Effect of habitat variation and micro-seasons on bird abundance, and species richness in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Nigeria

Abstract

The species abundance, diversity and richness of avifauna are influence by time and habitat suitability. Bird species abundance, diversity and richness were investigated in two habitat type, between July 2020 and June 2021 in Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in North-east Nigeria. Three sites were identified on which; two kilometer line transects separated by two kilometers apart were established. Ten points were marked at interval of 200 metres on each line transect for data collection on birds. A total of 97 bird species from 17 orders and 40 families were recorded during the period of study. The highest number of avifauna individuals was recorded in Down-stream site followed by Mid-stream while the Up-stream recorded the least. Similarly, the Down-stream recorded the highest diversity index (3.67) and species richness (72) and it was followed by Mid-stream (3.18) and species richness of (71). While the least diversity index (2.76) and species richness (50) were recorded in the Upstream.