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Volume 12 Number 1 July 2026

Investigation of Bird Breeding Site, Soil and Water Physico-Chemistry and Microbiology in Selected Sites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria


Authors: Aroloye O. Numbere ; Ruth O. Unuode ; Ruth A. Anumah, et. al.
Pages: 1-14
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/jbr.121.1.14
Abstract
The study of birds in the Niger Delta is limited and yet birds make up a major aspect of the biodiversity population in the coastal and terrestrial areas in the region. The study thus, hypothesized that anthropogenic activities will influence the population, chemistry and microbiology of the study site. We conducted a census of the birds in both coastal and terrestrial locations and collected soil and water samples from the sites. The result shows that urban region (GRA Phase 3) exhibited a Shannon diversity index of 1.75 with an evenness index of 0.59. In contrast, the coastal area (Eagle Island) displayed heightened diversity (Shannon index 2.30) and increased evenness (0.89). A total of 559 birds were identified across both habitats, with 159 birds in the coastal area and 400 in the urban environment. The Spur-winged lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) was the most abundant species in the coastal area (Relative abundance= 20.75), while the Intermediate egret (Egretta intermedia) dominated the urban landscape (Relative abundance = 55.77). The Ardeidae family was the most abundant in both areas, with GRA Phase 3 having the highest abundance. Soil analysis revealed variations in physiochemical properties, with higher Zinc concentrations observed in Eagle Island compared to GRA Phase 3. Subsequently, THC concentrations followed a similar trend. Similarly, the bird breeding site had higher microbial population compared to the control site while bacterial population is higher than then fungi population. Lastly, birds have influence on the coil chemistry and microbiology of the habitat which may have ripple effect on the proliferation and trophic interaction between other organisms.