Study on Avian Utilization of Gmelina arborea in General Hassan Usman Katsina Park, Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the avian utilization of Gmelina arborea in General Hassan Katsina Park (Gamji Park) was carried out between 0630hr to 0830hr, from December 2015 to January 2016. Four G. arborea trees spaced 100 m apart were identified and each observed from a 50 m distance while recording the bird species, time spent and behavioral activities carried out on the trees. A total of 26 bird species belonging to 18 families were recorded in five height classes of the tree, using focal observation. Bird diversity index was highest (2.50) in the fourth stratum, 16-20 m, and reduced to the second stratum, 6-10 m (2.18). The topmost stratum (21-25 m) recorded the least diversity index value (1.23), other than the 1-5 m height stratum where no bird was recorded. Six bird species that included members of the family: Psittacidae encountered and the Yellow-billed kite (Milvus migrans) however, utilized the topmost height. Bird abundance closely followed the same trend. Vinaceous dove (Streptopelia vinacea) spent the highest mean time (268 seconds) on the tree perching, closely followed by Piacpiac (Ptilostomus afer) (249 seconds). Yellow-billed kite (Milvus migrans) spent the least time of 36 seconds. Highest frequencies of bird activity were perching (29.67 %), gleaning (27.25 %), hopping (24.39 %) and preening (19.69 %). Yellow-billed kite and Grey kestrel spend the least time but often seen hovering and scanning in the park. The results indicate predominance of selectiveness over random utilization of G. arborea for most bird species observed.

Key words: Bird species, Height class, Gmelina arborea, utilization, Kaduna.