J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 1
Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Birds in Guna Mountains Community
Conservation Area, South Gondar, Ethiopia
Yibeltal Destaye
1
, Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew
2
*, Mezgebu Ashagrie
2
1
Culture and Tourism Office, South Gondar
2
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar
*Corresponding author: shimelis.aynalem2@bdu.edu.et and shimelis.aynalem@gmail.com
Received: March 3, 2022 Accepted: May 11, 2022
Abstract: Ethiopian highlands are the center of endemism for fauna including birds. However, due to poor
management practice, the habitats of animals have been encroached on from time to time. The main objective of this
study was to assess the diversity, abundance and distribution of birds in the Guna Mountain Community
Conservation Area. The study was conducted from August 2019 to April 2020, in wet and dry seasons. A stratified
random sampling design was used to classify habitats based on vegetation type. The habitat types were: Erica
moorland, Guassa grassland, and Rocky with lobelia. Point transects count method for Erica moorland, but line
transects method for both Guassa grasslands and Rocky with lobelia habitats were employed. Data were collected
in the morning (6:00-10:00 A.M.) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 P.M.). A Chi-square test was used to test the
distribution of birds among the three habitats and difference on the abundance of birds between wet and dry
seasons. A total of 76 bird species that belong to 12 orders and 35 families were identified. Four species are
endemic to Ethiopia, and nine were endemic both to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Five species were Inter African migrants,
18 highland biome species, and two Palearctic migrant bird species were identified. The Passeriformes were the
most dominant order with 44 species and account for 58%, whereas Galliformes, Cuculiformes, Apodiformes and
Strigiformes were the least represented orders that have only one species each. Relatively, high diversity of bird
species was observed in the grassland habitat (Hˈ =3.67) but the lowest species diversity was observed in the Rocky
with lobelia habitat (Hˈ=2.6). The highest evenness was recorded in the rocky with lobelia habitat (E = 0.88),
whereas the lowest evenness was recorded in Erica moorland (E = 0.79). The species abundance of birds during the
wet and dry seasons was significantly different (χ2 = 904.541, DF =1, p<0.001). There were also significant
differences in the distribution of birds among the three habitats (χ2 = 3315.965, DF =75, p<0.001). Food
availability, vegetation composition and breeding sites have affected the variety of birds' abundance in different
habitats. It has been seen that habitat size, foraging modes and floristic composition influenced the distribution of
birds. Grassland and highland biome restricted birds may be affected as they do not have any alternative foraging
or breeding sites if the Guna Mountains Conservation Area habitat fragmentation continues. The area supports a
variety of avian species with high endemics and habitat specifics. Conservation of the area is vital for habitat
restricted and endemic birds.
Keywords: Afro-alpine, Bird species diversity, Endemic birds, Guna Community Conservation Area
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
1. Introduction
Ethiopia is one of the top 25 biodiversity-rich
countries in the world. It has the largest extent of
Afro-alpine and Sub afro-alpine habitats in Africa
(Yalden, 1983). The Ethiopian highlands are rich in
endemic species (Yalden and Largen, 1992). The
Ethiopian highlands are the home of 5200 species of
plants of which 555 are endemic. They also host
more than 860 species of birds among which 31 are
endemic to both Ethiopia and Eretria. Moreover,
about 55 of the nearly 311 mammals found in
Ethiopian are found nowhere else (Lavrenchenko and
Bekele, 2017). Endemic, rare and threatened
mammals and birds are the unique features of this
ecosystem. These ecosystems are characterized by
eye-catching giant herb, known as lobelia (Lobelia
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 2
rhynchopetalum), the evergreen tree heather (Erica
arborea) and shrubby and herbaceous everlasting
flowers (Helichrysum species). The vegetation type is
the major element to categorize the Ethiopian
ecosystem. The Ethiopian Afro-alpine and Sub-afro-
alpine ecosystem is described by marked altitudinal
variations that create wide a range of climates
affecting both flora and fauna distribution (Yalden
and Largen 1992).
The temporal and spatial species diversity and
abundance of birds are determined by vegetation
structures that provide a food source, breeding sites
and shelter. This could have resulted from climatic
variations such as rainfall, temperature and the
topographical nature of the area (Desalgn and
Subramanian, 2015). Physical factors such as
altitude, slope and others aspects control the
diversity, structure and productivity of vegetation
which again could also influence the diversity,
abundance, distribution, and habitat use of birds
(Girma et al., 2017).
