Abstract:
A study on avifaunal species richness and the species diversity at the
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka was carried out
with the objective of identification of the bird species inhabiting the university,
using fixed radius point count method from August 2004 to March 2005. Seven
circular plots with a 50m radius and their centers at least 150m apart were
selected to represent all the habitat types available at the University. Avifaunal
populations in those seven plots were recorded from 6:00 hrs to 9:00 hrs, four
times each month. Thirty two bird species belonging to eight orders and twenty
three families were recorded during the study period. Those included three
migratory bird species, Forest wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus), Asian
parad ise- flycatcher (Terps iphone paradisi], Grey wagtai I (Motac ill a
cinerea) and one endemic species Crimson-fronted barbet (Megalaima
rubricapilla rubricapilla). Four bird species, Rose ringed parakeet
tPsittacula krameri), Red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer cafer) and Yellow
billed babbler (Turdoides afJinis taprobanus) were recorded in all seven
sites. Endemic Crimson fronted barbet was recorded only in the site which
had canopy trees. Seventeen avian species were recorded in all the months from August 2004 to March 2005. There was no significant difference of the
species diversity among months. Site with Casuarina equisetifolis had the
highest species richness of 25 and site covered with grass had the lowest
species richness of I ).Relative abundance indicated that Common myna was
the most common bird followed by the Red-vented bulbul. Long-bi lied sunbird
and Indian pond heron were the least common birds followed by Oriental
white-eye and Crimson-fronted barbet. Although the University is situated 2
km away from the well known aquatic bird sanctuary, Bellanwila - Attidiya
marsh, no aquatic birds were recorded. The University provides habitats for
thirty two avian species despite the fact that it is situated in a highly urbanized
area, and thus warrants step to protect them.
