, seasons.