BIRD ASSOCIATIONS WITH THREE Ficus SPECIES IN A SELECTED SITE IN PADIYATHALAWA, AMPARA

Abstract

Ficus species are recognized as keystone plant resources in tropical ecosystems due to their fruit availability throughout the year, supporting a wide variety of bird species. This study investigated the bird associations of selected Ficus species in Padiyathalawa, Ampara District, Sri Lanka and was conducted from September 2024 to February 2025. The research was conducted along three 1-km transects established on footpaths within the study area. Plots of 10×10 m were established along each transect line to identify and count Ficus trees using a field guide. Based on abundance and distribution, three Ficus species were selected: Ficus religiosa, Ficus racemosa and Ficus benghaensis. One tree from each species was randomly chosen along each transect, making a total of nine sampling locations. Bird observations were conducted from 06:30 to 09:30 hours, over 5 days during the fruiting season and 5 days during the non-fruiting season using the scan sampling method, with the help of a pair of 8×42 Pentax binoculars. Each tree was divided into three vertical strata (lower, middl, and upper) to examine vertical bird distribution. Birds were identified using a field guide. Number of bird species, abundances of individual species and their associations with the tree were recorded. A total of 2,273 individual birds representing 32 species from 22 families was recorded. The highest number of bird species was recorded on F. religiosa (27), followed by F. racemosa (22) and F. benghalensis (15). The highest number of bird visits was also recorded on F. religiosa (993), followed by F. benghalensis (821) and F. racemosa (458). Bird abundance was not significantly different among the three Ficus species (P = 0.2086). The highest similarity in bird communities was between F. racemosa and F. religiosa (Morista–Horn Index = 0.845). The values of Margalef’s Index, Simpson Index and Shannon–Weiner Diversity Index were 2.086, 0.7479 and 1.85 for F. benghalensis; 3.428, 0.8491 and 2.311 for F. racemosa; and 3.768, 0.8011 and 2.057 for F. religiosa, respectively. Various bird interactions such as feeding, resting and nesting were observed and these were not significantly different among the three Ficus species (P = 0.925). These findings showed the ecological importance of Ficus species in supporting bird diversity. Agricultural expansion and unplanned development projects were identified as key threats to these Ficus species. Promoting the planting of these Ficus trees in disturbed landscapes and increasing community awareness are recommended to conserve bird diversity.