Abstract:
Birds, with their diversity and functions in ecosystems, are valuable indicators of overall ecosystem health and biodiversity. This study was conducted weekly from July to October 2023 as a comparative analysis in two distinct habitats in southern Sri Lanka, i.e., the University of Ruhuna (UOR) premises and the adjoining Matara town area (MTA). A line transect method integrated with point counts with unlimited distance (Variable Circular Plot Method - VCPM) was used to count birds. Transects were selected according to the local road network, with randomly selected starting points. Peak counting hours were between 0600 h–0900 h and 1500 h–1800 h. Binoculars (10 × 40) and standard field guides were used to identify diurnal birds and calls of birds were used to recognize nocturnal birds. The Shannon Diversity Index (H) and Shannon Evenness Index (EH) were calculated to compare the avifaunal diversity and their evenness in UOR and MTA. A total of 2,776 (MTA-1,622, UOR-1,154) individuals that belong to 73 species (MTA-26, UOR-73) were identified during this study period. Of them, 47 species including five endemic species were noted only from the UOR, highlighting the significance of the UOR premises for the conservation of those species. Diversity indices also showed that the diversity and evenness of birds are higher in the UOR premises (H = 3.3713; EH = 0.7858) than in the MTA (H = 1.8901; EH = 0.5801). Two migratory bird species (i.e., Blue-tailed Bee-Eater (Merops philippinus) and Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura)) were also detected only from UOR. The most common species found in the UOR were the Indian Swiftlet (Aerodramus unicolor) (12.9%) and Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis) (11.5%), while House Crow (Corvus splendens) (29%) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) (26.6%) were the most common species in MTA. The results of this study suggest that UOR premises provide more diverse habitats for both residential and migratory birds than the MTA, which is rich with urbanized characteristics and coastal landscapes.
