Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 76: 6361 - 6367 Published April 30, 2014.
The distribution, abundance and habitat preference of lovebirds Agapornis pullaria in Tiortyu riparian vegetation
*Egwumah, P.O.,1 Agbelusi, E.A.2 and Egwumah, F.A.11 Department of Wildlife and Range Management, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria.
2 Department of Eco- tourism and Wildlife Management Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State Nigeria.
*Corresponding author: oegwumah@yahoo.com, phone: +2348053100012
Original submitted in on 7th November 2013. Published online at www.m.elewa.org on 30th April 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jab.v76i1.7
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
Intensive agriculture and human exploitation of timber are the main
threat to Lovebirds (Agapornis pullaria) distribution and abundance in
Tiortyu riparian vegetation in Nigeria
Methodology and Results: Four Vegetation micro-habitats in Tiortyu riparian environment; Forestland vegetation (FLV), Woodland savannah (WLS), Grassland Savannah (GLS), and Cultivated Land (CL) were sampled for 12 months to investigate the distribution, abundance and habitat preference of lovebird Agapornis pullaria. Point count census technique was adopted and data were collected at fortnight interval. Within the period of investigation 26 birds in FLV, 5 in WLS, 2 in GLS were counted and no bird was counted in cultivated land. Lovebird varied significantly (P < 0.05) in Forestland vegetation than any other micro-habitat, while their population was significantly (P < 0.05) influence by late rainy season (August – October).
Conclusion and application of the findings: Intensive agriculture and excessive exploitation of timber and other flora resources pose imminent danger to lovebird’s existence. Therefore, giving respite and sustainable resource exploitation will offer a conducive environment for lovebirds to thrive.
Key words: Abundance, micro-habitat, preference, riparian, vegetationMethodology and Results: Four Vegetation micro-habitats in Tiortyu riparian environment; Forestland vegetation (FLV), Woodland savannah (WLS), Grassland Savannah (GLS), and Cultivated Land (CL) were sampled for 12 months to investigate the distribution, abundance and habitat preference of lovebird Agapornis pullaria. Point count census technique was adopted and data were collected at fortnight interval. Within the period of investigation 26 birds in FLV, 5 in WLS, 2 in GLS were counted and no bird was counted in cultivated land. Lovebird varied significantly (P < 0.05) in Forestland vegetation than any other micro-habitat, while their population was significantly (P < 0.05) influence by late rainy season (August – October).
Conclusion and application of the findings: Intensive agriculture and excessive exploitation of timber and other flora resources pose imminent danger to lovebird’s existence. Therefore, giving respite and sustainable resource exploitation will offer a conducive environment for lovebirds to thrive.
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