Avian Diversity along a Precipitation Gradient in Southern Africa

In April 2013, a transect c. 1100 km long with 100 points arranged in 5 sections was designed northern Namibia between Ruacana Watefall (W) and Kongola (E) to study avian diversity relation gradual changes precipitation (c. 350 mm W c.600 E). total, 81 bird species were recorded all points, but particular section, the numbers low, ranging from 22 38 species. overall, most frequent numerous (dominant) following species: Cape Turtle Dove, Blue Waxbill, Grey-headed Sparrow, Laughing Dove Fork-tailed Drongo. Together they comprised 42.2 % of individuals recorded. All them, except for Drongo, granivores. Only nine ten or more points. Besides above-mentioned dominant species, other this group: Black-chested Prinia, Black-throated Canary, Pied Crow White-browed Scrub Robin. section number ranged 7, without gradient. Two remained fi ve sections. Th e Drongo — four sections, Sparrow three Although, no gradient diversity, evenness, dominance structure recorded, signifi cant diff erences two western eastern apparent. than sections: Robin Dove; while African Palm Swift , Crow.