Diversity and distribution of Avifauna resource: a case of Lake Burigi wetland, North Western Tanzania

Abstract

Lake Burigi wetland forms part of Burigi Game Reserve (GR) hence an important water source for wildlife. Besides, it is connected to trans-boundary ecosystems in northern Tanzania and constitutes the Burigi-Biharamulo Important Bird Area. This area is important for fishing activities, agriculture, provision of protein and tourist hunting. The area has received minimal attention, hence poor information on its conservation status. This study was carried out to determine species richness, assess abundance and spatial distribution of birds and compare bird diversity and spatial distribution between protected and non-protected parts of the wetland. A point count method was employed to count birds within 200m in water and 100m on land. Eleven locations were randomly sampled and surveyed between September and December 2008. Analysis of variance was used to test the difference in abundance of birds in different habitat covers and locations. T-test was carried out to test the difference between the protection status and substrate for both abundance and diversity. ArcView GIS was used to map the surveyed area whereas LCCS software was used to develop the habitat classes. Distance program was used to estimate population and population density of birds. A total of 2 935 birds in 101 species were counted. Number of birds varied significantly with locations, habitat cover and radial distances. Number of birds was significantly high in the non-protected part of the wetland. Diversity index varied significantly with locations. Results revealed that birds were unequally distributed on locations, habitat covers and protection status. The area had 23 migratory species and 27 IUCN Red List species. Further studies during dry season, on limnology and socioeconomic importance of the area are recommended.