The Effects of Forest Land Use Types and Fragmentation on Two Endemic Bird Species (Cameroon Montane Greenbul Andropadus montanus and Yellow-Breasted Boubou Laniarius atroflavus) on the Obudu Plateau, South-Eastern Nigeriaa

Abstract

The Obudu Plateau is the most important single site in Nigeria for globally threatened bird species and has continued to be degraded causing declines in the populations of endemic birds. This study examined how forest land use types and fragmentation through changes in forest patch size and isolation distances between the patches affect endemic bird species. Birds heard or seen, and their distances were recorded from points laid 100 metres apart in forest patches that varied from less disturbed, completely protected, partially protected, patches with houses and farms inside, and patches degraded by nomadic activity. There was significant difference in the densities of Cameroon Montane Greenbul in the different forest patch categories: the greenbuls were more common in protected patches than unprotected patches. There was no significant difference in the densities of Yellow-breasted Boubou in the forest patches. Patch size had a significant positive effect on the densities of Cameroon Montane Greenbul and was not significant for Yellow-breasted Boubou. Isolation distance had no significant effect on the density of Cameroon Montane Greenbul but had Yellow-breasted Boubou. Forest patches with partial protection should be fully protected and there should be environmental education on the need to adequately protect those forest patches that are already designated as reserves.