dc.contributor.author | Thompson, Jeremy J | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2013-05-23T09:33:57Z | |
dc.date.available | 2013-05-23T09:33:57Z | |
dc.date.issued | 1987 | |
dc.identifier.citation | MSc | en |
dc.identifier.uri | http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/24771 | |
dc.description | Master of Science | en |
dc.description.abstract | Fieldwork was conducted between August 1985 and June 1986 in the
forest surrounding Lake Naivasha. The number of lovebirds was
estimated by both the fixed-width line-transect and mark-recapture
methods. There was good agreement between the var i ous estimates and
the final population estimate for 95 per cent confidence was 5942 ± 612
lovebirds. The strengths and limitations of the methods are discussed
in relation to over-or-underestimation of population size and in
relation to the results of previous workers. The present work
provided a comparison of some bird census methodologies over a
medium-sized area.
Lovebirds were observed to initiate most of the avian damage to
maize at Naivasha. Their strong bill and efficient technique of
exposing kernels not only make -them an important maize pest but also
allows faster depredation by other species. At present, lovebirds
have a relatively minor impact on commercial maize production since
most maize grown at Naivasha is intended f or- consumption by cattle and
harvested beforebeing vulnerable. Worst damage to maize grown for
human consumption was measured in small plots farmed on a part-time
basis. Large commercial fields were either adequately protected or
too large for lovebirds to have a significant impact.
Lovebirds were aggressed upon by many other species and their
behaviour is one of retreat rather' than aggression. Lovebirds may
out-compete other ho le+ne st ing spec i.e s by more indirect methods
however.
For example, their modification and permanent inhabitation of
nesting cavities.
Primary moul t was examined and no regular annual moulting
periodicity could be detected. Since primary moult is linked with
breeding, this could indicate their ability to breed at any time of
the year at Naivasha.
All lovebirds captured had intermediate hybrid characters
although biased towards the fischeri phenotype. This bias is probably
the result of an unbalanced genetic expression in plumage colouration
rather than a difference in fitness of the fischeri genotype or the
result of assortative mating. | en |
dc.language.iso | en | en |
dc.title | The introduction of lovebirds (Agapornis) to lake Naivasha, Kenya, and their effect on the lake's agriculture and indigenous avifauna | en |
dc.type | Thesis | en |
local.publisher | School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi | en |