There are about 10,000 avian species in the world
grouped into 29 orders and 181 families (BirdLife
International, 2004). More than 50% of the existing
species of avian belong to the order Passeriformes
(Avibase, 2010). Over 1850 bird species were
recorded in Africa (Redman et al., 2009). The total
number of birds in Ethiopia is estimated at 882, the
number of endemics 16 (+2 near endemic), the
number of globally threatened species is 42, and the
number of introduced species is one (Lepage, 2022).
Guna Mountains Community Conservation Area
(GMCCA) was proposed in 2016. The area is mostly
covered with grass that uses for grazing. Grazing is
one major factor that leads to habitat alteration in
different ecosystems (Mamo et al., 2014). This might
increase the threat to avian species. It causes changes
in the vertical and horizontal structural composition
of vegetation through a combination of trampling and
grazing (McIntyre et al., 2003). Similarly, the
diversity of the species might be affected as a result
of anthropogenic threats (Mengesha et al., 2014).
The Afroalpine ecosystem resources of Ethiopia have
been used for millennia Ashenafi et al. (2012) but
challenged the rapidly growing human population.
The fauna and flora resources are threatened due to
human pressure. The Afroalpine and Sub-afro alpine
ecosystem of Ethiopia is not as such protected due to
poor management practices. The natural vegetation is
being changed into farmland, settlement, and grazing
lands (Andreassen, et al., 2007). The Guna Mountain
Conservation Area provides fodder, water, and
firewood for the community that lives around it.
However, the natural vegetation has become patchy;
for instance the Erica in Gedeba, Mokish, Amigno
and Soras Kebele. This habitat patchiness could have
a direct impact on the flora and fauna of the area.
Birds are one of the taxonomic entities in which the
land use cover change could have affected their
ecology at large though some might have adapted to
human-modified habitats (Sreekar et al., 2016). The
bird assemblage of the Guna Mountain Community
Conservation Area is not known yet. Therefore, the
present study aimed to study the existing species
diversity, relative abundance and distribution of birds
in the Guna Mountain Conservation Area for future
follow up.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Description of the study area
Mount Guna is located in South Gondar Zone, 20 km
away from Debre Tabor town. The altitude ranges
from 3200 to 4113 m a.s.l; geographically, it is located
11
0
36ˈ06.07ˈˈ to 11
0
49ˈ48.59ˈˈN Latitude, and
38
0
03ˈ13.81ˈˈ to 38
0
24ˈ18.79ˈˈE Longitude (Figure.1). It
is characterized by moist agro-climatic zones “Dega” and
“Wurch”. The highest average maximum monthly
temperature was recorded from February to April and
the lowest was during January and December
(Amhara National Meteorological Services Agency,
2019). It has a bimodal rainfall distribution, described
by an extended wet season from June to November.
Low rainfall was also recorded in February and May.
The dry season ranges from December to April.
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 3
Figure 1: Map of the study area
2.2. Fauna, flora and human population
In the Guna Community Conservation Area 30
mammals are found; however, the most commonly
occurring species are rock hyrax (Heterohyrax
brucei), Common mole-rat (Tachyoryctes splendens),
Unstriped grass rat (Arvicanthis abyssinicus), African
wolf (Canis aureus lupaster), and Gelada monkey
(Theropithecus gelada). About 89 bird species have
also been reported for the diversity of this area
(BoCTPD, 2012).
The area is characterized by Afroalpine and Sub-afro-
alpine flora ecosystems. More than 96 species of
plants are recorded in the area, out of which Acanthu
seminens, Echinopsellen beckii, Kniphofia foliosa,
Lobelia rhynchopetalum and Helichrysum
hochstetteri are endemic once. The Afro-alpine zone
is mainly covered with Erica moorland dominated by
Guassa and rocky with lobelia habitats. In the Sub-
afroalpine ecosystem zone, the evergreen tree heather
(Erica arborea) mixed with Hypericum revolutum
and Echinops ellenbeckii are recently rehabilitating in
some parts of Kebeles. However, below the sub-
afroalpines, Eucalyptus globules, Juniperus procera,
Erica arborea, Myrica salicifolia, Cupressus
lusitanica, Mytenus arbutifolia, Hypericum
revolutum are commonly seen. Dombeya torrida
along with cultivated land settlements and grazing
lands are predominant.
