ISSN: 2577-4050
Authors: Sarada PM* and Okosodo EF
The study investigated the impact of degradation on the ecological richness and composition of both avian and plant communities in this specific coastal environment of Eagle Island in the Niger-Delta. The Line Transects method was employed for gathering data on the diversity and abundance of bird species in the designated research area. A total of 20 transect lines, each measuring 1000 meters, were randomly positioned. The ecological survey for the floristic investigation took place in March 2022 as documented In this research, a total of 20 study plots, each measuring approximately 25 m × 25 m (500 sq m), were established. The PAST model was employed to assess species diversity, while quantitative and qualitative indices were utilized to measure floristic composition and similarity. The results revealed that though the study area is degraded was able to support bird species diversity. In all a total of 174 bird species belonging to forty two families were recorded a and 55 plant species belonging to 33 families were recorded in the study area see appendix 1and 2. Shannon diversity in the study area indicates that it was higher in the dry season 5.017 than wet season 5.01. The result of the Pyto-sociological Parameters of tree species study area shown that Ceiba pentandra has the highest DBH and MT (139 and 27), this followed Diallum guineese (117 and 26) ,why Rhizophora mangle has the highest frequency of 13.
Keywords: Mangroves; Avifauna; Flora; Diversity; Niger-Delta
