Assessment of Diversity and Richness of Avian Species within the Habitats of Eleiyele and Awba Dams Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that using birds to identify priority sites for conservation action and 
mitigation measures is an effective method. Between March and June of 2022, a field survey 
of birds was carried out in the Awba and Eleiyele dams in Oyo State, Nigeria, to ascertain the 
species diversity, abundance, and feeding guilds. The Line Transect Approach was used to 
acquire the data. Based on the species, migratory or non-migratory status, and feeding guild 
of the birds observed throughout the survey, different groups of birds were identified. The two 
dams' respective mean bird densities were calculated and compared using a t-test, and PAST 
software was used to examine species diversity indices. A total of 2,152 birds from 59 species 
(33 families and 12 orders) were counted, with 1,286 (59.76%) of them at Awba Dam and 866 
(40.24%) at Eleiyele Dam. Vanellusspinosus was the species with the highest abundance in the 
Awba dam (n = 72; 8.31%), whereas Oriolusnigripennis had the highest abundance in the 
Eleiyele dam (n = 204; 15.86%). There was no discernible difference between the bird densities 
at Awba Dam (51.44 birds/km2) and Eleiyele Dam (30.95 birds/km2) (t value=1.679; p=0.097). 
Black-winged orioles were more numerous (8.16 birds/km2) at Awba Dam than Spur-winged 
lapwings were at Eleiyele Dam (72 birds/km2). Awba Dam has a higher Shannon diversity index 
and evenness score than Eleiyele Dam (3.102 and 0.654 vs. 3.702 and 0.862, respectively). In 
Eleiyele and Awba dams, the birds were divided into 10 and 8 feeding guilds, respectively. 
Insectivores (27, 33%) and carnivores (15, 19%) were the most commonly reported species. 
Two dams could potentially serve as locations for avian tourism and conservation due to their 
high avian richness if they are properly managed. In order to ensure the ecosystem's survival, 
it is advised that a strategy for avian conservation be implemented into the dam management 
programme.