Avifauna diversity at Kabaka's Lake, Kampala, Central Uganda.

Abstract

Birds are important biotic components of Lake ecosystem serving as indicators of pollution, recreation, tourism, pest control among others. The aim of this study was to provide the relative abundance and avifauna diversity at Kabaka’s Lake, Central Uganda. The populations were classified as aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial based on their habitat preference in the lake. Bird survey was carried out using point counts method and the observed birds were identified using Birds field guides, and classified according to IUCN. Species diversity indices such as evenness and Shannon-Weiner were estimated. A total of 1,373 birds consisting to 33 species in 19 families were identified. Aquatic birds were the most abundant species 781. Family Ardeidae was the most abundant in terms of species richness (5 species). Bubulcus ibis was the dominant bird species 49.24%. Ten species were aquatic, nine were semi-aquatic, while fourteen were terrestrial. All birds recorded were of Least Concern globally. Diversity indices of the bird species were (Evenness) 0.22 and (H’) 1.60. The assemblage of bird species was high due to habitat heterogeneity of the lake. For continued survival of the birds in the lake, lake best management plans should be implemented.