The area is inhabited by 114,931 people. Their
livelihood is subsistence agriculture; and the average
landholding is less than half a hectare (CSA, 2010).
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 4
2.3. Sampling design and data collection
A preliminary survey was conducted at the beginning
of August 2019. The overall landscape was surveyed
to classify the study habitat. The physical features of
the study area were observed using a ground survey.
Based on this, the actual study was conducted from
August 2019 to April 2020 covering both dry and wet
seasons.
In this study, a stratified random sampling design was
employed, since the study area has no uniform habitat
types. Stratification was made following the methods
of Jones (1998), and Krebs (1999). This approach
was used to classify habitats and select sampling
plots based on vegetation types. Based on the
vegetation types and area encroachment, the area was
stratified into three habitat types (Erica moorland,
Rocky with Lobelia and Grassland). Sampling plots
were randomly selected for each habitat type. To
make sure that the results were generally
representative of the total study area, the number of
sampling plots was determined based on the size of
the study area (Table 1) (Sutherland, 1996; Bibby et
al., 1998). The area of each individual plot measures
300 m in length by 180 m in width. The distance
between plots was 150 – 200 m to avoid double-
counting among counting stations (Sutherland, 2006).
From the total area, 20% of the study area was
covered in each sample site (Bibby et al., 1992).
The point count method was undertaken from a fixed
location within the sample unit of a radius of 30 m
with a fixed time interval of 15 minutes. The number
of individuals of each species was recorded within a
30 m fixed radius and the unlimited radius points at
first detection (Bibby et al., 1998).
Transect lines within a plot were 200 m apart from
each other to avoid double counting (Aynalem and
Bekele, 2008). During the transect survey, all the
birds found in a 45-meter belt length in both
directions of the observer were recorded and counted.
Line transects were laid in the grassland and rocky
with lobelia measuring a length of 300 m each.
The fieldwork was carried out from August to
November 2019 for the wet season, and from
December 2019 to April 2020 for the dry season.
The bird count was made for 15 minutes within the
counting station. Stations were surveyed for 72 days
during both wet and dry seasons; however, the
frequency of data collection was every week twice a
day in the morning (6:00-10:00 A.M.) and late in the
afternoon (4:00-6:00 P.M.) during the active time of
birds and when the weather condition was ideal
(Centerbury et al., 2000). For bird identification, the
plumage pattern, size, shape, colour, songs and calls
were considered (Aynalem and Bekele, 2009). Birds
were physically observed using a pair of binoculars.
Avian species were identified and their taxonomic
groups were categorized using field guides of birds
(Redman et al., 2011; Zelelew, 2013). The taxonomic
order and nomenclature follow Clements, version
2021.
Table 1: Sampled area and transect counts based on habitat types at Guna Mountain conservation area
Habitat types
Rock with Lobelia
Erica moorland
Grassland
Total
Total area coverage (ha)
348
299
3968
6415
Sampled area (ha)
69.6
60
793.4
923
No of sample plots
13
11
147
171
Numbers of line transect
26
-
294
320
Numbers of point transect
-
165
-
165
Note: The total area of the site is = 4615 ha; however, 923 ha (20%) of the area was considered for data collection
2.4. Data analysis
Shannon-Wiener diversity index of diversity was
used for the analysis of species diversity in the
sampled area (Krebs, 1999).
Diversity index (H') = -
i
lnP
i
[1]
Where:
pi = the proportion of species i and ln P
i
= the natural
logarithm of P
i.
The relative abundance of bird species was estimated
using encounter rates that give basic ordinal scales of
abundance (abundant, common, frequent, uncommon
and rare) (Table 2) (Aynalem and Bekele, 2008).
Encounter rate for each species was calculated as:
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 5




Where ER is encounter rate.
Table 2: Ordinal scale of abundance used to rank
species
Abundance
Category
Abundance
Score
< 0.1
1
0.1-2.0
2
2.1-10.0
3
10.1-40.0
4
> 40
5
To get the evenness (the pattern of distribution) of
birds in the study area, Shannon-Wiener Evenness
Index (E) was calculated using the equation;
󰂯

 [3]
Where:
E = Shannon-Wiener Evenness Index
Hˈ = Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index
H max = ln S= natural logarithm of the total number
of species (S) in each site (Henderson and South
wood, 2000).
