Effects of urban sprawl to birds diversity and distribution patterns in Narok town urban gradients

Abstract

I conducted a bird count study along Narok town urban gradients so as to find out the real effect to birds’ diversity, distribution and abundance. This research focused on varied classes of urban ecosystem. The study applied the point count method varied areas with distinct land use. I compared the specific point count to two more bird counts of lands with similar land use extends. Birds’ populations changed from native species in the undisturbed ecosystems to exotic species in the more urban central business district. Different bird characteristics peaked in different area. The diversity and abundance greatly peaked in sub-urban environment which is partially disturbed. The riverine ecosystem also was found to host a myriad of bird species. Urban sprawl therefore, was found to cause changes to the bird distribution patterns. In the essence that a bird is not able to adapt to the new characteristics then it may lead to lose of such a species. Most birds liked areas with moderate human activities due to presence of food and security unlike the most natural ecosystems. Therefore, regulated development may be able to sustain a good population and diversity of birds.