Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda
Using the point count method, linear mixed models, Shannon’s diversity index, and Bray-Curtis cluster analysis, we conducted a study of the effect of urban fabric layout on bird diversity and distribution in northern Rwanda. The results showed a significant effect of city landscapes on bird richness...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2014-01-01
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| Series: | The Scientific World Journal |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/157824 |
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| author | T. Gatesire D. Nsabimana A. Nyiramana J. L. Seburanga M. O. Mirville |
| author_facet | T. Gatesire D. Nsabimana A. Nyiramana J. L. Seburanga M. O. Mirville |
| author_sort | T. Gatesire |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Using the point count method, linear mixed models, Shannon’s diversity index, and Bray-Curtis cluster analysis, we conducted a study of the effect of urban fabric layout on bird diversity and distribution in northern Rwanda. The results showed a significant effect of city landscapes on bird richness and relative abundance; residential neighborhoods, institutional grounds, and informal settlements had the highest species diversity in comparison to other microlandscape types. Riversides were characterized by specialized bird species, commonly known to be restricted to wetland environments. Built-up areas and open field landscapes had comparable results. One Albertine Rift endemic bird species, the Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), was recorded. Three migratory birds were found in Musanze city for the first time: the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), and the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus). Two bird species have not been previously reported in Rwanda: the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). The implications of this study are particularly relevant to urban decision makers who should consider the existence of a great diversity of avian fauna when developing and implementing master plans, especially when villages and cities are in proximity of protected areas or natural reserves. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6ffb5d7da27b4c47aed8934112e0cc26 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2356-6140 1537-744X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2014-01-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
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| series | The Scientific World Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-6ffb5d7da27b4c47aed8934112e0cc262025-08-20T02:06:15ZengWileyThe Scientific World Journal2356-61401537-744X2014-01-01201410.1155/2014/157824157824Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern RwandaT. Gatesire0D. Nsabimana1A. Nyiramana2J. L. Seburanga3M. O. Mirville4University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, RwandaUniversity of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, RwandaUniversity of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, RwandaUniversity of Rwanda, P.O. Box 117, Butare, RwandaKarisoke Research Center, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, 800 Cherokee Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30315-1440, USAUsing the point count method, linear mixed models, Shannon’s diversity index, and Bray-Curtis cluster analysis, we conducted a study of the effect of urban fabric layout on bird diversity and distribution in northern Rwanda. The results showed a significant effect of city landscapes on bird richness and relative abundance; residential neighborhoods, institutional grounds, and informal settlements had the highest species diversity in comparison to other microlandscape types. Riversides were characterized by specialized bird species, commonly known to be restricted to wetland environments. Built-up areas and open field landscapes had comparable results. One Albertine Rift endemic bird species, the Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni), was recorded. Three migratory birds were found in Musanze city for the first time: the Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), and the Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus). Two bird species have not been previously reported in Rwanda: the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). The implications of this study are particularly relevant to urban decision makers who should consider the existence of a great diversity of avian fauna when developing and implementing master plans, especially when villages and cities are in proximity of protected areas or natural reserves.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/157824 |
| spellingShingle | T. Gatesire D. Nsabimana A. Nyiramana J. L. Seburanga M. O. Mirville Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda The Scientific World Journal |
| title | Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda |
| title_full | Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda |
| title_fullStr | Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda |
| title_short | Bird Diversity and Distribution in relation to Urban Landscape Types in Northern Rwanda |
| title_sort | bird diversity and distribution in relation to urban landscape types in northern rwanda |
| url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/157824 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT tgatesire birddiversityanddistributioninrelationtourbanlandscapetypesinnorthernrwanda AT dnsabimana birddiversityanddistributioninrelationtourbanlandscapetypesinnorthernrwanda AT anyiramana birddiversityanddistributioninrelationtourbanlandscapetypesinnorthernrwanda AT jlseburanga birddiversityanddistributioninrelationtourbanlandscapetypesinnorthernrwanda AT momirville birddiversityanddistributioninrelationtourbanlandscapetypesinnorthernrwanda |