Abstract:
A large number of wildlife survives outside protected areas on farmlands, pasturelands, and
urban areas. Among all faunas, birds are one of most present wild animals in cities. Birds fulfill
many ecological functions in their habitats, playing an important role in seed dispersal of fleshy
fruit-producing plants. The landscape of the Musanze District has been undergoing major
changes due to rapid urbanization driven by a fast growing human population. To ensure that
bird-provided ecosystem services in Musanze City, Rwanda, are enjoyed by communities at an
appropriate level for both current and next generation, a study of the effect of urban fabric lay
out on its bird diversity and distribution was conducted. Linear mixed models (LMM) were used
to assess whether landscape types have an effect on bird abundance and diversity. The Shannon‟s
diversity index was used to identify the diversity of bird species in Musanze City. One Albertine
Rift endemic bird species, the Ruwenzori double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris stuhlmanni) was
recorded. Three migratory birds were found in Musanze City for the first time: the Common
Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) and the Willow
Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus). Two bird species have not been previously reported in
Rwanda: the Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina). An
effect of city landscape types on the bird richness and relative abundance was also highlighted;
residential neighborhood, institutional grounds and informal settlements were found to have
highest species diversity indices compared to the rest of micro-landscape types. Riverside
emerged as the landscape type with a specialized bird fauna, which are known to be restricted to
the wetland environment. However, as a whole, built-up and open field categories had
comparable results. Scavengers appeared to contribute more to biomass recycling than any other
bird category. This study should help urban decision makers take into account the existence of a
great diversity of avian fauna when developing and implementing land use plans, especially
when villages and cities are in proximity of protected areas or natural reserves. Botanical gardens
and public parks should be included in the master plan of the City.
