scholarly journals Avian Diversity and Bird-Aircraft Strike Problems in Bahir Dar International Airport, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Author(s):  
Tsegaye Tefera ◽  
Dessalegn Ejigu ◽  
Nega Tassie

Abstract Background Bahir Dar International Airport is known by its rich avifaunal diversity, and bird-aircraft collisions is becoming a serious problem in the area. Study on bird-aircraft strike problems in Bahir Dar International Airport was carried out from February - August 2020. The study area was classified into four habitat types based on its vegetation structures namely: bushland, grassland, wetland, and modified habitat. Point and transect count methods were used to collect data on diversity and abundance of birds. Interviews to people working at the Airport were used to gather information about the incident and prevention of bird-airport strike problems. Shannon-Wiener diversity, Simpson’s similarity indices, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. Results A total of 80 bird species belonging to 15 orders and 40 families were identified in the present study area. The highest species diversity (H’=3.59) and species evenness (E=0.96) were recorded in the modified habitat during the wet season. The majority of birds in the present study area were uncommon species both during the dry (85.5%) and wet (84.8%) seasons. Birds pose severe threats to aircrafts in Bahir Dar International Airport. Bird-aircraft strike problem has mainly been prevented by expelling of birds using different techniques, which is found to be encouraging from the perspective of conservation of birds. Conclusion Bahir Dar International Airport is rich in its avifauna that requires the Aviation Authority to work in collaborative with different organizations to avoid bird-aircraft strike problems without affecting conservation of birds in the area.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S. Gashururu ◽  
Samuel M. Githigia ◽  
Methode N. Gasana ◽  
Richard Habimana ◽  
Ndichu Maingi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June 2019 and emptied every 48 h. Flies were identified using FAO keys, and the number of flies per trap day (FTD) was used to determine the apparent density. Pearson chi-square (χ2) and parametrical tests (t-test and ANOVA) were used to determine the variations between the variables. The significance (p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between tsetse occurrence and the associated predictors. Results A total of 39,516 tsetse flies were collected, of which 73.4 and 26.6% were from inside Akagera NP and the interface area, respectively. Female flies accounted for 61.3 while 38.7% were males. Two species were identified, i.e. G. pallidipes [n = 29,121, 7.4 flies/trap/day (FTD)] and G. morsitans centralis (n = 10,395; 2.6 FTD). The statistical difference in numbers was significant between the two species (p = 0.000). The flies were more abundant during the wet season (15.8 FTD) than the dry season (4.2 FTD). Large numbers of flies were trapped around the swamp areas (69.1 FTD) inside the park and in Nyagatare District (11.2 FTD) at the interface. Glossina morsitans was 0.218 times less likely to occur outside the park. The chance of co-existing between the two species reduced outside the protected area (0.021 times). Conclusions The occurrence of Glossina seems to be limited to the protected Akagera NP and a narrow band of its surrounding areas. This finding will be crucial to design appropriate control strategies. Glossina pallidipes was found in higher numbers and therefore is conceivably the most important vector of trypanosomosis. Regional coordinated control and regular monitoring of Glossina distribution are recommended. Graphic Abstract


2002 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. RAGUSA-NETTO

Figs are a remarkable food resource to frugivores, mainly in periods of general fruit scarcity. Ficus calyptroceras Miq. (Moraceae) is the only fig species in a type of dry forest in western Brazil. In this study I examined the fruiting pattern as well as fig consumption by birds in F. calyptroceras. Although rainfall was highly seasonal, fruiting was aseasonal, since the monthly proportion of fruiting trees ranged from 4% to 14% (N = 50 trees). I recorded 22 bird species feeding on figs. In the wet season 20 bird species ate figs, while in the dry season 13 did. Parrots were the most important consumers. This group removed 72% and 40% of the figs consumed in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. No bird species increases fig consumption from dry to wet season. However, a group of bird species assumed as seed dispersers largely increases fig consumption from wet to dry season, suggesting the importance of this resource in the period of fruit scarcity. The results of this study points out the remarkable role that F. calyptroceras plays to frugivorous birds, in such a dry forest, since its fruits were widely consumed and were available all year round.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 271-282
Author(s):  
Dauda Tanko ◽  
Rita Chinweuba

