Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.

Abstract

Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.