Study of Village weaverbirds
Ploceus cucullatus
along the roads was
necessary in order to provide prospect of their population, density and platform for
monitoring their distribution. Data were collected through on-site observations and pointcount
method at thirty-four (34) point-count stations. Collected data were subjected to
descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). 58.8% of the point-count
stations were recorded along Abeokuta/Ibadan road axis, 26.5% along Abeokuta/Shagamu
road axis and 14.7% along Ijebu-Ode/Ibadan road axis. Twelve different tree species
representing ten families were found colonized by the bird but
Cassia spp
,
Mangifera indica
and
Terminalia catappa
were most preferred for habitation. Habitat use classifications
indicated that Village weaverbirds predominantly nested in human settlements (94.2%). Total
population of 1269 Village weaverbirds were recorded along the three road axis and highest
population of it was from Abeokuta-Ibadan road axis. Overall, population density for the three
road axis was 18 Village weaverbirds per kilometre and among the roads; Abeokuta-Ibadan
road axis recorded the highest density. The total population mean Village weaverbirds was
223±13 Village weaverbirds while the total nest population was 129±nest. Total elevation
value was 141±6 asl and the mean total of the tree species was 5±1 tree species. Maximum
and minimum values of Village weaverbirds population, nest counts, elevation and tree
species were recorded along Abeokuta/Ibadan road axis than other road axis. Elevation of
point-count station was significantly different (P< 0.05). Elevation of the study locations
contributed to Village weaverbirds population, density and population disparity along the road
axis.
