Abundance, Distribution and Ecology of Flycatchers in the Arboretum of Ruhande in Rwanda

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are recognized as important biodiversity conservation areas. We studied abundance, distribution and activity budget of flycatchers within the Arboretum of Ruhande in Southern Rwanda. The point observation method was used to collect data along line transects from May to June 2012. A total of 177 individuals belonging to 6 bird species were recorded. The African paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) was the most abundant species with 63.27% followed by White-eyed slaty flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeli) species with 29.94% observation frequency. The main activities of flycatchers were feeding, followed by flying and resting. There was an uneven distribution of flycatchers in all transects in the study site. Further study must be undertaken in order to investigate the causes of uneven distribution of the flycatchers in that forest plantation.

Keywords: Flycatchers, Abundance, Distribution, Arboretum of Ruhande.