Abstract
Birds are one of the most important components of biodiversity that has huge ecological, economical, and esthetic values. The main objective of this study was to assess diversity and species composition of bird community in Kafta Sheraro National Park, Northern Ethiopia. Data were collected from August 2017 to March 2018 in the national park. Point count method was employed to collect data on bird species diversity and species composition. Direct observations of birds and discussion with local people and scouts to assess potential threats of avifauna in the park were made. Shannon diversity index was used to calculate the species diversity. A total of 158 bird species belonging to 52 different families and 20 orders were identified. Of the recorded species, there were 76.6% residents, 15.8% Palaearctic migrants (PM), 5.7% Intra-African migrants (IM), and 1.9% partial migrants. Accipitiridae (11.4%) had the highest species followed by Columbidae, Estrilidae, and Ploceidae with 7%, 5.7%, and 4.4% species, respectively. The highest Shannon–Weiner diversity index (H′ = 4.50) was recorded during February while the lowest (H′ = 2.18) was recorded during March. Species richness of the park showed no significance difference among the study months (χ2 = 10.046, df = 5, P>0.05). Agricultural expansions, fire, livestock grazing, mining, and poaching were the major threats of the park bird species. Kafta Sheraro National Park is one of the areas with high avian composition in Ethiopia. In the park, wildlife watching in general and ornithological tourism in particular should be developed. Anthropogenic disturbances should also be minimized to conserve avian diversity of the park.
Highlights
Ethiopia possesses many designated protected areas including national parks, sanctuaries, priority forests, and biosphere reserves
Kafta Sheraro National Park (KSNP), which was recognized as a park in 2007 (Letter, No: 13/37/82/611), is situated in the northwest of Ethiopia between 14°3′ and 14°27′N and 36°41′ and 37°40′E
It is found between Kafta Humera, Tahtay Adiyabo, and Welkayit woredas. e national park is bordered by Eritrea in the north, and it is presumed to have an estimated total area of 2176.43 km2 (Figure 1)
Summary
Ethiopia possesses many designated protected areas including national parks, sanctuaries, priority forests, and biosphere reserves. High numbers of biodiversity are found within these conservation areas [1]. E country is one of biodiversity-rich countries in the world. According to Lepage [2], Ethiopia is known to be home for 864 species of birds with 19 endemism. The number of mammals, reptile, fish, amphibian, and arthropod species identified so far is 284, 201, 200, 63, and 1,225, respectively. Of these faunal resources, 29 wild mammals, 10 reptiles, 40 fishes, 25 amphibians, and 7 arthropod species are endemic to the country [3]. Some birds help in production of nectars and used as source of food in different parts of the world. Some birds help in production of nectars and used as source of food in different parts of the world. ey serve as indicators of environmental conditions [4, 5]
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