Effect of some environmental factors on the diversity and abundance of Avian species in Umudike:- Chukwu Precious N

ABSTRACT

 Avian species abundance and diversity is on the decrease due to anthropogenic activities and climate change, as a result there is urgent need to assess the factors that contribute to these decrease. Hence, the assessment of noise level, temperature and relative humidity was carried out in Umudike and Environs, Abia State. Five survey sites were selected from key habitats within the area, namely MOUAU Relic forest, MOUAU stream, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Computer village and MOUAU park. The survey involved recording avian species abundance using point count method, records of noise, temperature and relative humidity was carried out in each of the study sites. The results of the study showed high abundance of bird species and diversity in sites with low noise level, low temperature and high relative humidity ( MOUAU stream, Relic Forest, and FRIN) recording noise level range of 50db to 54db, While low abundance and diversity of birds was recorded in sites with high noise level of 55-75db (Computer village and MOUAU park) Hence, creating awareness on the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance could help mitigate the effects on avian species.