The role of Gullele Botanical Garden for bird conservation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the role of the Gullele Botanical Garden for avian conservation. Data on bird species diversity and abundance were collected during the dry (January to February 2021) and wet seasons (July to August 2021). The study area was stratified into three dominant habitat types namely nature reserve forest, modified scenic garden and infrastructure development area. A stratified survey technique was employed using systematically established line transects in the three habitat types. A total of 90 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 37 families were identified in the study area. Among the habitat types, the highest bird diversity was observed in the modified scenic garden habitat (H’ = 3.54), followed by the infrastructure development area (H’ = 3.29). Modified scenic garden habitat had the highest species richness (67) followed by infrastructure development area (58) and nature reserve forest (28). Community similarity was high between modified habitat and infrastructure development areas during the study. Gullele Botanical Garden supports two endemic and 11 near-endemic bird species shared with Eritrea suggesting its ecological importance in avian fauna conservation. This study is the first detailed investigation regarding the diversity of bird species in the Botanical Garden providing valuable information on the significance of managed habitats with indigenous tree species to support different bird species.