Ploceus Cucullatus Research Articles

Diversity and abundance of birds devastating rice-growing in the town of Daloa and its outskirts (Centre-West, Cote d'Ivoire)

Rice devastating birds are responsible for many losses in rice fields around the world. In Cote d'Ivoire, data on birds in inland are almost non-existent. A study on these birds was carried out from November to December 2019 in three rice fields (Zepreguhe, Abattoir and Kennedy) in the town of Daloa and its outskirts. The study aimed to know the population of those birds in this area. The main method used was the fixed-point, time-dependent counts or point-in-time abundance index (PIA) method. It was possible to count 2368 individuals of 41 species belonging to 14 families of eight orders. The Shannon-Wiever diversity (H'); equitability (E); dominance (IDO) and IPA indices of rice devastating birds in this zone are 3.03, 0.82, 24.79 and 135 respectively. The best-represented family is the Ploceidae with 12 species and 882 individuals. The Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus and the Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus represent the two most abundant species with numbers of 368 and 219 individuals respectively. Of the three study sites, the Zepreguhe site is the most important in terms of specific richness (38 species), relative abundance (37.54%) and PIA (PIA = 155). Further studies are planned to monitor the diversity and population dynamics of these birds over the long term and to determine the extent of their impact on rice production in this area.

Assessment of biometrics and stress indicators of the adult Village Weaver birds (Ploceus cucullatus) during breeding and post-breeding seasons in Jos, Nigeria

In this era of climate change, some biological conservationists' concerns are based on seasonal studies that highlight how wild birds' physiological fitness are interconnected with the immediate environment to avoid population decline. We investigated how seasonal biometrics correlated to stress parameters of the adult Village Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) during breeding and post-breeding seasons of the Weaver birds in Amurum Forest Reserve. Specifically, we explored the following objectives: (i) the seasonal number of birds captured; (ii) whether seasonal baseline corticosterone (CORT), packed cell volume (PCV), and heterophil to lymphocytes ratio (H:L) were sex-dependent; (iii) whether H:L ratio varied with baseline (CORT); (iv) whether phenotypic condition (post-breeding moult) and brood patch varied with baseline (CORT) and H:L ratio; and (v) how body biometrics co-varied birds’ seasonal baseline (CORT), (PCV) and (H:L) ratio. Trapping of birds (May–November) coincided with breeding and post-breeding seasons. The birds (n = 53 males, 39 females) were ringed, morphologically assessed (body mass, wing length, moult, brood patch) and blood collected from their brachial vein was used to assess CORT, PCV and H:L ratio. Although our results indicated more male birds trapped during breeding, the multiple analyses of variance (MANOVA) indicated that the seasonal temperature of the trapping sites correlated (P < 0.05) significantly to baseline (CORT). The general linear mixed model analyses (GLMMs) indicated that the baseline (CORT) also correlated significantly to H:L ratio of the male and female birds. However, PCV correlated significantly to body size of the birds (wing length) and not body mass. Haematological parameters such as the baseline CORT and the H:L ratio as indicators of stress in wild birds. Hence, there is the possibility that the Village Weaver birds suffered from seasonally induced stress under the constrained effect of environmental temperature. Hence, future studies should investigate whether the effect observed is also attributable to other passerine species.

Nesting trees used by a pest bird (Village Weaver, Ploceus cucullatus): a large field survey suggests further human conflicts with local stakeholders in Southern Nigeria

Abstract The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a common colonial nesting bird widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known to weave its nests from leaf strips from a variety of tree species (mainly coconuts trees, oil palm trees) associated with human settlement areas, grasses, and other available plants. In this regard, this bird was considered a pest for its impact on different economic activities. Although extensive literature is already available on the parasitic role of village weavers, there is still a lack of analytical data that outlines which tree species are used for nesting and in what proportion, as well as the related implications in terms of economic impacts. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive arrangement of trees used by this species for nesting in Southern Nigeria (West Africa), checking for possible different impacts on stakeholders. In April 2021, we searched for village weaver nesting in 95 sites in 77 communities from 24 local government areas in Southern Nigeria, during 14 field surveys. Within each site, we collected GPS coordinates and counted the number of active nests, nesting birds and occupied trees. We recorded a total of 5,776 nests and 2,140 birds in 94 plants belonging to 23 tree species selected for nesting. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis; n = 45) was the most used tree species, as 2,990 (51.77%) nests and 873 (40.79%) birds were recorded. Our results indicate the preference for nesting on trees used by stakeholders belonging to agricultural (palm farmers), touristic (operators) and energy (gas flare stations) sectors with economic implications about the conflict with this pest species.

