Diversity and Abundance of Bird Species in Mole National Park, Damongo, Ghana

Abstract

A survey of birds in Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana between February and May 2016 to identify and determine the diversity and abundance of bird species. Using Point Count Method, all birds were observed at fixed locations using an Opticron Polarex 8×40 field binocular and identification of birds’ species were confirmed by Birds of Ghana and recorded vocal replay of birds. The Gamin GPS device was used to take the coordinate and location of all stations. 366 of individual birds consisting of 59 species were recorded, 45 were identified by sighting and 14 by vocalization, all belonging to 29 families. Species abundance indicated that Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) (Relative Abundance (RA)= 4.90%), followed by Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus) (RA =4.63%), Red-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta Senegala) (RA =4.36%), Little Weaver (Ploceus lucteolus) (RA =4.09%), Senegal Parrot (Piocephals senegalus) (RA =3.81%), Bar-breasted firefinch (Lagonosticta rufopicta) (RA =3.54%), White faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) (RA =3.27%) and Laughing Dove (Sterptopelia senegalensis) (RA =3.00%), whereas, the Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) (0.54), African Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx lecontei) (0.27) and Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) (0.27) had low relative species abundance. Estrildidae and Alcedinidae families were highest in abundance, (8.5%) of the total respectively, followed by Columbidae and Malaconotidae with the same relative abundance (6.8%), Ploceidae (5.1%). The practice of bird watching aimed at avifauna conservation can be encouraged in the fringe communities such as; Morgnori, Larabanga and Murugu, to document and protect bird species to improve community livelihood. Further investigations are required to compare avifauna within the off reserve and the protected areas (on reserve).

Keywords: Avifauna, Opticron, Polarex, Diversity, Abundance