The Chi-square test of independence was also used to
test whether the distribution of bird species
associated with the three habitats, and differences on
the abundance of birds between wet and dry seasons.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Species composition
A total of 76 species of birds were observed during
the study period. They were belonging to 12 orders
and 35 families (Table 3). The order Passeriformes
holds 44 bird species which accounted for 58% of the
total species. However, the number of avian species
identified in the present study was lower than what
was reported (BoCTPD, 2012). Apodiformes,
Galliformes, Cuculiformes, and Strigiformes were the
least diverse orders represented by only one species
each. These species are Little swift (Apus affinis),
Erckel’s francolin (Francolinus erckelii), White-
cheeked turaco (Tauraco leucotis), and Barn owl
(Tyto alba), respectively. At the family level, the
family Accipitridae was the large family which is
represented by nine species and accounts for 11.7 %.
It is clear that as altitude increases biodiversity
decreases, but the endemicity of species increases. In
this study, relatively the number of endemic species
was higher as compared to Entoto protected area
(Esayas and Bekele, 2011). And hence in this study
four species, which account for 5% were endemic to
Ethiopia and nine (11.7%) were endemic to Ethiopia
and Eritrea. Four species of Inter African Migrate, 16
species of highland biome species and two Palearctic
migrant species were also recorded.
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 6
Table 3: Bird species identified at Guna Mountain conservation area
Order
Family name
Common name
Scientific name
Apodiformes
Apodidae
Little swift
Apus affinis
Anseriformes
Anatidae
Blue-winged goose
E
Cyanochen cyanopterus
Egyptian goose
Alopchen aegyptiaca
Strigiformes
Tytonidae
Barn owl
Tyto alba
Pelecaniformes
Ardeidae
Grey heron
Ardea cinerea
Cattle egret
Ardeola ibis
Black-headed heron
Ardea melanocephala
Threskiornithidae
Wattled ibis
[E]
♠♦
Bostrychia carunculata
Hamerkop
Scopus umbretta
Scopidae
Spur-winged plover
Vanellus spinosus
Charadriiformes
Charadriidae
Spot-breasted plover
E♦
Vanellus melanocephalus
Recurvirostridae
Black-winged stilt
Himantopus himantopus
Columbiformes
Columbidae
White-collared pigeon
[E] ♦
Columba albitorques
Speckled pigeon
Columba guinea
Red-eyed dove
Streptopelia semitoquata
Dusky turtle dove
♦
Streptopelia lugens
Accipitriformes
Accipitridae
Tawny eagle
Aquila rapox
Black kite
♠
Milvus migrans
Common buzzard
Buteo buteo
Augur buzzard
Bueto augur
Lammergeier
Gypaetus barbatus
Rüppell's vulture
Gyps rueppellii
Egyptian vulture
Neophron percnopterus
Hooded vulture
Necrosyrtes monachus
White backed vulture
Gyps africanus
Coraciiformes
Bucerotidae
Hemprich´s hornbill
Tockus hemprichii
Upupidae
Eurasian hoopoe
Upupa epops
Phoeniculidae
Black-billed hoopoe
Phoeniculus somaliensis
Buphagidae
Red-billed oxpecker
Buphagus erythrorhynchus
Passeriformes
Cisticolidae
Tawny-flanked prinia
Prinia subflava
Corvidae
Pied crow
Corvus albus
Thick-billed raven
[E]
♦
Corvus crassirostris
Cape rock
Corvus capensis
Fan-tailed raven
Corvus rhipidurus
Hirundinidae
Red-rumped swallow
Cecropis daurica
Monarchidae
African paradise-flycather
Terpsiphone viridis
Fringillidae
Streaky seedeater
♦
Serinus striolatus
White-throated seedeater
♦
Serinus xanthopygius
Black-headed siskin
(E)♦
Serinus nigriceps
Paridae
White-backed Black Tit
Parus leuconontus
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 7
Order
Family name
Common name
Scientific name
Laniidae
Common fiscal
Lanius collaris
Turdidae
Alpine /moorland chat
♦
Cercomela sordida
Rüppell´s black chat
[E]
Myrmecocichla melaena
Rüppell´s robin chat
♦
Cossypha semirufa
Abyssinian Slaty-flycatcher
Melaenornis chocolatinus
Northern black-flycatcher
Melaenornis edolioides
White-winged cliff-chat
[E]
♦
Myrmecocichla semirufa
Black-eared wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica
Passeridae
Swainson’s sparrow
Passer swainsonii
Motacillidae
Abyssinian long claw
E♠♦
Macronyx flavicollis
Mountain wagtail
Motacilla clara
Grey wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Yellow wagtail
♥