An inventory of birds and extent of damage to rice farms at the Kpong Irrigation Dam in the Lower Volta Basin, Ghana

This study aimed to assess the incidence of birds raiding rice fields in the Kpong Irrigation Dam area of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to interview rice farmers in order to identify the bird species involved, quantify the economic losses incurred, and determine the mitigation measures employed by farmers. The main bird species identified as actively raiding rice fields were Ploceus cucullatus, Ploceus nigerrimus, Spermestes cucullatus, Spermestes bicolor, Quelea erythrops, and Dendrocygna viduata. The economic loss associated with bird raiding was estimated to range from 1,000.00 GHC (124.61 USD) to 1,500.00 GHC (186.92 USD), considering an exchange rate of 8.06 GHC to 1.00 USD at the time of the study. Additionally, farmers incurred 20.00 GHC in daily overhead labour costs to prevent bird raiding. Bird raiding on rice fields not only caused substantial economic losses but also had unintended social consequences. These included increased students’ absence from school and farmers' inability to attend and participate in family, community, and other social gatherings. The study highlights the need for practical and efficient methods to mitigate the effects of bird raiding. Given the significant economic and social impacts, it is crucial to develop strategies that effectively reduce bird raiding in rice fields.

Serological evidence of Newcastle disease virus antibodies in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Wild birds have been reported to be reservoirs of viral diseases of poultry, and play an epidemiological role in their maintenance and spread. A serological survey was undertaken to determine the evidence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies in wild birds in Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 apparently healthy wild birds comprising 30 each laughing dove, speckled pigeons, cattle egrets, village weavers and African silver bills were sampled. Sera collected were analysed for the presence of antibodies against NDV and avian paramyxovirus‑2 (APMV‑2) using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 4% (95% CI: 2.05‑10.1) to NDV. African silver bill showed a seroprevalence of 10.0% (95% CI: 2.61‑24.9) NDV antibodies while seroprevalence of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.16‑15.4) was recorded for cattle egrets, village weavers and laughing doves respectively. No statistically significant difference existed for NDV seroprevalence (P>0.05) among the different species of wild birds. All the 150 sera tested negative for APMV‑2 antibodies. The result of this study confirmed the exposure of wild birds to NDV in the study area. Continuous surveillance with isolation and characterization of NDV in the wild birds is therefore recommended for strategic planning for control.

Supplementing a grain diet with insects instead of fruits sustains the body condition of an omnivorous bird.

Omnivores utilize dietary sources which differ in nutrients, hence dietary limitations due to environmental change or habitat alteration could cause nutrient limitations, and thus deterioration of body condition if omnivory is obligate. We investigated how the body condition of the omnivorous Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus (weavers), which forages predominantly on grains, responds to the supplementation of its grain diet with insects instead of fruits. Forty wild-caught weavers held in aviaries were fed a combination of grains and fruits, or grains and insects ad libitum for 8 weeks. We determined diet preference by recording the number of birds on each diet option per minute for 1 h and the amount of food left-over after 3 h of foraging. Fortnightly, we assessed indices of body condition including body mass, pectoral muscle, and fat scores, packed cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin concentration (HBC). We modeled the number of foragers, food left-over, and body condition indices as functions of diet, while accounting for time (weeks) and sex effects. Grains were the preferred diet, but males ate more fruits and insects than females. Weavers fed on grains and fruits lost body and pectoral muscle mass and accumulated less fat than those fed on grains and insects. This effect was sex-dependent: females supplemented with fruits lost more pectoral muscle mass than males of the same group and males but not females, supplemented with insects accumulated more fat reserve than those supplemented with fruits. PCV and HBC did not differ between diets but increased over the 8 weeks. Weavers are likely obligate rather than facultative omnivores, with insects as being a more nutritive supplement than fruits. Nutrient limitation arising from environmental change or habitat alteration could impair body condition and affect physiological function to environmental seasonality in obligate omnivores like the weavers.

