AVIFAUNA SURVEY AT KENYA METHODIST UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS AND ITS ENVIRONS

This study was carried out on the avifauna diversity in Kenya Methodist University Main Campus and its environs. The principle aim was to document all bird species in this study area. We also aimed to document some... [ view full abstract ]

This study was carried out on the avifauna diversity in Kenya Methodist University Main Campus and its environs. The principle aim was to document all bird species in this study area. We also aimed to document some anthropogenic activities that affect bird conservation in the study area.
Timed species count and mist netting were the methods employed for collecting data. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. We used 18m and two 12m standard mist-nets, which were laid in the forested area along small paths and trails as far as possible to avoid habitat destruction, and also other sites in the study area like wet lands and human habitation. The timed species is a method that provides a quick and simple way for gaining a measure of relative abundance of canopy and mid-level bird species. It provides repeated species lists, on which are indicated the first time when each species is first positively identified by sight or sound (Pomeroy & Tengecho, 1986; Pomeroy & Dranzoa, 1997).
An index of relative abundance of species recorded from repeated surveys was calculated as the mean of scores from each survey and varied between maximum value of 4 and a minimum of 0.125. A total of 108 species of birds were identified from the study. Hinde’s Babbler (Turdoides hindei) a globally vulnerable restricted-range Kenyan endemic; one individual was captured and ringed
The study revealed some anthropogenic activities posing as threat to the distribution and diversity of birds in the study area. Some of these activities included construction of buildings and practicing agriculture in birds’ habitat. There were cultivated lands that extended near two streams, Kaithe and kathita, forcing the farmers to clear the thickets near streams, which is a perfect habitat for the Hinde’s babbler (Turdoides hindei).
There is a great potential of avitourim in the study area considering the high diversity of birds and accessibility to bird watching sites, accommodation and a constituents who are willing to learn about bird monitoring and bird watching techniques. This would improve the economy of Meru County.