Avifauna composition in Rice plantations: effects of Harvesting Stage and Surrounding Vegetation. Insights from Weppa Farm, Agenebode

Rice plantations provide important habitats for diverse avian communities which support both resident and migratory species. These ecosystems serve as breeding grounds, provide foraging resources and temporary habitats for various bird species, including waterbirds, shorebirds, and passerines. This study was conducted in Weppa Farm (total farm size ∼13000 hector), Agenebode, Etsako East local government area in Edo State, Nigeria to investigate the avifauna compositions in pre-harvested and post-harvested rice plantations and the influence of surrounding vegetation on avian abundance. Four line transects were surveyed around the rice plantation. The transects were 400m long and split into 4, 100m sections. Surveys were done on the rice field before harvest (Unharvested), during harvest (partially harvested) and post-harvest (harvested). Surveys were done in the morning (7:00-9:00 GMT) and repeated in the evening (16:00-18:00 GMT). Vegetation parameters were measured at the beginning of each section of the transect. A total of 48 different bird species from 6 feeding guilds were recorded. Granivorous birds were the most abundant feeding guild (n=599). The Unharvested rice plantation had the highest abundance (n=1453), highest richness (r=37) but not diversity (H=5.18), partially harvested farm had the least abundance (n=592) and least diversity (H=4.95). The surrounding vegetations had a significant effect on bird abundance. Granivores mainly weavers were the most abundant species. The were mainly observed foraging and using weeds as nesting material. Insectivorous birds were the second must abundant species and could serve as biocontrol for arthropod invasions on the farm. Surrounding vegetation influences the abundance of birds in a rice plantation. There was high bird abundance in areas that had trees and shrubs nearby.