Injection-Site Sarcoma in Three Village Weaver Birds (Ploceus cucullatus) Associated with Autogenous Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Vaccination

Post-vaccinal sarcomas have been reported in cats and rarely in other domestic mammals, but not in birds. Three village weaver birds (Ploceus cucullatus) presented with poor flying ability and abnormal wing carriage attributable to large, unilateral pectoral masses. All had received at least one dose of autogenous Yersinia pseudotuberculosis vaccine into the affected pectoral muscle 74-408 days previously. Following euthanasia, gross post-mortem examination revealed locally invasive subcutaneous tumours extending through the sternum into the coelomic cavity. Cytology and histology revealed neoplasms of pleomorphic spindloid neoplastic cells with foci of coagulative necrosis and cavitation, sometimes containing faintly refractile non-polarizing granular material, both extracellularly and after phagocytosis by surrounding cells, including multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry in one bird supported a striated muscle cell origin. Findings of anaplastic sarcoma with intralesional foreign crystalline material resembled typical injection-site sarcomas in cats. This is the first report of presumptive vaccine-associated sarcoma in a non-mammalian species.

Avian species abundance and habitat association in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Appraisal of avian species, especially in urban areas, is paramount to determining the health of the environment. The research focused on the abundance, diversity, and habitat association of avian species within and around the new bridge in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The habitats selected were: Abattoir (Ab), Oxbow Lake (Ol), and Farmland (Fl). A line transect length of 100 m was laid (1 at Ab, 2 each at Ol and Fl). The line transect method was used to identify and estimate the abundance and diversity of birds (at 06:00–09:00 hrs and 15:00–18:00 hrs) aided with binoculars for 2 consecutive days weekly in June–November 2021. The Textbook on Birds of West Africa was used for the identification of the species. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices. The result revealed a total number of 23 species (4061 individuals) belonging to 15 families. Five species (41 individuals), 19 species (2,804 individuals), and 8 species (1,216 individuals) were recorded at Abattoir, Oxbowlake, and Farmland, respectively. Ploceus cucullatus (55.68%) was the most abundant species, while Accipitridae (12.5%) was the dominant family recorded. Variation in density varies across the habitat, with farmland (723.13) being the densest area. The diversity indices indicated that farmland (D: 0.668, H1: 1.571, and richness (2.267)) had a high value when compared to other habitats. Conservation and management of urban avian species should be encouraged to promote avi-tourism.

Intra- and inter-annual variation in body mass of two species of weavers in an Afrotropical environment

ABSTRACT Capsule We describe the effects of sex, daily rainfall and temperature, seasonality, and breeding stage on body mass variation in two species of weaver in a tropical African environment. Aims To investigate the effects of sex, weather conditions, seasonality, and breeding stage on body mass of the Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus and Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus in Amurum Forest Reserve, Central Nigeria. Methods Biometric data were extracted from a Constant Effort Sites database of over 15 years and daily rainfall and temperature data were obtained from Jos Metrological Center. We used a general linear mixed model to determine the effects of sex, rainfall, temperature, and season on body mass variation of the two species within and across years, and differences in body mass of females of the two species within and across years with daily rainfall and temperature, and season during the different incubation stages. Results The body mass of males was higher than that of females in both species. Daily rainfall and mean temperature were negatively related to body mass in Village Weavers, while in Northern Red Bishops rainfall was positively related to body mass. In both species, female body mass varied according to brood patch status: female Village Weavers were heavier during the egg-laying stage compared to the non-breeding season; female Northern Red Bishops weighed more at incubation or brooding stages and less during the chick rearing stage when compared to the non-breeding season. The body mass of females did not correlate with daily rainfall and temperature, or season. Conclusions Our results showed the effect of sex on body mass in both species of weaver. The variation in body mass of these species during breeding, and with local weather conditions, suggests how the species manage body mass within a tropical African environment.

The Foraging of Birds on Waste-dumps in the Campus of Yaounde University II, Centre Region, Cameroon

