Abstract

This study investigates the diversity and distribution of bird species in the northern section of the University of Buea campus, located at the foot of Mount Cameroon. Using point count surveys at 10 stations across a mosaic of habitats, 51 bird species belonging to several families were documented.

Analysis revealed that the Passeridae family was the most abundant, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index calculated was 3.33, indicating a high level of biodiversity. Graphs and tabulations were used to present findings including species dominance, family composition, and spatial patterns. The study emphasizes the ecological value of semi-natural urban habitats and provides baseline data for bird conservation planning in university campuses and similar landscapes.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

The University of Buea is located in the South West region of Cameroon an area known for its rich biodiversity.

The Northern section of the University of Buea campus provides a good habitat for various bird species since it contains a large amount of Trees and Flora.

Bird species distribution and abundance is influenced by the urban environment, landscape, floral diversity, degree of anthropogenic disturbances, invasion as well as predation yet they are a major part of the biodiversity.

Recent studies Comparing bird communities across Urban gradients found that both distribution and abundance of bird species peaked at moderate levels of urban development in temperate areas and the number of low nesting species increased with urbanization with encroachment of urban areas into rural habitats and the decrease of rural habitat quality owing to agricultural intensification, urban green spaces are becoming an increasingly important refugee for native biodiversity.

Birds are conspicuous in many habitats, occur worldwide, are ecologically diverse, and are better known than other vertebrate groups. Birds devour pests, pollinate flowers, disperse seeds, scavenge carrion, cycle nutrients, and modify the environment in ways that benefit other species. Investigation of these ecosystem functions directly as ecosystem services has grown immensely over the last two decades and the ecological relevance of birds is well established. Birds are also observed, fed, and used as artistic and spiritual inspiration by millions of people around the globe. Yet the economic relevance of birds is not widely appreciated and the economic relevance to human society of birds’ ecological roles is even less understood.

Quantifying the services provided by birds is crucial to understand their importance for ecosystems and for the people that benefit from them. In this paper, we briefly review the rise and fall of economic ornithology and call for a new economic ornithology with heightened standards and a holistic focus within the ecosystem services approach. Birds’ ecological roles, and therefore, ecosystem services, are critical to the health of many ecosystems and to human well-being. By understanding and valuing bird services and disservices through careful natural history research, we can better assess the environmental consequences of bird declines and extinctions and communicate these findings to the public and policy makers, thereby increasing public support for the conservation of birds and their habitats.

Birds are considered as excellent bio-indicators of the effects urbanization has on ecosystems since they are highly diverse and conspicuous elements of the ecosystems. Also they respond rapidly to changes in landscape configuration, composition and function (Hobson & Rempel, 2001). Comparitive studies on avian community structure in different habitats can improve our knowledge of the general patterns and processes that characterize the bird species and communities. Recent studies comparing bird communities across rural urban gradients found that both species richness and total avian abundance peaked at moderate levels of urban development in temperate areas and the number of low nesting species increased with urbanization (Blair, 2004).

With the encroachment of urban areas into rural habitats and the decrease of rural habitat quality owing to agricultural intensification, urban green spaces are becoming an increasingly important refuge for native biodiversity (Gatson, 2007). Birds are most important key species of different ecosystems because they are highly distributed, easily visible and evocative to us. Bird species richness is influenced by the urban environment, landscape, floral diversity, degree of anthropogenic disturbances, invasion as well as predation, yet they are major part of urban biodiversity. Resident birds can be seen frequently the whole year and the migratory birds arrive annually during winter and summer seasons (Prakash, 2012). Birds are important to humanity in many ways; they have considerable tangible and intangible values in our day-to-day lives (Dunning, 2007). Birds fill material needs for food, tools and enjoyment (direct benefits). They also perform services useful to humans, without which the world would be less healthy (indirect benefits).

We are therefore supposed to have a sense of stewardship and responsibility to protect the wild birds in return for their financial, food, physical, aesthetic, spiritual, religious, symbolic and sports service we receive in return. Many of these benefits are widely recognized already but others certainly remain to be identified by future generations (Bibby, 2001). One of the most intriguing aspects of bird biology is the ability to migrate exceptional distances. Birds possess highly specialized directional senses for orientation, navigation, homing and migration including the ability to detect the earths magnetic field. These uncanny abilities permit birds to occupy distinctive wintering and nesting grounds, thus expanding their usable habitats. The avifauna of India include 1300 species of which 42 are endemic and 26 are rare or accidental (Mennechez, 2006).

Birds are highly visible and sensitive to alterations in habitat structure and function, consequently they serve as excellent indicators of changes in stresses in urban ecosystems. Several studies have examined the influences of urbanization on bird communities and it was concluded that bird species richness, abundance and community structure are indeed affected by urbanization (Mills et al., 1989). The concept of an urban gradient of highly developed urban centers  to less developed surrounding areas have shown that low levels of development can actually promote species richness by increasing resources such as food availability and shelter in the forms of ornamental vegetation, nest boxes and bird feeders. Areas of intense urbanization often result in communities dominated by a few species (Cam et al., 2006). level. Therefore, a detail study on avifauna and their ecology is important to protect them (Sruti, 2008). During the last decade, urban ecosystems have become ecological challenges in conservation, restoration and reconciliation ecology.

Designing sustainable urban ecosystems that support species rich bird communities also includes maintaining key ecosystem services such as clean air and water, waste decomposition and pest control (Fitzpatrick, 1981). Species diversity is an important component of the health of an ecosystem. Birds have an important place in species diversity because they are visible and highly valued by humans. Birds, furthermore, play an informational role in attracting public attention to natural habitat.

The abundance and diversity of avian species, therefore, in a specific habitat could serve as a useful barometer of the ecological status of that habitat (Rolstad, 1991). Wild-lands are continuously converted to agricultural fields and urban areas. Consequently, urban environments can no longer be viewed as lost habitat for wildlife but rather as a new habitat, that with proper management has the potential to support diverse bird communities.

1.2 Problem Statement

Though there is quite some information on the diversity and distribution of bird species in the university of Buea, more detailed information is needed for the conservation and management effort to be put in place. Without accurate data on bird species it is difficult to develop effective strategies for protecting and managing these species.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What Is the Diversity and Distribution of bird species in the Northern section of the University of Buea campus?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. Which are the different bird species found in the Northern part of the university of Buea campus?
2. What are the key habitat characteristics that influence bird specie diversity and distribution in the study area?
3. What are the major threats to bird species diversity and distribution in the study area?

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