Abundance and Activity Pattern of Avifauna in Ashewa Local Vulture Restaurant, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was aimed to conduct avifaunal abundance and their activity pattern in Ashewa local vulture restaurant, eastern Ethiopia during March-May 2014. A preliminary survey was undertaken to categorize the study site based on habitat types of the area. The sampling segments were designed based on stratification of the habitat in to three categories. Ten point count stations of 50meter apart were established in sandy site, wet waste drainage and dry bare lands. Accordingly, line transect method was delineated with white paint and installed wooden materials at the margin of the stratified habitats. Subsequently, point count method was used to count the abundance of dumping site visiting avifauna. Threats facing by the birds in the study area were also recorded. A total of 1,088 individual birds of six species belonging to three families were recorded. The most abundant species was Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) (41.05%) followed by Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) (34.65%) and Little Egret (20.7%). The present study revealed that, the presence of dumped food increased the abundance and activity pattern of birds in the projected site. Availability of various artificial and natural perch sites in the study area as favorable for different birds of conservation importance. Various factors like waste collectors, free ranging domestic dogs and cats to affect the activity pattern of birds.