Abstract:
The study assessed the variation in landscape towards the composition and
distribution of avifauna in University of Kelaniya premises. Study was
conducted selecting 8 habitats types as open ground, low, moderately and
highly wooded using purposive sampling representing different habitats.
Survey was conducted during the period of 05.30hr- 6.30hr and 17.30hr-
18.30hr time of October 2016 to December 2016 ensuring six sampling
occasions at each habitat. Point counting method (15 m radius) was used.
Species diversity parameters, species distribution among habitats were
analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, while Principle Component Analysis
(PCA) was used to characterize the habitats with bird species. Species
richness (r= 27) and species diversity (H’= 3.09) were the highest in habitat
number 4 while species evenness (J= 2.24) was highest in habitat number 3.
Total abundance (n=75) was recorded in habitat number 1. According to the
Kruskal-Wallis statistical results, Asian brown flycatcher (Habitat 1, 3, 4, 5,
7) and White bellied drongo (Habitat 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8) were recorded as
widely distributed. The second largest distribution was recorded by Black
hooded oriole, Blue tailed bee-eater, Cattle egret, Feral pigeon, Brown
headed barbet, Red vented bulbul, Rose ringed parakeet, within four
habitats. According to the PCA, habitat 1 is categorized by open grassland
birds while habitat 4 is characterized by frugivorous birds while site 5 is
characterized by carnivorous birds. Comparatively, habitat 4 contributes to
the highest species diversity with many flowering and fruiting trees.
Recorded avifaunal community composition ensures considerable
conservation value to University premises of Kelaniya.
