DIVERSITY AND HABIT AT ASSOCIATION OF BIRDS OF DEMBIA , PLAIN WETLANDS, LAKE TAN A, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

An ecological investigation on birds was carried out in Dembia plain wetlands, Lake
Tana, Ethiopia covering both wet and dry seasons from August 2006 to April 20iJ'7. Out of the 49
randomly selected blocks, 10 were from the farmland, 33 from the modified habitil and 6 from Dirma
sites. However, at Angara because of the small size of the island, total COUJlt employed. A total of
193 species of birds grouped in 18 orders and 64 families were identified. n;~ richness of birds
in the four habitats ranged from 29-58 and 34-77 during the wet and dry flCaf)()m, respectively. The
number of species between seasons showed significant difference (P < I),(]j). The lowest diversity was
obtained in D~ma (H' 2.753) and (H' = 2.647) during the wet and dly s(!tlsons. Among the foUl'
habitats, similarity of bird community was less (51 = 0.10). The highest seasonfll community similarity
was obtruned is. the farmland (51 = 75.76%). Seasonally, a't each site of the study area, there was no
significa,lt diffe:"ence in species number (modified habitat X2 = 2.674, P = 0.102, Dirrna X2 = 0.061, P =
0.806, Farmland X2 = 0.011, P = 0.918 and Angara X2 "" 0.397, P = 0.529). 11lere was a significant difference
in the use of habitats during both seasons, with high preference for farmland and modified habitats.
High diversity and species richness of birds of Dembia plain reinforces the urgency to take conservation
measures and mirrimize activities in the area