Foraging of wild birds on city waste dumps is one of the most popular forms of human–wildlife interactions in the world. The extensive bird-habitat destruction for urban development has restricted wild-bird feeding to city waste-dumps in most communities in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to examine the importance of waste-dump ecology on wild-bird feeding. The research area was divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west for an effective data collection program. More so, four dumpsites were randomly selected from each zone and were visited twice a week for research data collection. On the dumps, observations were done from 7:00am – 6:00pm, and the activities of all the bird species observed were recorded during the period. Additionally, the ecological conditions like the weather changes, photo-period, weight estimate of dumps, proximity of dump to residential homes, major dump materials were recorded simultaneously. The results of the study has shown a positive significant correlation on bird species and dump location r = 0.756, P = 0.000. The study observed a dominant population of Ploceus luteolus 31% and Ploceus cucullatus 31%, compared to Corvus albus 17%, Lonchura fringilloide s 17%, and Pycnonotus barbatus 4% on dumpsites. There was a significance between dump location and proximity to buildings X 2 = 277.057 df=9, P=0.000. The western flank location was richer in waste fragments 31% compared to northern 25%, southern 22% and western flanks 22% respectively. A positive significant correlation was recorded on foraging intensity and bird species X 2 = 26.768 df=8, P=0.001. There was a significance on weather changes and bird-foraging intensity X 2 = 10.221 df=6, P&lt;0.05. The sunny weather received the highest foraging activity engagement 52%, compared to wind 24%, cloud 19%, and rain 5% respectively. A positive significance was also witnessed between weather changes and bird-foraging intensity X 2 = 10.221 df=6, P&lt;0.05. Weather conditions such as heavy rainfall have played a significant role in reducing or halting the foraging activity of wildlife. Waste-dump ecosystem many cities has immensely contributed to the foraging of birds and their population increase. The foraging on available food fragments on waste-dumps has long been a relief strategies in the population increase of wild-city birds. University of Yaoundé II is rich in food subsidies for wild-bird feeding, a situation that has increased the population of wild birds in the university campus. Keywords: Foraging, Wild-birds, Waste-dumps, Atmospheric changes, University campus DOI: 10.7176/ALST/94-03 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

The Feeding Behavior of Wild-birds on Waste Dumps: A Potential Pathogenic Threat to the Human Population in the Campus of Yaoundé University I, Centre Region, Cameroon

In most African countries including Cameroon, avian study, conservation and protection efforts are mainly focused on protected areas such as national parks. But, exploration and conservation of birds in urban areas particularly in waste disposal sites are neglected. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess wild-bird feeding activity on waste dumps in the campus of Yaounde University I. The research area was divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west zone. Four dumpsites were randomly selected from each zone and were visited twice a week for research data collection. On the dumps, observations were done from 7:00am – 6:00pm, and foraging activities of all the bird species observed were recorded on data sheets during the period. More so, the ecological conditions like the atmospheric changes, photo-period, weight estimate of dumps, proximity of dump to residential homes, major dump materials were recorded simultaneously. The study revealed a significance on bird species and dumpsite location X 2 = 14.485 df=9, P&lt;0.05. Grey-headed sparrow ( Passer griseus ) 48% was the most abundant bird species on the dumpsites compared to village weaver ( Ploceus cucullatus ) 32%, little weaver-bird ( Ploceus luteolus ) 16%, and pied crow 4% respectively. The feeding rate of the birds showed a significance on atmospheric conditions X 2 = 82.674 df=4, P=0.000. Amongst these three activities rates, normal 41% was the most recorded compared to low 38%, and high 21% respectively. The cloudy atmospheric condition 3% almost halted feeding activity of the birds at the dumpsites compared to windy 72%, and sunny 25% respectively. Moreover, a significance was revealed by dump-weight and feeding rate X 2 =22.617 df=4, P=0.000. Though all the dumpsites received feeding and foraging activity of birds, 1-tonne dumps had the highest waste materials 45% while 2-tonne, and 3-tonne dumps had the least 31% and 24% respectively. Dump proximity to buildings and feeding rate were also significant X 2 = 27.640 df=6, P=0.000. Additionally, a significance was recorded between day-period and feeding rate X 2 = 83.271 df=4, P=0.000. This study observed high feeding and foraging rate during the morning period of the day 40% compared to afternoon and evening with 26% and 34% respectively. Solid dumps are rich in rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, domestic animals like cats, dogs, and pigs. These animals very much depend on these dump-subsidized-food source for their livelihood. Unfortunately, they could vector diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera, amongst many others into the human society. Though, waste management is given a little attention in the country, inability for waste segregation at dumpsites, together with cycling gaps has rather fuelled health problems to some people living some school campuses and cities. More waste management budget and training is needed if human-health improvement is expected in the country Keywords: University, Waste materials, Bird species, Dump location, Ecological conditions DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-11-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

Serological investigation of low pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus antibodies in Japanese quails, 30 village weavers and one laughing dove in two states of Nigeria

