DRY SEASON CHECK LIST OF AVIFAUNA SPECIES POPULATION IN DAGONA WATERFOWL SANCTUARY, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA
This research titled Dry Season Check list of Avifauna Species Population was carried out in Dagona Waterfowl Sanctuary Yobe State, Nigeria for the period of Three (3) months, from March to May. The aim is to assess the bird population during dry season in the study area. A reconnaissance survey was carried to select study sites and sampling points. Five (5) different points were been selected which comprises of Zemo, Oxbow, Incheduwa, Mariam and Gutsu lakes respectively and Point count census techniques were adopted. In each counting station, bird observation was carried out twice daily; morning between 6:00am and 10:00am and evening between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. Data compilation was done using Microsoft Excel and were analysed using statistical software Past 326b. Bird diversity was calculated using Shanon-Weiner diversity index, some bird species identified in the study area were dominant such as Philomachus pugnax, Actophilornis africanus, Phalacrocorax africanus, Dendrocygna viduata, Bubulcus ibis and Plegadis falcinellus. A total of 23,284 bird species were identified (Dry Season) and has 1.94 diversity index using Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index. Overgrazing and other anthropogenic activities serve as major threats which affect the population diversity of bird species in the study area. The specific objectives are to identify the types of avifauna species found in the study area and also determine the diversity of avifauna species in the study area. In view of the findings of this study, effective monitoring for conservation to restore the population of bird species should be provided, Deliver community enlightenment to the people around the wetland and advice the significant importance of the wetland in serving as home for resident and migratory bird species.
KeyWords: Season, Checklist, Avifauna, Diversity, Reconnaissance, Survey, Sampling.
