Abstract:
Lake Burigi wetland forms part of Burigi Game Reserve (GR) hence an important
water source for wildlife. Besides, it is connected to trans-boundary ecosystems in
northern Tanzania and constitutes the Burigi-Biharamulo Important Bird Area. This
area is important for fishing activities, agriculture, provision of protein and tourist
hunting. The area has received minimal attention, hence poor information on its
conservation status. This study was carried out to determine species richness, assess
abundance and spatial distribution of birds and compare bird diversity and spatial
distribution between protected and non-protected parts of the wetland. A point count
method was employed to count birds within 200m in water and 100m on land.
Eleven locations were randomly sampled and surveyed between September and
December 2008. Analysis of variance was used to test the difference in abundance
of birds in different habitat covers and locations. T-test was carried out to test the
difference between the protection status and substrate for both abundance and
diversity. ArcView GIS was used to map the surveyed area whereas LCCS software
was used to develop the habitat classes. Distance program was used to estimate
population and population density of birds. A total of 2 935 birds in 101 species
were counted. Number of birds varied significantly with locations, habitat cover and
radial distances. Number of birds was significantly high in the non-protected part of
the wetland. Diversity index varied significantly with locations. Results revealed
that birds were unequally distributed on locations, habitat covers and protection
status. The area had 23 migratory species and 27 IUCN Red List species. Further
studies during dry season, on limnology and socioeconomic importance of the area
are recommended.
