Diversity and Relative Abundance of Avian Species in the Wetland Area Northwest of Lake Abaya, Southern Ethiopia

Studies on the diversity and relative abundance of birds are crucial for improving wetland bird conservation in Ethiopia. The current study aimed at investigating the diversity and relative abundance of avian species in the wetland area around Lake Abaya’s northwest tip in southern Ethiopia due to the lack of previous studies that were conducted in the area. A line transect method was applied to determine the avian species in the area. A total of eight line transects were established along the banks. Using encounter rates, which provide crude ordinal scales of abundance, the relative abundance of avian species was calculated. In the intended habitat, Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H′) were employed to analyze the diversity of avian species. During the study period, a total of 34 bird species belonging to 18 families and 12 orders were recorded. Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae were the two most dominant families. In this study, 13 bird species were frequent, four were common, four were rare, one was uncommon, and 10 had abundant records. The highest species diversity (H′ = 3.40), species evenness (0.093), and Margalef’s richness index (N = 30) were recorded during the months of June, July, and May, respectively. The lowest species diversity (H′ = 3.13), evenness (0.088), and Margalef’s richness index (N = 23) were all recorded during the month of February. The present findings will provide relevant information to the concerned bodies and policymakers to take appropriate conservation measures for wetland birds.