BackgroundIn spite of efforts to control avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) over decades, circulation of the viral causative agents among domestic and feral birds is considered implicated factors for the intermittent outbreaks of AI and ND among domesticated birds as well as commercial poultry flocks in Nigeria. In this study, sera from domestic (Japanese quails) and peri-domestic birds including laughing dove and village weavers were screened for antibodies to low pathogenic AI virus (LPAIV) and ND virus (NDV).MethodsA competitive ELISA was used to detect anti-AI virus antibodies in the sera of 101 unvaccinated Japanese quails, 30 village weavers and one laughing dove caught for human consumption in Oyo and Osun states, Nigeria. Hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies against LPAIV were then detected in the ELISA-positive sera using H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 subtype-specific antigens. Also, antibodies to NDV were detected and quantified in the sera using HI test.ResultsSeroprevalence of NDV antibodies from tested quail sera was 12.9% (13/101), while AI was 18.8% (19/101) with detection of anti-LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 antibodies. The laughing dove serum was positive for NDV and anti-LPAIV H9N7 antibodies while all sera from village weavers had no detectable LPAIV antibodies, but 26.7% (8/30) were positive for NDV antibodies.ConclusionsThis study provides serologic evidence of infection with LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 as well as Newcastle disease in domestic and peri-domestic birds in southwest Nigeria and highlights the potential role of these birds in the epidemiology of AI and ND.

Detection of antibodies to H5 and H9 subtypes of influenza viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria

Avian influenza has impacted negatively on poultry production in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the status of avian influenza virus (AIV) antibodies in wild birds to provide early warning of an outbreak. One hundred and forty-six sera from five different species of wild birds were tested for antibodies to avian influenza A viruses (H5 and H9) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. An overall seroprevalence of 3.4% (5/146) was recorded in the study area. Seroprevalence of 6.67% (2/30) was recorded in speckled pigeons (Columba guinea) and Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) respectively and 3.33% (1/30) in Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). No antibodies were detected in laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis) and African silver bill (Euodice cantans). The serological detection of AIV subtypes H5 and H9 by HI showed the exposure of these birds to the two subtypes. The result from this study indicates evidence of the presence of H5 and H9 AI viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance of influenza A involving wild birds’ population and H5 as well as H9 subtype is recommended. This is necessary in order to know the actual status of these strains in the poultry population in Nigeria in view of their zoonotic and economic importance.

A study of composition and diversity variation of avifauna along with different types of agroforestry system in Kibet town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundAgroforestry is an integrated land-use system that plays a great role in the conservation of landscape biodiversity. The study aimed to assess the composition and diversity of avian species along with different habitat types of agroforestry in Kibet Town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsFour habitat types of agroforestry system which are home gardens, live fences, parkland, and eucalyptus woodlot were identified. Line transects were used for bird surveys. The Shannon diversity index (H′) and species evenness index (E) were used to compare diversity among habitat types. A similarity percentages (SIMPER) test was carried out to identify the main species and feeding guild that typified each habitat type. The overall significance was assessed with the ANOSIM test using PAST (version 4.03).ResultsA total of 50 bird species belonging to 28 families and 10 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes (67.3%) had the highest number of species. Bird community composition differed among habitat types. The dissimilarity was mainly due to White-browed robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini), Streaky seed-eater (Serinus striolatus), Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis), and Black-Headed Paradise Flycatcher (T. rufiventer). The finding also revealed that insectivore was the dominant feeding guild.ConclusionsThe present study shows evidence that more insectivore bird species use different types of agroforestry as habitat and foraging sites. So, any concerned bodies who have engaged in avian conservation should give special consideration to this modified landscape.

Survey of External Parasites of Wild Birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Aims: As wild birds interact with poultry the likelihood of exchange of external parasites between wild birds and poultry highlights the need to understand wild bird parasites so as to reduce cross infection at the wild bird-poultry interface. There is paucity of data on external parasites of wild birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of external parasites among wild birds in Kaduna State.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kaduna State, Nigeria between March, and June 2012.&#x0D; Methodology: Wild birds were captured and examined for external parasites by visual and microscopic examination. The data were analyzed using Quantitative Parasitology software.&#x0D; Results: Of the 233 wild birds representing 56 species and 25 families examined, the ectoparasite prevalence was 10.7% (25/233). The ectoparasites identified were Menacanthus spp (0.9%), Amblyomma variegatum (0.9%), Argas persicus (3.4%), Gonides gigas (2.1%) and Rhipicephalus spp (2.6%). Streptopelia senegalensis and Chalcomitra senegalensis were infested with Amblyomma varigatum while Numida meleagris and Ploceus cucullatus had Rhipicephalus spp.&#x0D; Conclusion: This is the first report to the best of our knowledge of hard tick infestation of free flying birds in Kaduna State. This study establishes baseline data for future study of wild bird host-parasite interaction in Nigeria. There is need for more studies on external parasites of wild birds to understand their impact on the survival of wild bird species in Nigeria.

