Status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta) in Entoto Natural Park and Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

A study of the population status of and threats to the Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta) was carried out from September 2008 to February 2009 in Entoto Natural Park (ENP) and in Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A point transect count technique was employed to examine the status of the lovebirds. An average total of 58 birds was recorded of which 46 were counted in Bole Sub-City and 12 in Entoto Natural Park areas. The maximum number recorded during our census was 57 in the dry season and 15 in the wet season in Bole Sub-City and Entoto Natural Park, respectively. The ratio of adult males to adult females in Entoto Natural Park was 1:0.71 and 1:0.60, and 1:0.76 and 1:0.78 in Bole Sub-City during both wet and dry seasons, respectively. The seasonal variation and difference in sex ratios between males and females was not significant (p > 0.05) at either of the study sites. The threat for the Black-winged Lovebird or other birds in Entoto Natural Park is due to the fragmentation of natural habitats, thus decreasing food sources, owing to the domination of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees in the area. Grazing by livestock, intensive farming practices and deforestation by the local community have contributed greatly to the degradation of the land resulting in erosion, thus devastating the habitat of the Natural Park. The vegetation cover of Entoto Natural Park and urban gardens should be managed effectively for the survival of the avian fauna of the area.