Pets!
Articles
Species
Genetics

ALBS Online
ALBS Membership
ALBS Officers
ALBS Picture Library

Show Standards
Show Calendar
Show Classes
Show Results

Links
FAQs
Website Updates

Ecology and Conservation Biology of Nyasa Lovebirds

Agapornis Lilianae

in Liwonde National Park , Malawi

PROPOSAL

By

Lawrence Luhanga and Mike Perrin

Submitted to the

African Lovebird Society

in fulfilment of an application for support of the

Lovebird Research Project in Liwonde Area , Malawi .

This study is a mandatory requirement for the degree of

Master of Science

in the

Ecology & Conservation Biology

School of Biological and Conservation Science

Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation

University of Kwazulu-Natal

Pietermaritzburg

2006

Background

The Nyasa Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is rare and endemic to Malawi and its distribution is confined to the Liwonde area. It is one of the least studied lovebirds. There have been no any previous studies of it in Malawi , especially not in its natural habitat in Liwonde. The only previous studies have been conducted in captivity or laboratories. This study represents a very important step towards defining its ecology in its natural environment.

Objectives

• To define the ecological status of the Nyasa Lovebird, including population demography.
• To map its distribution (with reference to habitat and foraging sites) using radio- telemetry.
• To quantify its f eeding and breeding biology.
• To identify the preferred habitat and biogeography of the Nyasa Lovebird using GIS spatial analysis.
• To evaluate conservation strategy and action plan.
• To identify future research, with respect to monitoring and conservation biology.

Background and motivation.

The Nyasa Lovebird currently inhabits Liwonde National Park (LNP) and a few cluster groups occur in the surrounding forests outside LNP. Its distribution is rapidly becoming restricted to LNP because their feeding and breeding habitats are being exploited over for agricultural purposes. The extent of habitat loss outside LNP has not been determined scientifically but remaining habitat in the Forest Reserves shown (Map 1). LNP is located in the southern region of Malawi , which has the highest human population density in the country approximating 100-115 inhabitants per km 2 (FAO, 1997). The annual birth rate of about 2.5-5% places great pressure on land, particularly protected areas. LNP is surrounded and more greatly impacted by population growth and development than any other national park in the country (Map 2). Recently, cases of Nyasa Lovebird poisoning have intensified although it is not known why poachers are poisoning the birds.

Map 1: Showing high density of villages surrounding the Liwonde N.P.
(Map created in ESRI ArcINFO by Lawrence Luhanga, 2006. Source courtesy of Frankfurt Zoological Society).

We will be in a better position to increase the protection and conservation of the lovebirds in LNP and other areas if we understand their ecology better. Studying the lovebirds in the wild will give insight in to successful captive breeding.

The results of this scientific study will be used by the Malawi Ornithological Society (MOS), an avian conservation and scientific NGO, for implementation, and to develop public awareness of conservation activities.

Map 2: Showing original habitats outside the Liwonde N.P.

(Map created in ESRI ArcINFO by Lawrence Luhanga, 2006. Source courtesy of Frankfurt Zoological Society).

This study will be conducted through the Research Centre for African Parrot (RCAPC), School of Biological and Conservation Sciences (SBCS) at the University of Kwazulu-Natal , South Africa , and the Malawi Ornithological Society (with which I am locally affiliated.

This study may be continue at the doctoral level after the completion of the master’s research.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

PERSONNEL

The principal researcher and manager is Lawrence Luhanga. He has successfully coordinated several research projects for the Malawi Ornithological Society and the Museums of Malawi’s Department of Ornithology. These research protects have mostly be in collaboration with other international institutes such as International Crane Foundation (ICF), USA; the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), South Africa; the University of Las Vegas Nevada’s Barrick Museum, and others.

The Project will be supervised by Professor Mike Perrin of the School of Conservation and Biological Sciences (Research Centre for African Parrot Conservation, of which he is the director). The project will be co-supervised by Dr. Gary Voelker of University of Memphis , a former co-collaborator and researcher.

