Bird Diversity and Anthropogenic Impacts in the Southern Lake Chad Wetlands, Cameroon

This study, conducted in the southern part of Lake Chad (Far North Region, Cameroon), assessed bird diversity and conservation status using data collection methods along linear transects and Japanese net captures. A total of 213 species belonging to 24 orders and 67 families were recorded. Species richness was higher in the dry season (210 species) than in the rainy season (193 species), and higher around water points (98 species). The Shannon index was higher in the rainy season (H' = 2.1283 bits) than in the dry season (H' = 1.8149 bits), indicating greater diversity during the rainy season. Nine types of human activities were identified, with pollution being highest in the dry season (44.72 signs/km) and grazing predominant in the rainy season (24.63 signs/km). These activities negatively affected avian diversity in the dry season and rainy season). Conservation measures are needed to preserve this rich but threatened birdlife.