Anthropogenic impacts on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds of selected wetlands sectors in northern Nigeria

Edegbene, A. O.

Keywords: Anthropogenic activities; bird population density; migratory birds; Garganey ( Anas querquedula); Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands; Nigeria
Published in Volume 17
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Abstract:

In recent times, there has been decrease in the number of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands in Nigeria. This, no doubt, is a subject of concern to conservationist and the country at large. The effect of anthropogenic activities on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria,were undertaken for a period of two months. Point-count method was used in data collection in two sectors of the wetlands:  Ox-Bow Lake and Marma Channel. Visual observation and interaction with the locals around the wetlands were used to assess the level of anthropogenic influences and scored on a scale of 0-5. Forty-five species of migratory and resident birds were recorded of which 25 were resident while 14 and 6 were migratory and Afro-migrant respectively. ( Anas querquedula ) was the highest recorded species during the survey and it was preponderant in Ox-Bow Lake. Garganey was also more densely populated (903.76 birds/hectares). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that washing/bathing and open defecation negatively affected the composition of Anas querquedula and Anas acuta. The study revealed Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands to be under threat. Therefore, appropriate enforcement of laws guiding migratory birds in Nigeria is hereby recommended.