This project will have one assistant, a Wildlife Biologist based at LNP, Mr. Bryson Banda, who has many years of research and wildlife management experience.

METHODS

Study Area

The study area is in LNP which approximates 54,800ha in area. LNP is geographically defined, being bounded on the west by the Shire River and Lake Malombe , and on the other sides by hills and ridges (Map 3.0). The topography is gently sloping, upward from the river, and is broken by two isolated groups of hills. Mean annual temperature on the plain is 13°C, with extremes of 7°C and 39°C. Mean annual rainfall is 650-2250mm.

Map 3 : Showing Topography in relation to Liwonde N.P.

(Map created in ESRI ArcINFO by Lawrence Luhanga, 2006. Source courtesy of Frankfurt Zoological Society).

Seven main vegetation types occur up the gentle slopes from the Shire River , the most widespread being Mopane Colophospermum mopane woodland, which has short grass. There are also areas of Mopane, Acacia and Albizia woodlands with high quality tall grasses. The shore of Lake Malombe and the margins of the Shire have typical riverine and floodplain vegetation (Map 3) intergrading with small areas of gallery forest, palm Hyphaene ventricosa savanna, and other woodland savanna. Colophospermum mopane is an important tree species because Nyasa Lovebirds’ habitat is defined by it, and it is a major food and nest site source. Pockets of this forest will be mapped to define the precise habitat requirements of the lovebird.

The local avifauna is diverse, with a preliminary bird checklist of 207 species (Stead, 1979).

Bird Surveys: Radio-telemetry

Each habitat area will be characterized using ESRI ArcGIS/ArcINFO software. Several layers of geographic information have been captured and more will be created to aid the process. The layers will guide tracking lovebirds using the telemetry.

Radio-telemetry is a critical activity in locating exact breeding sites, foraging areas, water sources, and so on. All tracked points will be identified with coordinates using GPS, and captured using ESRI ArcPad software on a HP Pocket PC. Other information will be collected using field notebooks and data sheets. Radio-tracking run throughout the project phase.

Once breeding, feeding and water source data have been captured, censusing points will be established. Census plots will extend in a 50 m (+) radius around each point. Since the lovebirds breed in colonies, the idea is to have plots encompassing nest trees.

Bird surveys will be conducted from dawn to 11h00, monthly throughout the year. Individuals walking transects, will stop at each point to record birds seen or heard within the plot radius, including its number, gender, activity, and so on, during a 5-minute sampling period. Data will be recorded except for birds flying over plots or observed between plots, unless some unique behaviour is observed. Timing of the point surveys will be randomised with respect to time of day and season.

Lovebirds will be mist-netted, measured, weighed, ringed and some fitted with radio collars. Netting will be conducted monthly, early in the morning throughout the year except during the breeding season (to prevent stress on breeding pairs).

Habitat Sampling

Collection of habitat data will run from March to August. Characteristic features will be quantified at the centre of each census plot and on three 3m-subplots located 15-25 m from the census points. Measurements will include slope, aspect, basal area, height and species of tree (e.g. C. mopani), and so on. Location data for nest sites will also be collected. Habitat sampling will be conducted in both dry and wet seasons to determine seasonal changes.

LOGISTICS

Transportation

The Principal Researcher will be based at LNP, and travelling in the national park will cover an area of about 54,800ha, requiring the use of a vehicle. The RCAPC will provide a vehicle for this purpose.

Accommodation

The principal researcher will use a tent, located at a safe place, for accommodation during the field study.

The assistants have homes located near or inside the Park boundary.

Outputs

Status Reports will be filed with the RCAPC at the SBCS and also the African Lovebird Society in August 2006-7 and January 2007-8.

Budget

1 USD = 123.781 Malawi Kwacha ( 01-13-06 ).

* Government Regulation requirement.
1 ZAR = 20.3754 MWK

1 USD = 123.781 MWK

Back to Nyasa Donations Page.

**For questions or comments please contact Blake Ma at webmaster@africanlovebirdsociety.com