Diversity and abundance of wild birds species’ in two different habitats at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Birds' survey is the best method to understand different species distribution, abundance, and diversity. The present study aimed to survey wild birds, using point count method, in two habitat types (water canals and field crops) at two districts, Zagazig and Hehia, located at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Methods: Surveying birds was conducted using point count method, from a fixed raising position within a circle of 50 m radius for a specific period of time (10 min) at every point. It started early in the morning, from 6 am to 8 am, at four points in two habitat types, agriculture water canals habitat (AWCH) and field crops habitat (FCH), in (Zagazig and Hehia) at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Each point count was visited once every month from December 2016 to November 2017. Results: The total number of birds' species recorded in the two districts was 33, belonging to 24 Families and ten Orders. Twenty-five species were resident birds and eight species were migratory. The number of birds' species (resident and migratory) in AWCH was higher than those in FCH. Resident wild birds at AWCH had higher value of species diversity (Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index H′ = 2.63, Simpson Diversity Index D = 0.90, Evenness J′ = 0.82 and Species richness r = 25) than at FCH (H´= 2.56, D = 0.89, J′ = 0.83, and r = 22). In contrast, species diversity for migratory wild bird was lower in WCH (H′ = 1.66, D = 0.74, J′ = 0.80, and r = 8) than in FCH (H′ = 1.81, D = 0.78, J′ = 0.87, and r = 8). Conclusion: Birds species (resident and migratory) numbers and abundance were higher in AWCH according to the habitat suitability than in FCH.

Status and Distribution of Waterbirds in a Natura 2000 Area: The Case of Gialova Lagoon, Messinia, Greece

“…Waterbirds Shannon-Weiner Index (H) was calculated based on species abundance using the Shannon and Weaver 1949formula (Bibi and Ali, 2013;Issa, 2019):…”

“…As described above, relative abundance is the number of birds per unit area, thus it is independent of the size of each area and suitable for site comparisons. The Shannon-Weaver index is commonly used for site comparisons, and it was calculated in order to interpret differences in the species diversity (e.g., the index increases as both the richness and the evenness of the community increase) (Bibi and Ali, 2013;Issa, 2019). Nonetheless, we also present our (S) and (N) results, to provide a broader view of how waterbirds use the aquatic habitats of the GLw_Natura2000 area.…”

Bird species assemblages in railway stations: variations along an urban-rural gradient

“…Thus, the railway network emerges as a prospective and perceived threat to the wildlife biota, including birds. However, the potential positive consequences of the railway network as well as the rail-associated construction structures on birds are increasingly appreciated (Li et al 2010, van der Ree et al 2011, Morelli et al 2014, Wiącek et al 2015, 2019, Kaiser-Bonk et al 2019. Some of the plausible positive effects of rail-associated structures includes the marginal vegetation along railways (bridges, shrubs etc.)…”

“…Some of the plausible positive effects of rail-associated structures includes the marginal vegetation along railways (bridges, shrubs etc.) may provide nesting sites for several species of birds (Wiącek et al 2015, 2019, Kaiser-Bonk et al 2019, high structures like electricity posts and cables are extensively utilized by many passerine species for perching (DeGregorio et al 2014, Morelli et al 2014, singing and relaxing. The railway platform can also act as a good foraging ground for several species of birds and lastly, some birds utilize railway tracks as a resting site as it becomes heated rapidly during the day and thereby providing protection from cold and windy situations during winter (Morelli et al 2014, Wiącek et al 2015.…”

“…In view of the positive effects of the railway network on the bird species assemblages (Li et al 2010, Morelli et al 2014, Wiącek et al 2015, 2019, Kaiser-Bonk et al 2019, it would be worthy to evaluate for any variations in the effect against the urban-rural gradient. As a mode of transport, the railway network extends beyond the urban landscapes and more commonly dissects the rural areas including forests.…”