Diversity and population densities of coraciiform birds in Zambezi riparian forest

Kopij G

doi:10.32800/amz.2019.17.0179

Abstract

A territory mapping method was used in 2015 to assess the population density of coraciiform species breeding in a riparian forest on the Zambezi River near Katima Mulilo, NE Namibia. The forest, c. 280 ha in surface area, was partly transformed by human settlement and arable grounds. A total of 13 species and 42 breeding pairs were recorded. Population densities were (pairs/100 ha) as follows: grey–headed kingfisher 4.3; giant, pied and woodland kingfisher, each one with 1.1; malachite kingfisher 0.7; striped kingfisher 0.4; white–fronted bee–eater 1.4; little bee–eater 1.1; lilac–breasted roller 0.7; broad–billed roller 1.1; African hoopoe 0.7; red–billed wood–hoopoe 1.1; and scimitar–billed wood–hoopoe 0.4. Data published through GBIF (Doi: 10.15470/s9rlud).

Highlights

Coraciiforms belong to a highly attractive group of birds and may play an important ecological role in some habitats
Many southern African species belonging to the order Coraciiformes are relatively well– studied (e.g. Fry et al, 1992), especially in regard to their breeding biology and diet (Kopij, 2000, 2018a)
This note reports on the distribution and population density of coraciiform species breeding in a riparian forest in NE Namibia

Summary

Introduction

Coraciiforms (kingfishers, bee–eaters, rollers and allies) belong to a highly attractive group of birds and may play an important ecological role in some habitats. They are especially well–represented in sub–Saharan Africa where they are grouped in three families: bee–eaters (Meropidae), rollers (Coracidae) and kingfishers (Alcedinidae). Many southern African species belonging to the order Coraciiformes are relatively well– studied Since many coraciiform species breed in low densities, such studies are difficult because they have to be conducted on relatively large study plots. This note reports on the distribution and population density of coraciiform species breeding in a riparian forest in NE Namibia. Since the riparian forest is under threat of degradation, it is important to create a basis for monitoring bird species that may be indicative of habitat naturalness

Material and methods

Methods

Results and discussion