Variation within the Bird Community of a Rehabilitated Urban Environment, Case of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Campus (Côte d'Ivoire)

In order to understand the ecological impact of the rehabilitation of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Campus on the bird community, a study was carried out over two months (October-November 2016). The ornithological inventory carried out by the IPA method in five different habitats identified on the campus gave a total species richness of 51 bird species of 41 genera, 27 families and 13 orders for 1374 birds, with H' = 2.93 and J = 0.74. Five species dominate the population (819 individuals, Fr = 59, 61%). These are Bubulcus ibis (9.32 %), Apus affinis (8.95 %), Corvus albus (19.94 %), Ploceus cucullatus (10.48 %), Lonchura cucullata (10.92 %). The most diversified habitat is the Habitations (26 bird species), while the most abundant is the Brush (416 individuals). Only seven species are common to all sampled habitats. Thus, 12 species observed on campus formerly could not be observed during the present study. Similarly, 18 species observed in this study were not observed in the previous study. The profound transformation of the environment following the rehabilitation has led to a slight increase in diversity but a significant drop in numbers. It is therefore important to better understand the different interactions between the components of the habitat and the various species involved. Such data would be crucial in urban planning policies.

Farmers’ Knowledge and Management Practices of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Benin, West Africa

Spodoptera frugiperda has caused significant losses of farmer income in sub-Saharan countries since 2016. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge of S. frugiperda, their perceptions and management practices in Benin. Data were collected through a national survey of 1237 maize farmers. Ninety-one point eight percent of farmers recognized S. frugiperda damage, 78.9% of them were able to identify its larvae, and 93.9% of the maize fields were infested. According to farmers, the perceived yield losses amounted to 797.2 kg/ha of maize, representing 49% of the average maize yield commonly obtained by farmers. Chi-square tests revealed that the severity of the pest attacks was significantly associated with cropping practices and types of grown maize varieties. About 16% of farmers identified francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus), village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), and common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) as natural enemies and 5% of them identified yellow nutsedge, chan, shea tree, neem, tamarind, and soybean as repellent plants of S. frugiperda. Most farmers (91.4%) used synthetic pesticides and 1.9% of them used botanical pesticides, which they found more effective than synthetic pesticides. Significant relationships exist between farmers’ management practices, their knowledge, organization membership, and contact with research and extension services. More research is required to further understand the effectiveness of botanical pesticides made by farmers against S. frugiperda and to refine them for scaling-up.

Birds and bats contribute to natural regulation of the millet head miner in tree-crop agroforestry systems

A better understanding of environmental factors driving natural pest regulation is a major challenge for designing sustainable cropping systems. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between vegetation openness in traditional tree-crop agroforestry systems in Senegal, richness and abundance of vertebrates including insectivorous birds and bats, and their contribution to the natural regulation of crop pests. The millet head miner (MHM), Heliocheilus albipunctella (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), a major constraint to increasing millet crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, was selected as a model system. Ten sites separated by at least one km from each other were selected in a 100 km2 study area in the Peanut basin in Senegal. In each site, a pair of millet fields distant from at least 100 m each was selected according to a gradient of vegetation openness within a 100-m radius buffer with sampling plot (5 × 5 m) at the center. Nine insectivorous bird and bat species were recorded in millet fields over the 2017 cropping season and their predator status was confirmed by direct observation or DNA detection in fecal samples. Grain losses were reduced when panicles were accessible to birds and bats, confirming their net contribution to pest regulation. At a local scale, tree diversity and vegetation openness were important predictors of the abundance of insectivorous village weaver birds and grey-headed sparrows, respectively. Some tree species (soapberry trees and neems) indirectly contributed to natural regulation of the MHM likely by providing refuges to insectivorous vertebrates whereas other tree species (baobabs) provided disservices as possible refuges for the MHM moths. Further research is needed to better understand relationships between tree cover, food web interactions and natural pest suppression, so that specific conservation measures such as habitat management can be designed to improve pest control.