Motacilla flava
Tree pipit
Anthus trivialis
Nectariniidae
Variable Sunbird
Cinnyris venustus
Tacazze sunbird
♦
Nectarinia tacazze
Ploceidae
Red collard widowbird
Euplectes ardens
Yellow bishop
Euplectes capensis
Pycnonotidae
Baglafecht weaver
♦
Ploceus baglafecht
Common bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus
Sturnidae
White-billed starling
[E]
♦
Onychognathus albirostris
Vidudae
Village indigobird
Vidua chalybeate
Turdidae
Abyssinian ground thrush
Zoothera piaggiae
African thrush
Turdus pelios
Mountain thrush
Turdus olivaceus
Ground scraper thrush
Psophocichla litsitsirupa
Sylviidae
Pectoral patch cisticola
Cisticola brunnescens
Common chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
Ethiopian cisticola
Cisticola lugubris
Muscicapidae
Rea breasted wheatear
Oenanthe bottae
Pied wheatear
♥
Oenanthe pleschanka
Psittaciformes
Psittacidae
Black-winged lovebird
[E]
Agapornis taranta
Yellow-fronted parrot
E ♠
Poicephalus gulielmi
Galliformes
Phasianidae
Erckel's francolin
♦
Francolinus erckelii
Cuculiformes
Musophagidae
White-cheeked turaco
[E]
Tauraco leucotis
Note: E = Endemic to Ethiopia, [E] = Endemic to Ethiopian and Eretria, ♥ = Palearctic Migrant, ♠ = Inter African Migrant, ♦ =
Highland biome bird species
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Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 8
3.2. Relative abundance of birds
During the wet and dry season in each study habitat,
the relative abundance of birds was different. A total
of 86 birds were uncommon species, 83 were
frequent, 12 were common, and only six were rare in
the area (Table 4).
The seasonal abundance of bird species was
compared. The comparison was made on the bases of
sightings and hence only the first seven bird species
were considered. These species were:
Wattled ibis (B. carunculata), Brown rumped seedeat
er (S. tristraitus), Black headed siskin (S. nigriceps),
White-collared pigeon (C. albitorques), Dusky turtle
dove (S. turtus). The number of counts for the above
species was 167, 141, 133 and 126, respectively. The
other two species were the Pied crow (C. capensis)
and Thick-billed raven (C. crassirostris). The
abundance difference between the two seasons was
statistically significant (χ2
=7.100, DF =1, p ˂ 0.001).
The variation in abundance of bird species was
observed between different habitats. The variation in
the abundance of birds could be determined by food
availability and breeding sites (Moges et al., 2018).
The last seven bird species with the lowest number of
sightings were Variable sunbird (C. Vanuatu), Barn
owl (T. alba), Tacazze sunbird (N. tacazze), and
Abyssinian long claw (M. flavicollis). These species
were observed only once in the study period, whereas
Erckel’s francolin (F. erckelii), Blue-winged goose
(C. cyanopterus), and Hemprich´s hornbill (T.
hemprichii) were observed twice. The abundance of
these seven listed species were also statistically
significantly different between seasons (χ2 =3.600
,
DF=1, p<0.001). The distinct seasonality of rainfall
and seasonal variation in the abundance of food
resources could account for seasonal changes in the
species abundance of birds (Gaston et al. 2000; Karr
and Roth, 1971).
Table 4: Relative abundance of bird species in the dry and wet seasons at Guna Mountain conservation area
Habitat
Season
Uncommon
Frequent
Rare
Common
Grassland
Dry
21
17
3
4
Wet
22
13
1
Erica moorland
Dry
20
14
Wet
16
19
2
Rocky with lobelia
Dry
4
16
2
Wet
3
4
3
3
3.3. Distribution of birds in Guna Mountains
Community Conservation Area
Of the total species of bird identified during the study
period, the highest species (53 species) were recorded
from the grassland and the least (22 species) were
recorded from rocky with lobelia habitat. Of these
avian species, 64 and 59 species were recorded
during the wet and dry seasons, respectively (Table
5). Birds showed differences in the distribution
among the three habitats (χ2 = 3315.965, DF =75,
p<0.001). The difference could be due to the
variation in the size and vegetation composition of
the study areas. Antos et al. (2006) justified that as
the size of survey areas increases, the richness and
diversity of bird species also increase. Davidar et al.