Avifauna of a relatively undisturbed vegetation at Mount Patti of Lokoja was surveyed from January to June, 2018. Line transect and point count techniques were used for data collection. This was done by weekly visits to the site between 6:00 h and 10:00 h of the day. Bird identification was done with the aid of a pair of binoculars, Field Guide of birds of western Africa and recorded bird calls. Monthly variation and season variation in bird composition and abundance were compared using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and equitability index. There were 39 species in 21 families encountered during the survey. The Family Nectarinidae had the highest number of 5 species, followed by Columbidae and Estrildidae with 4 species each. A total of 1,148 individuals were encountered during the six months survey with village weaver having the highest encountered rate of 107 while yellow-throated Long-claw had the least encountered rate of 4 individuals. Fluctuation was observed in the monthly encountered rate of the birds. Diversity and equitability indices had their highest values of 5.24 and 1.51 in January. More birds (696) were encountered in the wet season than the dry season (452). Four species were seen only in the wet season. Species effort curve showed that there are more species to be discover. The number of species encountered in this study revealed that the mountain is rich composition of bird species, even though the site seems to favour species that show preference to disturbed areas. The on-going anthropogenic activities probably paved way to these species to move in. Monthly and seasonal fluctuation of bird species diversity and abundance may be due to a combination of physical and biological factors. The physical and biological factors observed at the site which we speculate could be reasons for the observed fluctuations include slash and burnt system of farming, fuel-wood harvesting, intensive sporting activities creation of foot paths etc. High encountered rate indicate abundance and high activity level of the species. The village weaver was the most encountered species probably because they are known to be lousy, move in flocks and breed in colonies. In view of the rich composition and abundance of bird species on Mount Patti and the site being a suitable breeding site for the weavers. We recommend further study of the place as there are yet more species to be discovered as indicated by the species effort curve. There is need for conservation procedures to be initiated at the place and this study should serve as a baseline to initiate such programme by the state government.


2021 ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
A. E. KASYANOV ◽  

The features of the survey, design and operation of irrigation and drainage systems in the area of the international airport «Zhukovsky» located in the Moscow region, Russia. Design surveys included an ornithological survey of the reclaimed area. Bird species, nesting sites and the number of nests were identified. The number of nests before reclamation averaged 200 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard error). Hydro reclamation in the airport area eliminated local swamping areas and nesting areas disappeared. Draining was carried out by open drains. The distance between the open drains is 120 m, the length is from 700 to 1200 m. There are no capital irrigation and drainage facilities. On the polder site the project provides for open drains and drains. The state of the land reclamation system has been deteriorating since 2001. Periodic waterlogging of a part of the polder area and the formation of a nesting area for black-headed gulls are noted. Airbus A321 aircraft fl y over the chicks while feeding at an altitude of 231.5 m, the size of which in the eyes of the chicks is comparable to the size of the parent gulls.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1975
Author(s):  
Wei Liu ◽  
Yuyi Jin ◽  
Yongjie Wu ◽  
Chenhao Zhao ◽  
Xingcheng He ◽  
...  

To effectively protect a species, understanding its habitat needs and threats across its life-history stages is necessary. The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) is an endangered wetland bird species of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, which is an important grazing area in China. To overcome the conflict between increasing grazing activities and the protection of wild cranes, we investigated the variation of habitat utilization within the home range of cranes at different stages (preincubation, incubation, postfledging, and fully fledged stages). We manually tracked 13 pairs of cranes in the Zoige international wetland, used the fixed-kernel-polygon (FKP) method to determine home-range size, and used satellite images to identify different habitat types. The average home-range size was 143.38 ± 34.46 ha. Cranes were most often located in meadow habitats followed by marsh meadows and marshes. During the postfledging stage, home-range size was significantly decreased, with the proportion of marsh habitat slightly increased. Since this stage is crucial for young-crane survival, research on the importance of marshes and effective protection measures should be further strengthened.


Our Nature ◽  
1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Surana ◽  
BR Subba ◽  
KP Limbu

Avian diversity of Chimdi Lake during rehabilitation stage was studied. 109 species of birds belonging to 34 families were recorded. Maximum 64 species were recorded in March 200 4 and 20 species recorded in July 2004.Out of total; bird species 33.94%were migratory, 25.68% were resident, 24.77% were winter visitors and 15.96%were summer visitors. On the basis of abundance, 41.28%were scarce, 22.9 % were occasional, 21.1%were fairly common and 14.6%were common. The Lake area was found to be rich in avian diversity although the Lake was not fully rehabilitated. Key words: Avian diversity, Chimdi Lake, seasonal statusdoi:10.3126/on.v5i1.802Our Nature (2007)5:75-80


1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merilyn J. Grey ◽  
Michael F. Clarke ◽  
Richard H. Loyn

The abundance of an aggressive Australian honeyeater, the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala, was reduced at four small (<8 ha) Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa woodland remnants by experimental removal. The diversity and abundance of small insectivorous and nectarivorous birds increased at three of the four sites (relative to matching control sites) over the twelve months following the removal of the Noisy Miners. The one exception occurred at a pair of sites where eucalypts began flowering at one site and finished at the other during the Noisy Miner removal period. These results, taken together with those from three earlier experiments where the abundance of Noisy Miners was reduced in Mugga Ironbark E. Sideroxylon woodland remnants, demonstrate that Noisy Miners affect avian diversity and abundance by aggressive exclusion of other species. In five out of seven experiments, Noisy Miners did not reinvade the small woodland remnants during the ensuing twelve months. When Noisy Miner abundance was reduced, increased populations of small insectivorous and nectarivorous birds used small degraded woodland remnants. Colonizing populations of small birds have the potential to reduce insect infestations and may assist in the recovery of dieback-affected woodland remnants. Research is continuing to test this hypothesis. Reducing the abundance of Noisy Miners in remnant eucalypt woodlands may also be a useful, short-term measure, which could assist in the recovery of threatened or endangered bird species.


