Avifaunistic study in mangrove forest stretch along the lagoon Epe Lagos Nigeria for sustainable tourism.

This study investigated the avifauna within the mangrove forests along the Epe Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on promoting sustainable tourism. Its primary objective was to establish a foundational knowledge base for future research endeavors and to aid in the development of conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding bird diversity. The research site was divided into three zones: undisturbed forest, secondary forest, and wetland areas. Bird species diversity was assessed using the line transect method, with a total of 30 transect lines randomly distributed across the study area, with 10 in each zone. These lines were surveyed three times a week over three months, encompassing both wet (May, July, and September) and dry (November, January, and March) seasons in 2023. Surveys were conducted from 6:00 to 10:00 in the morning and from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., during which all birds observed on the ground, in vegetation, or flight were identified and counted. The findings revealed a total of 198 bird species belonging to 44 families and 18 orders, with an abundance of 481 individual birds recorded in the study area, highlighting its significance in supporting bird species diversity. Analysis of the family composition of bird species identified Pycnonotidae as the most abundant with 13 species, followed by Muscicapidae and Accipitridae, each with 12 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]