ABSTRACT
This
study was undertaken to assess the diversity and relative abundance ofEstrildid
finches within Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia
state, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify the finches in the study
area, determine their relative abundance and food preferences. Data were
collected based on field survey and focal observation (point counts) and
focused on identification ofthe bird species in the study area, and the grass
species fed upon. Results show that a total number of five (5) different
species of Estrildid finches were present in the study area. The Bronze
mannikins (Spermestes cucullatus) with a percentage of 42 were the most
abundant, followed by Orange cheeked waxbill (Estrilda melpoda) with 30%.
Bar-breasted firefinch (Lagonosticla rufopicta), 8% and Grey-headed nigrita
(Nigrita canicapillus), 9% were the least abundant. The Black and white
mannikin had a percentage abundance value of 1 1%. Of the six species
encountered, Grey Headed Nigrita (Nigrita canicapillus) was considered
CommonUncommon in abundance. This may be due to the fact that it is usually
skulking and is often heard and not seen. The others were Common to Fairly
Common. MOUAU has shown to be a very important habitat for the survival of
Estrildid finches. Efforts should be made to maintain the farmlands and fields
where these grasses abound in order to support their populations. Conservation
ofthe existing habitats should remain a priority
MICHAEL, U (2024). Assessment Of Species Diversity And Relative Abundance Of Estrildid Finches Within Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria:- Onyemaechi, Caleb O. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Nov 21, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-species-diversity-and-relative-abundance-of-estrildid-finches-within-umudike-abia-state-nigeria-onyemaechi-caleb-o-7-2
UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL. "Assessment Of Species Diversity And Relative Abundance Of Estrildid Finches Within Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria:- Onyemaechi, Caleb O" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-species-diversity-and-relative-abundance-of-estrildid-finches-within-umudike-abia-state-nigeria-onyemaechi-caleb-o-7-2. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL. "Assessment Of Species Diversity And Relative Abundance Of Estrildid Finches Within Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria:- Onyemaechi, Caleb O". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 28 Aug. 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-species-diversity-and-relative-abundance-of-estrildid-finches-within-umudike-abia-state-nigeria-onyemaechi-caleb-o-7-2 >.
UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL. "Assessment Of Species Diversity And Relative Abundance Of Estrildid Finches Within Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria:- Onyemaechi, Caleb O" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 21 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-species-diversity-and-relative-abundance-of-estrildid-finches-within-umudike-abia-state-nigeria-onyemaechi-caleb-o-7-2