A comparison of terrestrial bird community structure in the undisturbed and disturbed areas of the Abijata Shalla lakes national park, Ethiopia

A study to determine the terrestrial bird community structures in the undisturbed and disturbed areas of the Abijata Sahlla Lakes National Park was conducted during the wet and dry seasons. A representative area of 57% was randomly sampled in each of the undisturbed and disturbed habitats. A transect line of 1 or less km at a distance of 50 to 100 m on one side of the line was used to count birds. Counting was carried out in the morning and afternoon on the same line transect. Data were analyzed using Estimate S, Shannon-Wiener, Past, SPSS and Excel software. The disturbed habitat had the higher species richness but lower species diversity of birds during both seasons. However, bird species richness and diversity was high in the undisturbed habitat during the wet season. Lower species richness with higher species evenness was recorded in the disturbed habitat during this season. During the dry season, higher species richness was recorded in the disturbed habitat. The relative abundance of bird species in the two habitats at different seasons showed significant difference (χ284 = 168.384, P<0.01). Blue-napped mouse bird (Urocolius macrourus) and village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) had the highest relative abundance in the undisturbed habitats during the dry season. During the wet season, the highest relative abundance was recorded for superb-starling (Lamprotornis superbus). These bird species had strong guild and seasonal relationship in the area. Insectivore birds were the most abundant guild in both of the habitats. The Park’s terrestrial habitat sustains various species of birds, but loss of habitat is affecting their occurrences. Urgent conservation measures could reduce habitat loss.   Key words: Bird species, community structure, terrestrial habitat.