Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of superb starling around Narok town: A case study of narok town and its environs

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out and understand the abundance and distribution of superb starling in varying habitats. The study was carried out between mid-February and end March 2016.The main objective of the study was to determine how various habitats influence the distribution and abundance of superb starling. This was accomplished by dividing the study area into various habitats, i.e. farmlands; settlement and natural habitats (scrubland and riverine).The abundance and distribution of the bird spp was compared between the various habitats and related to habitat features and anthropogenic activities. The abundance distribution of plant and insect species will also be studied and related to the abundance and distribution of the bird spp. The various habitats were divided into transects of 100m by 2m.Time species count was used in data collection whereby the superb starling seen and heard was counted and recorded. At least 20 minutes was spent in each transect daily in the evening and early in the morning. A sweep net was used to collect data in the various habitats so as to determine their abundance, evenness and distribution in varying habitats. Difference in abundance between habitats was tested using Kruskal Wallis test. Simple correlation test will also be used to correlate habitat features and habitat abundance. Kruskal Wallis test was used together with Microsoft excel in data analysis and presentation.