Vegetation and Avifauna Distribution in the Serengeti National Park

Abstract

In order to examine the bird species changes within different vegetation structures, the variations were compared between Commiphora-dominated vegetations with those of Vachellia tortilis and Vachellia robusta-dominated vegetations, and also compared the birds of grassland with those of Vachellia drepanolobium and Vachellia seyal-dominated vegetations. This study was conducted between February 2010 and April 2012. A total of 40 plots of 100 m × 100 m were established. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used to examine differences in bird species between vegetations. Species richness estimates were obtained using the Species Diversity and Richness. A total of 171 bird species representing 103 genera, 12 orders, and 54 families were recorded. We found differences in bird species distribution whereby V. tortilis has higher bird species richness (102 species), abundance, and diversity when compared with Commiphora with 66 species and V. robusta with 59 species. These results suggest that variations in bird species abundance, diversity, and distribution could be attributed to differences in the structural diversity of vegetation. Therefore it is important to maintain different types of vegetation by keeping the frequency of fire to a minimum and prescribed fire should be employed and encouraged to control wildfire and so maintain a diversity of vegetation and birds community.

Interaction of Grassland Ecosystem with Livelihood and Wildlife Sustainability: Tanzanian Perspectives

“…An increase in temperatures, reduced rainfall, and drought is already being observed in some regions of Tanzania [35]. In particular, the northern part of Tanzania-central Serengeti grassland is projected to become even drier in this century [36]. In wetter areas, forests are likely to encroach on existing grasslands.…”

“…In contrast, deserts are projected to expand in extent and move upward in elevation in increasingly arid areas, causing "desertification" of arid grassland ecosystems. Such a process will greatly affect the productivity of the grasslands ecosystem, impacting animal welfare [35,36].…”