Avian community assemblage and diversity in Chelekleka wetland, central Ethiopia

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the most bird-rich ecosystems on earth. However, they are also one of the systems that face human-induced threats. This study aimed at investigating the avian community assemblage and diversity of the highly degraded Chelekleka wetland, Ethiopia.  Avian community diversity and composition in the wetland was investigated using vantage point and strip transect method. Data on post  rainy, dry, pre rainy and rainy seasons were collected from November 2020 to October 2021 in four habitat types in and surrounding the  wetland. A total of 24,653 individuals belonging to 246 species were identified. This wetland supported 11 Abyssinian endemic birds of  which two were endemic to Ethiopia. Among bird species recorded in the wetland, 39% of them are either migrants and/or visitors to the  area. Seasonally, 175, 193, 159 and 148 bird species were recorded during post rainy, dry, pre rainy and rainy seasons, respectively while  108 species were recorded in all seasons. A significantly high species abundance (17,523 individuals) and richness (193 species) were  recorded during dry season, whereas highest diversity (H′ = 3.93) and evenness (E = 0.76) were observed during the post rainy season.  Species diversity between habitats and seasons showed a significant difference. The seasonal community similarity among the four  habitat types was significantly different. Chelekleka wetland is ecologically important in supporting high assemblage of resident,  migratory as well as endemic bird species and hence an ideal location for ecotourism activities. However, anthropogenic threats such as  farming, pollution, residential encroachment, wetland diversions and direct disturbances should be curtailed for sustainability of the  wetland and its avian community.