(2001) have also reported that size could be a factor
in this variation. Passeriformes and Accipitriformes
were the most abundant families and they were
commonly distributed. Strigiformes families were the
least abundant in the study area and their
distributions were not common in the study area.
The highest number of avian species was encountered
in moorland (Blackwell et al., 2013). But, the present
study showed that the number of avian species in
grassland habitats was highest than in Erica
moorland. The Erica moorland habitat is dominated
by few plant species and has little flowers and fruits
that could account for the presence of less number of
species than the grassland. Therefore, birds that are
dependent on fruit such as frugivores birds could not
be attracted to the area (Yirdew et al,, 2013).
Moreover, low species abundance in the Erica
moorland might be related to the absence of a
different variety of plant species, which might be
selected only by a few bird species. According to
Girma et al. (2017); Mengesha and Bekele (2008), a
natural forest which is dominated by a few tree
species are not suitable for different bird species.
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 7 No. 1 (2022) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 9
There was also a difference in the number of avian
species between the dry and wet seasons. This result
agrees with Asmare (2009). The availability of food
increases during the wet season as the species
richness might increase. Tellaria (1992) pointed out
that habitat structure tends to affect the distribution of
individual avian species. Similarly, habitat size,
foraging modes and floristic composition are also
among the other driving factors that tend also to
influence the distribution of bird species (Aynalem
and Bekele, 2008; Girma et al., 2017).
Table 5: Distribution of bird species in different habitat types and seasons in the study area (+ indicates presence and (-)
indicates an absence of species at GMCA
Common name
Scientific name
Habitat types
Season
Erica moorland
Grassland
Rocky with Lobelia
Wet
Dry
Abyssinian ground thrush
Z. piaggiae
+
+
-
+
+
Abyssinian long claw
M. flavicollis
+
+
-
+
-
Abyssinian slaty-flycatcher
M. chocolatinus
+
-
+
+
+
African thrush
T. pelios
+
+
+
+
+
African paradise-flycatcher
T. viridis
+
-
-
+
-
Alpine/moorland chat
C. sordida
-
+
+
+
+
Augur buzzard
B. rufofuscus
+
+
+
+
+
Baglafecht weaver
P. baglafecht
+
+
-
+
+
Barn owl
T. alba
+
-
-
-
+
Black kite
M. migrans
+
+
-
+
+
Black-billed hoopoe
P. somaliensis
-
+
-
+
-
Blackcap
S. atricapilla
-
+
-
+
-
Black-eared wheatear
O. hispanica
+
-
-
+
+
Black-headed heron
A. melanocephala
-
+
-
+
-
Black-headed siskin
S. nigriceps
+
+
-
+
+
Black-winged lovebird
A. taranta
+
+
-
+
+
Black-winged stilt
H. himantopus
+
+
-
+
-
Blue-winged goose
Cyanochen cyanopterus
-
+
-
+
-
Cape rock
C. capensis
-
+
-
+
+
Cattle egret
A. ibis
-
+
-
+
-
Common bulbul
P. barbatus
+
-
-
+
+
Common buzzard
B. buteo
+
+
+
+
+
Common chiffchaff
P. collybita
+
-
-
+
+
Common fiscal
L. collaris
+
-
-
-
+
Dusky turtle dove
S. logins
+
+
+
+
+
Egyptian goose
A. aegyptiaca
-
+
-
+
-
Egyptian vulture
N. percnopterus
-
+
-
-
+
Erckel's francolin
F. erckelii
+
+
-
+
+
Ethiopian cisticola
C. lugubris
+
+
-
+
+
Eurasian hoopoe
U. epops
-
+
-
+
-
Fan-tailed raven
C. rhipidurus
-
+
-
+
+
Fan-tailed raven
C. rhipidurus
-
+
-
+
+
Grey heron
A. cinerea
-
+
-
+
-
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Publication of College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 10
3.4. Diversity of birds
The highest species diversity was obtained in
grassland habitat (H’=3.67), whereas low diversity
was recorded in rocky with lobelia habitat (H´=2.6).
The highest species evenness was recorded in
grassland and rocky with lobelia habitat (E=0.88) and
the lowest species evenness was recorded in Erica
moorland habitat and rocky with lobelia (E=0.79).