The Environmental Influence on the Social Activity of Birds in Buea University Campus, Southwest Region, Cameroon

In the next decade, urban sprawl might reach such a magnitude that several natural areas surrounding cities will give way to buildings and residential areas. Although some long-term efforts to understanding wildlife dynamics in cities are under way, very little has been done in understanding the influence of urban expansion on wildlife and developing a management strategies aimed at diminishing these impacts. There is a need to study urban biodiversity and include ecological knowledge in urban planning. However, this study was focused on assessing the environmental influence on the social activity of birds in Buea university campus. The data was collected on check-sheets for a period of 2 months, 6 days a week, from 7:00am – 6:00pm. The spot-count data collection method used witnessed 616 bird observations during the study. Simultaneously, data was collected on environmental condition, day-period, bird species, bird location, and bird number. The results of this study showed a significant link between bird activity and bird species, χ2 = 171.953 df=48 P=0.000. Similarly, activity of birds showed association on bird number, χ2 = 120.254 df=40 P=0.000. The environmental conditions associated significantly with bird number, χ2 = 35.669 df=30, P<0.05. Also, bird species associated significantly with the day-period, χ2 = 171.953 df=48, P=0.000. Additionally, environmental conditions associated with bird location, χ2 = 7.921 df=6 P<0.05. Moreover, the environmental condition associated significantly with bird activity, χ2 = 28.925 df=12 P=0.004. All the bird species observed during the survey displayed a significant activity state, however, species such as village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), little weaver (Ploceus luteolus), and black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus), recorded 17.86%, 11.36%, and 7.31% respectively, and were observed with a higher activity frequency as compared to other bird species. The environmental role on wildlife species such as birds significantly determines their geographical distribution and endemism on the earth planet.

Some aspects of social life of haryana from 16th TO 17th Centuary

Social history of a region generally endeavors to present the varied aspects of daily life of the inhabitants of villages, towns and cities in the medieval period. The dwelling houses were congregated together usually at a central site, with the land of the cultivators spreading around. The roofs of the houses were flat. The house of the poorer classes had a small courtyard and one room or two. The most common plan of the house of the well to do classes was that the courtyard was surrounded by a wall. The entrance served as a temporary cattle-shed and the men of the family frequented it to smoke and gossip. Usually, there was a detached sitting room, variously called diwan-khana or baithak. Female apartments were separate. The rooms were dark, damp and badly ventilated. The houses were of bricks and in lanes near to each other for the sake of shade. The sanitary condition was not proper but the inside of the houses were kept very clean. In the houses of the common people very little furniture was kept in the rooms. For lighting in the houses of the nobles and the rich men, other appliances and devices were in vogue. Ordinarily, the earthen pots (diya) filled with mustard oil with cotton wicks were used for light. The people of Haryana in general were vegetarian but in common high class people and the Muslims were non-vegetarian and used to drinking. Rrice, millet and pulses, milk and milk products were chiefly consumed in general in the rural areas. Khicheri was relished both by the gentry and commonalty. In the matter of diet, the Muslims were notoriously extravagant and fastidious. However, the diet of the peasants was much cheaper and they used pulses and vegetables. The imported fruits dry and fresh were costly and were used only by the rich. Common people used to eat seasonal fruits which grew wild in the jungles and were easily available and gathered for sustenance by the poor. Ice fetched a high price and used by the rich people. Indian dress varied from place to place and clan to clan and according to their social status and financial conditions. Indian dresses were chiefly determined by the geographical factors, climatic conditions and the changing needs and customs of the different areas. Clothes were generally woven by the village weavers with yarn spun by the peasant women folk. These garments except turban were made of ‘khaddar’, the rough cotton. The upper classes spent lavishly on their dresses and used silk, brocade and fine muslin according to their social status and financial conditions. Children used to remain naked till four to five years age. The peasants and the poorer classes tried their best to cut their dress requirements to the minimum. The love of ornaments was inherent in the human races. The love of jewellery was not confined to the people of any religion, sect or class. Various kinds of ornaments of gold and silver were worn according to their financial and social position. The Hindu women, except widows, were generally loaded with as much jewellery as their husbands could afford. Beside ornaments, the women decorated themselves by various kinds of ‘tawizees’ (amulets).