Effect of Development on Avian Diversity and Abundance in Federal University of Technology, Akure, SouthWest Nigeria

• O.S. Odewumi

  Author

• I. Hagher

  Author

• E. Agbelusi

  Author

Loss of biodiversity is often attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, which typically follow growth in human population and land use change. The diversity and abundance of avian species in FUTA was carried out to determine the impact of infrastructural development on avian species. Bird survey was done using direct count methods; (1) transect method and (2) area search method. Samplings were made on seasonal basis for the period of one year (January – March for dry season and May – July for rainy season). Birds sighted during the survey were categorized based on their Order, family and feeding guilds. Data collected were analyzed with PAST statistical software [16] to calculate species diversity index and richness. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significance of differences on the distribution and diversity of bird species, and Tukey's HSD post hoc analysis was carried out to identify specific variables that differ significantly. A total of one thousand four hundred and five (1405) individual birds, from seventy four (74) bird species belonging to thirty two (32) families and twelve (12) Orders were recorded in the study area. The developed area had 33 species with a total of 1020 individual birds, cultivated area had 43 species with 176 individual birds while uncultivated area had 34 species with 209 individual birds. The order Passeriformes had the highest number of species (n=14). Cultivated area had the highest diversity value (Shannon = 3.59), uncultivated area had (Shannon = 3.01) while developed area had the least (Shannon = 2.93). Bird diversity varied significantly (P<0.05) between the three habitat types. The result showed that bird species are using infrastructures to breed, nest, perch and to watch their prey. Most of the bird species are Insectivores (n=38; 50%), followed by Granivores (n=14; 18.42%), Piscivores (n=8; 10.53%) Carnivores (n=7; 9.21%) Frugivores (n=4; 5.26%), Nectarivores (n=4; 5.26%) while Scavengers/Omnivores had the least (n=1; 1.32%).It is therefore concluded that the development had led to changes in bird species composition favouring birds that adapt freely to open habitat.

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