Avian Community Structure as a Function of Season, Habitat Type, and Disturbance, in Mole National Park, Northern Region (Ghana)

Abstract

The study assessed factors that influenced bird-habitat preference, diversity, and spatial distribution in Mole National Park. Birds were identified using point count sampling method, while ordination techniques were performed to determine the influence of environmental factors on bird-habitat preference. A total of 4951 individuals belonging to 131 species were identified across the four habitat types in the wet (n = 3033) and dry (n = 1648) seasons. Despite the high abundance and richness of birds in the woodland and shrubland habitats, grassland habitat was the most diverse, due to the high spatial evenness distribution of the birds. Bushfire, patchiness, and animal trampling were the key environmental determinants in bird assemblages and habitat preferences and accounted for 62.02% and 81.82% variations in the two seasons. Rarer birds like White-Backed Vulture (NT) and White-Headed Vulture (CR), Bateleur Eagle (NT), and Woolly-Necked Stork (VU), with high conservation concern, suggest intensification of conservation effort, while the dominance of Sahel Bush-sparrow was probably due to their broad range habitat preferences and ability to adapt to environmental conditions across these habitats. These species could be used as indicators of habitat quality, if future scenarios restrict their movement or distribution in narrow range habitats.

Comparison of avian species diversity and abundance in relation to habitat structure: toward using birds as indicators of ecosystem health at zone 8, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

“…Farmland and uncultivated grassland differed significantly from the gallery forest. This is in line with the findings of Ajagbe (2004) and Nsor et al (2018) that reported that avian community structure is a function of habitat types as well as other factors. The availability of crops and type of crops grown on farmlands could also have a marked effect on bird's abundance.…”

“…These requirements make them more sensitive to changes in the environment causing them to easily disappear or get disturbed when the habitat is destroyed or degraded (Bird life International 2000). Habitat selection and use by birds has been long established as functional field of study in bird ecology Nsor et al (2018). Studies on habitat selection have revealed that several factors such as land scape structure, nest predation, competition, intraspecific attraction, food availability, variable climate, diseases and human activities can influence animals' freedom while traversing a landscape in search of suitable habitats (Nsor et al 2018).…”

“…Facts abound that the vegetative structure is often frequently assumed to be the fundamental factor determining the where and how of species resources use. For example, Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is strongly associated with sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata), Chukar (Alectoris chukar) is associated with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) (Nsor et al 2018).…”

Variations in Avian Species and Functional Diversity in Different Habitat Types in a Vulnerable Savannah Ecosystem in Ghana

“…Research by Agyei-Ohemeng et al [82] and Nsor et al [83] in the MNP found similar results that are corroborated by our current study in further assessment of the functional diversity of the avifauna community in the park. Elsewhere in Africa, Mengesha et al [84] recorded the highest bird species diversity in the riverine woodland habitats during the wet season, attributing it to the availability of water and food variety.…”

Influence of habitat heterogeneity on avian diversity in the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir Himalaya

“…community ecology relates habitat heterogeneity to avian species diversity (Tews et al, 2004). Birds always inhabit specific habitats and vegetation structure affects their composition and structure (Caziani & Derlindati, 2000;Brawn et al, 2001;Gabbe et al, 2002;Seymour & Simmons, 2008;Earnst & Holmes, 2012;Nsor et al, 2018).…”