The diversity and evenness of bird species among
habitat types between wet and dry seasons are
presented in (Table 6). The lowest species diversity
was obtained in the rocky with lobelia habitat in wet
seasons (H´=1.84), whereas grassland had the highest
bird species diversity (H´= 3.86). Similarly, during
the dry season, the lowest species diversity was
obtained in the rocky with lobelia habitat (H´=2.34)
and the highest species diversity was obtained in the
grassland habitat (H´=3.48). The floristic
composition might have a great influence on the
distribution of the avian species in the grassland than
others (Aynalem and Bekele, 2008; Girma et al.,
2017). According to Nancy (1995), larger covered
habitats support more species of birds and individuals
than smaller ones as they possess diversified
microhabitats. This result could be due to the
adaptable nature of birds in the grassland habitats
(Smith, 1992). The results of the present study, in
agreement with the findings of Mengesha and Bekele
(2008) and Genet and Ejigu (2017), showed that
grassland interspersed patchy habitats have
contribution to high diversity, richness, and evenness
of birds. The openness of sites compared to Erica
moorland might have also contributed to the easy
identification of species (Hailu, 2008). The overall
bird species diversity in the wet season (H'=2.50) was
slightly higher than that of the dry season in the study
area (H´=1.83). The distinct seasonality of rainfall
and seasonal variation in the abundance of food
resources could account for seasonal changes in the
species abundance of birds (Gaston et al., 2000; Karr
and Roth, 1971).
Guna Mountains Conservation Area is highly
fragmented and exposed to different threats caused
by anthropogenic activities. Habitat loss and
degradation as a result of anthropogenic activities
have caused a significant decline in avian diversity
around the world (Taylor and Pollard, 2008). This
might lead to a change in the diversity, abundance
and distribution of birds (Mengesha et al., 2011).
Especially grassland and highland biome restricted
birds may be affected as they do not have any
alternative foraging or breeding sites.
Table 6: Diversity and evenness indexes of birds at GMCA study habitats
Habitat Types
Season
Individuals
Taxa- S
Hˈ
Hˈmax
Evenness
Rocky with Lobelia
Wet
215
15
1.84
2.7
0.68
Dry
170
19
2.34
2.94
0.8
Both
323
26
2.6
3.29
0.79
Guassa grassland
Wet
482
49
3.86
3.89
0.99
Dry
601
43
3.48
3.76
0.93
Both
1092
64
3.67
4.15
0.88
Erica moorland
Wet
302
33
2.63
3.49
0.75
Dry
543
42
2.47
3.74
0.66
Both
969
59
3.22
4.08
0.79
4. Conclusions and Recommendations
The results of this study demonstrate that Guna
Mountains Community Conservation Area has a total
of 76 species, 12 orders, and 35 families. It is an
important area for highland biome restricted species
and home of endemic, and nearly threatened species.
At this site, four endemic species, and nine species
that are endemic both to Ethiopia and Eritrea, four
inter African migrants, 16 highland biome species
and two Palearctic migrant species were recorded.
The study showed that season and habitat types are
the important determining factor for both Palearctic
migrant and resident bird species. Most of the species
were uncommon. The highest diversity and
J. Agric. Environ. Sci. Vol. 4 No. 1 (2019) ISSN: 2616-3721 (Online); 2616-3713 (Print)
Journal of the College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University 11
distribution of bird species were observed in the
grassland and relatively, the lowest diversity and
distribution were observed in the rocky with lobelia.
Human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation,
agricultural expansion, human settlements and
eucalyptus plantation expansions were observed in
Guna Mountains Community Conservation Area.
Unless appropriate community conservation
measures are taken, the entire habitat and the bird
species will be affected in the area. This study,
recommends that the conservation of the area must be
strengthened in order to safeguard the birds and their
habitats. The grazing and agricultural land
encroachment into the area would affect the fauna
and flora of the area at large. Sustainable utilization
of the natural resource could maintain the ecological
integrity of this afro-alpine habitat.
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of
interest in publishing the manuscript in this journal.
Acknowledgement
The project finance was partially supported by Bahir
Dar University. We are grateful to Guna Mountain
Community Based Conservation Area office,
especially to Ato Amsalu Moges, for providing us
with the necessary information for our work. The
support from the scouts of the conservation area is
also appreciated.
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