BRANTA — Attah Francis Egwumah

Distribution, abundance and habitat preference of Lovebird Agapornis pullaria in Tiortyu, Tarka L.G.A Benue State, Nigeria

Institution: University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Supervisors: P,O Egwumah, E.A. Agbelusi
Details: M. Wildlife 2013 (Completed)

Address: ECWA Secondary School, Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria (January 2014). Email

Subject Keywords: Distribution, abundance, habitat, preference, riparian, vegetation
Species Keywords: Lovebird, Agapornis pullaria

Thesis online at https://efornithology.blogspot.com

Abstract

Census was carried out in four micro-vegetation to determine the distribution and abundance of Lovebird in the study area. A point count census technique was adopted and data were collected at 14 days interval. The parameters of interest were abundance and distribution of lovebird. Similarly, using a step point line transect of 100 step points the floristic composition was obtained and diameter at girth size of tree species were measured and recorded by species using Point-centered quarter method. The impact of human activities on lovebird was assessed using supply of Lovebirds within Benue State and outside Benue State. Age-occupation relationship, as it affects avian community and habitat in riparian vegetation was assessed using structured questionnaire. Information on rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity was obtained from Federal Metrological Station Makurdi. The abundance and distribution of lovebird was illustrated using bar chart which varied significantly. The vegetation types were cultivated land (CL), Grass land vegetation (GLS), Forest land vegetation (FLV) and wood land vegetation (WLS). Thirty- Five plant species belonging to 18 families were identified with CL, having 5 species, GLS 9 species, FLV 16 species and GLS 20 species. Floristic composition was analyzed using unbalanced analysis of variance, with no significant differences (P> 0.05). But, the significant effect (P < 0.05) of families on vegetation composition was noticed within the various micro-habitat, with Cultivated land having overall least mean square of 11.33 ┬▒ 5.06, Grassland Savannah 46.28 ┬▒ 35.01, Forestland vegetation, 42.04 ┬▒ 32.49, and Woodland Savannah 41.31 ┬▒ 31.47. The diameter at girth size of tree species was analyzed from unbalanced analysis using regression with significant difference (P> 0.05). However, cultivated land has overall least mean square diameter of 1.805 ┬▒ 0.645, Grassland Savannah has overall least mean square diameter of 1.367 ┬▒ 0.814, Forestland vegetation has overall least mean square diameter of 2.357 ┬▒ 0.854 and Woodland Savannah has overall least mean square diameter of 2.203 ┬▒ 0.820. About 1309 lovebirds were sold in Benue State and 1,385 lovebirds were sold outside Benue State with 33 lovebirds counted in the wild was analyzed using three-way analysis of variance shows no significant difference (P > 0.05). The correlation between rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and lovebird counted in the wild was tested using pearson correlation and the correlation between lovebird count in the wild was highly correlated (P< 0.01). Commercial harvest of lovebird, logging, firewood collection, bush burning, lopping of tree leaves for livestock feeding and climbing to block tree holes where lovebird breeds and exposing of bare ground to erosion as a result of farming activities are immediate impact of human activities.

 

Publications

Egwumah, P.O., Agbelusi, E.A. & Egwumah, F.A.. 2014. The distribution, abundance, and habitat preference of lovebirds Agapornis pullaria in Tiortyu riparian vegetation. Journal of Applied Biosciences 76:6361- 6367.
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