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Tulane University

Publication Date

Summer 2018

Program Name

Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

Abstract

The ecology of the endemic Usambara Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris usambaricus) was investigated in the surrounding areas of and within Mazumbai Forest Reserve in the Lushoto District of Tanzania. As there is little known concerning the ecology of the species, this study sought to illuminate multiple aspects of their behavior and interactions. Over fourteen days (November 2nd-November 21st), the abundance of the species, their nesting behavior, their habitat preferences, their vocalizations, their diet, and their aggressive behaviors were observed and then analyzed. It was determined the species’ activity likely peaks in the early morning, their nesting is similar to other species of equatorial sunbirds, their diet consisted of majority non-native plants, the majority of acts of aggression involved other sunbirds and that the species is found mainly in areas with limited crown cover. The results of this study suggest that the species may be able to adapt better than most to habitat changes in the area, like exotic plant infiltration and deforestation. However, the species limited range puts it at risk of suffering if habitat degradation destroys its food resources and nesting sites.

Disciplines

Animal Sciences | Environmental Sciences | Forest Biology | Ornithology

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