2020 ◽  
pp. 175815592096320
Author(s):  
Alemayehu Shiferaw ◽  
Dereje Yazezew

The diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of avifauna were studied at and Around Ansas Dam, Debre Berhan Town, Ethiopia, from early September 2018 to early February 2019, covering both wet and dry seasons. Line transect technique was employed to study the diversity, abundance and distribution of birds species in the farmland site while total count employed on the dam. Data were collected in both wet and dry seasons from 6:30 to10:00 early morning and 15:30 to 18.00 late afternoon, when birds are more active. The data were analyzed with Shannon-Weiner Index, Simpson Index, Evenness Index, and relative abundance. A total of 45 bird species (35 in the dam and 22 in the farmland) belonging to nine orders and 21 families were recorded during the study period. Order Passeriformes (37.8%) followed by order Charadriformes (24.4%) were represented highest number. From all identified species at Ansas Dam and surrounding farmland, Abyssinian longclaw, Black-headed siskins, White-tailed swallow, Blue-winged goose, and Spot-breasted lapwing were endemic birds to Ethiopia. The highest Shannon diversity (H′ = 2.1) was recorded in dam during the dry season while the lowest (H′ = 1.78) was recorded during wet season in farmland. However, the Simpson diversity Index of avian species indicated relatively higher avian species diversity during the dry season in dam (D = 0.80) than farmland (D = 0.71) habitat. Evenness was highest in the dam (E = 0.65) and lowest in the farmland (E = 0.58) habitat. More avian species similarity (SI = 0.42) at farmland and dam habitat during the wet season but least similarity (SI = 0.2) was observed during the dry season. Most birds had scored rare in the ordinal scale while few species with abundant and uncommon ranks in both habitats and seasons. Conservation of the different charismatic bird species should be taken as an important component of wildlife management plan in the area.


1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hurley ◽  
MN Hearnden ◽  
BH Kay

Monthly distributions of three snail species in three distinct habitat types from February 1992 to May 1993 were found to be variable, with peak abundances occurring predominantly in the late wet season (March to May) for Amerianna carinata and Gyraulus gilberti and in the late dry season (September to November) for Austropeplea lessoni. No consistently positive or negative patterns of correlation were recorded between numbers of snails and physico-chemical characteristics or the amount or composition of emergent and submerged macrophyte species. However, highest densities of A. lessoni and A. carinata were recorded in temporary ponds, where the biomass of periphyton was greatest. Significantly lower amounts of periphyton were recorded from open bays and permanent creeks. Highest densities of G. gilberti occurred in permanent creeks. Physico-chemical variables, rainfall patterns and macrophyte species were not good indicators of snail abundance in the Ross River reservoir. The best indicator of snail density appeared to be whether vegetated habitat is located within open bays, permanent creeks or isolated peripheral ponds.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATHLEEN E. GREEN ◽  
BRONWEN M. DANIEL ◽  
SAMUEL P. LLOYD ◽  
ISHAKA SAID ◽  
AMELAID HOUMADI ◽  
...  

SummaryAlthough birds are among the best studied taxa, many of the globally threatened species lack the information required to fully assess their conservation status and needs. One such species is the Anjouan Scops Owl Otus capnodes which was presumed extinct until its rediscovery to science in 1992. Based on the limited extent and decline of the moist forests in the highlands of Anjouan in the Comoro Islands, a population size of only 100–200 pairs was estimated and the species was classified as ‘Critically Endangered’. The current study is the first comprehensive survey ever conducted on this species, and aimed to establish the current distribution and population size. Point counts with distance sampling were conducted across the agroforestry and forest zones of Anjouan in both a dry and wet season. A niche suitability model predicted the species distribution to be wider than expected with owls observed as low as 300 m altitude and in highly modified agroforestry habitats. However, the encounter rate in natural relatively undisturbed forest was significantly greater than in other habitats. The wider than expected geographic range of O. capnodes supports a possible downlisting of this species on the IUCN Red List to ‘Endangered’. Population size was found to be far greater than previously thought, at approximately 3,450 individual owls in the dry season and 5,450 in the wet season. These results show the importance of investing in robust surveys of poorly known and cryptic bird species, and provide up to date and important information for landscape scale conservation planning in the Comoros Islands.


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