Composition and frequency of occurrence of birds at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Abstract

Yohannes, E. & Woldu, A. 2000. Composition and frequency of occurrence of birds at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 213.

The composition, abundance and frequency of occurrence of birds at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport was studied to describe the ecological relationship of birds to the airport habitat. The data were collected using transect and modified point count methods. A total of 70 bird species were encountered. Fifty-seven per cent of the birds were Passerines. Birds of prey comprised 15% of the bird species. Birds were categorised as Visitors and Transients depending on their frequency of occurrence. Eighty-four per cent of the birds were visitors while the rest were transients. Visitors and transients were further divided into five subgroups. Multi-variate analyses were employed to summarise the data and to explore the relationship between the birds in time and space. The multi-variate data analyses suggested six major groups. These groups were more distinct in the cluster analysis than in the principal components analysis. The study provides preliminary information of great importance to the control of bird strikes which are at present causing nuisance, damage to the economy and above all loss of life. Based on the analysis, short and long term plans are suggested for the management of the environment of the current and the expanding airport which hopes to cater for more air traffic.