Habitat Preference and Nesting Materials of Common Birds in the Main Campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Student: Shalom Konni Daniel (Project, 2025)
Department of Forestry and Environmental Mgt.
Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State

Abstract

There is a consistent decline in the avian population in our ecosystem which often leads to ecosystem imbalance. Therefore, this study is designed to assess habitat preference and nesting materials of common bird species within the main campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the areas for the study, dividing the campus into wooded, farmland, residential, and administrative areas. A total of 1,005 birds representing 60 species across 33 families were documented. The Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) was most abundant, and farmland areas exhibited the highest species richness. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index indicated farmland areas as the most diverse (3.02), while farmland and residential areas showed the highest similarity (0.31). Key nesting trees included Faidherbia albida, Delonix regia, and Syzygium cumini, with nests constructed from plant materials. The findings show the importance of preserving habitat diversity to sustain bird populations and maintain ecological balance. Efforts should focus on conserving existing trees, particularly Faidherbia albida, Delonix regia, and Syzygium cumini, while planting more native and diverse tree species across all land use types to enhance habitat complexity and support a broader range of bird species.

Keywords
habitat preference nesting materials common birds campus usmanu danfodiyo university
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