Effects of farming intensification on avian species richness and abundance within Jos metropolis, Nigeria
1 Department of Zoology, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Agricultural Engineering, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.
4 Department of Crop Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria.
5 Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos state, Nigeria.
6 Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 24(02), 618–624
Publication history:
Received on 16 September 2024; revised on 31 October 2024; accepted on 02 November 2024
Abstract:
With an emphasis on pesticide use and landscape features, this study examines how agricultural development affects the diversity and abundance of farmland bird species. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of many factors on bird populations, including cropping patterns, pesticide frequency, and landscape elements including trees, water bodies, hedgerows, and grass cover. The issue being addressed is the decline in biodiversity brought on by an increase in farming practices and a reliance on pesticides that upset ecosystems. The study uses interviews in addition to line transect surveys over five farmlands to collect data on pesticide use and landscape features. The methodology comprised 200-meter transects separated into 100-meter parts for morning and evening bird surveys. Statistical approaches, including species richness and abundance comparison across farmlands with different pesticide use levels and cropping techniques, were used to analyse the data. The results showed that farmlands without pesticides had better biodiversity, while areas with frequent pesticide usage had significantly lower species richness and abundance. Bird diversity was only slightly increased by mixed cropping systems, grass cover, trees, hedgerows, and adjacent water bodies. The study comes to the conclusion that fostering diverse landscapes and lowering pesticide use can help lessen the loss of biodiversity. To improve agricultural bird conservation, it suggests focused interventions, education initiatives, and policies that support biodiversity.
Keywords:
Agricultural intensification; Biodiversity loss; Farmland birds; Species richness; Landscape features; Conservation strategies
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