Avian frugivore assemblages on Celtis gomphophylla, Baker, in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda

• Published in: African journal of ecology 2014-03, Vol.52 (1), p.97-102
• Main Authors: Uwimbabazi, Moreen, Eilu, Gerald
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Aves; avian frugivore diversity; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Birds; Celtis; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Forestry; Forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General forest ecology; Generalities. Production, biomass. Quality of wood and forest products. General forest ecology; Habitats; logging effects; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Trees; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution
• ISSN: 0141-6707; 1365-2028
• DOI: 10.1111/aje.12088

The relationship between selective logging and avian frugivores feeding on Celtis gomphophylla was examined in Budongo Forest Reserve, from June to July 2005, using scan sampling. Abundance and species richness of avian frugivores were compared between two compartments (N3 and W22 last logged in 1952 and 1997 respectively). Two 1‐ha plots were established in each compartment from which two C. gomphophylla trees selected for observation. A total of 203 avian frugivores comprising 17 species, visited the eight C. gomphophylla trees. Avian frugivore abundance and richness were significantly higher in N3 than W22 (χ2 = 5.83, χ2 = 0.03, P