Impacts of plant functional traits and bird visitation on the abundance and diversity of birds in Zandama hill, Jigawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

Understanding the link between bird community diversity and plant types, particularly in places with varied geographical and climatic gradients like the Zandama Hills Forest Reserve in Jigawa State of Northwestern Nigeria, where this study was conducted, is very crucial. This study aimed to assess the bird community and plant preference in Zandama Hill, one of the neglected Nigerian protected areas. Here, we examined the avian community and the selectivity of plants by birds using the line transect method across the wet and dry seasons of 2022. We also examined the impact of plant functional traits on the abundance and diversity of bird species. A total of 1657 individuals belonging to 82 bird species from 35 families were recorded on different plant species during the study period. Bird species were seen on 49 distinct plant species. There was a positive effect of the plant’s functional traits on the abundance (R² = 0.319, p<0.05) and diversity of birds (R² = 0.240, p<0.05). Plant height and girth significantly predicted bird richness (F (2, 45) = 7.09, p = 0.002). Species diversity and high bird visitation were found to be higher on plants with greater height and larger plant girth. This research suggests that deforestation of taller native plants, particularly trees, should be discouraged as part of the conservation of bird species. Conservation measures should be employed to ensure the protection of the forest and its bird species.