ASSESSMENT OF BIRDS DIVERSITY IN SELECTED AREAS OF JALINGO, ARDO-KOLA AND YORRO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Birds are powerful indicators of ecosystem health, yet their diversity in many
parts of Nigeria remains under-documented. This study explored the richness
and structure of bird communities across Jalingo, Ardo-Kola and Yorro Local
Government Areas of Taraba State, using point counts along stratified transects
during both wet and dry seasons. In total, 54 species from 32 families and 16
orders were recorded, representing 2,157 individual birds. Diversity indices
revealed a high Shannon–Wiener value (H′ = 3.42), strong evenness (J = 0.85)
and relative diversity of 84.2%, signaling communities that are both rich in
species and ecologically balanced. Seasonal analysis showed that species
richness peaked during the wet season with the arrival of migratory birds, while
abundance was greater in the dry season as resources became concentrated. The
prominence of adaptable species such as the Northern red bishop, Speckled
pigeon and Piapiac highlights the interplay between natural habitats and humanmodified landscapes in sustaining birdlife. Equally, the presence of waterbirds
and insectivores points to the ecological mosaic of wetlands, grasslands and
woodlands that support diverse guilds. These findings position Taraba’s
landscapes as vital sanctuaries for both resident and migratory species and stress
the urgency of weaving conservation into land-use planning to secure
biodiversity and ecosystem services for the future.