2018 | Vol. 4 | Issue 2 | Pg. 192 - 197

Ewemen Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry ISSN 2488-913X Available online at http://ewemen.com/category/ejaec/

Full Length Research EMPIRICAL STUDY OF PLANT DIET OF DOUBLE-SPURRED FRANCOLINUS BICALCARUS AND STONE PARTRIDGE PTILOPACHUS PETROSUS

1*TURSHAK L.G., 1OGBECHIE C.I., 2CHASKDA A.A.

1Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biological Sciences Techniques), University of Jos, Nigeria 2Department of Zoology, University of Jos, PMB 2084, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Received 20, Nov., 2018 Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcarus and Stone Partridge Revised 13 Dec., 2018 Ptilopachus petrosus are species of belonging to the order . Accepted 15 Dec., 2018 Their diet comprises fruits, cereals and other plant materials. This study aimed *Corresponding Author’s Email: at determining the plant diet of Double-spurred Francolin and Stone Partridge [email protected] at the Jos Wildlife Park, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety six grams (196g) of faecal droppings of the two species of galliformes was collected twice in two weeks, taken to the laboratory and gently meshed together using a bottle on a sample paper plate. Faecal dropping of 9.5g was mixed with 300g of soil (sharp and top soil) and poured into 30 polythene bags. This was repeatedly done for each polythene bag and labeled as treatment. Thirty (30) black polythene bags were also filled with soil mixture without faecal dropping and labeled as control. After four weeks of watering of the treatment and control, the results showed that treatment had nine (9) Orders while control had four (4) Orders. Higher Families were recorded for treatment soil while the control had the least. There was a significant difference in the treatment and control soil plant (P<0.001). Based on species richness and abundance, treatment soils were rich in species as different species of plants grew from it than the control soil.

Keywords: Savanna Woodland; Diet; Plants and Galliformes; Francolinus bicalcarus; Ptilopachus petrosus INTRODUCTION

As with humans, birds have different dietary needs and grains. Of the large selection in the seeds and and preferences depending on the season. In winter, grains category, some are more readily available, many birds (especially those migrating long popular with different species of birds and less distances) need food sources that are high in proteins, expensive (Rogers, 2002). Sunflower seeds for fats and carbohydrates (Breathing Places, 2011). Nuts instance are favorite for songbirds (birds belonging to are ideal during this time and legumes consumed by the passerines called ‘perching birds’). They contain people such as peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and rich supplies of fats and oils, which help songbird pistachios are food choices for fuel too. The nuts through rigid winter nights. Sunflower seeds are which contained protein and fibre are safe for birds to consumed primarily by smaller birds such as consume. Some birds prefer different types of seed cardinals. These birds have beaks that are equipped

© 2018 Ewemen Resources Limited / EJAEC. All rights reserved. Ewemen Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry 2018, 4(2): 192 – 197 Turshak et al. for breaking tough outer shells of nuts which can be The external features of Double-spurred Francolin placed in feeders or spread over the ground. Millet and Domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus) are similar, seeds are preferred by birds that can handle nuts probably due to their phylogenetic relationship but with medium to hard shells such as sparrows, the former has a more rounded shape. Being wild cardinals and juncos (Wilkinson, 2010). Phasianids and because their meat is very tasty, are widely consumed as bush meat in Birds (Aves) are a group of endothermic vertebrates, Nigeria and other African countries. This fact was characterized by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the confirmed by (Falana et al., 2005) in a comparative laying of hard shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a biochemical study of the meat quality and digestive four – chambered heart and a light weight but strong enzymes of Double-spurred francolin and Domestic skeleton. Birds are widely distributed and range in chicken. A team of 10 taste panelists in that study size from 5cm (2inch) humming bird to 2.75m (9ft) found the meat of Double-spurred Francolin more ostrich. They rank the class of tetrapod with the most palatable, juices and tastier than Domestic chicken. living species at approximately ten thousand with The Francolin meat was also found to be richer in more than half of these being perching birds protein than chicken meat (Falana et al., 2005). (songbird) (Gadow, 1883). The loss of forests, plains, trees and other natural A plant based diet is a diet that constitutes fruits, systems into agriculture, mines, and urban vegetables, tubers, whole grains and legumes; it development’s reduce potential habitat for many excludes proteins, dairy products and eggs, as well as species. The welfare of Galliformes is intimately highly refined sugar and oil. The diet of birds varies linked to the quality of food and shelter in their widely and generally includes seeds, nuts, fruits, small habitat. Therefore, this experimental study is insects, beetles and worms (David, 2010). Different intended to give a clear knowledge of the Plant diet of species of birds consume various substances and Double-spurred Francolin and Stone Partridge which avian diets are different from domestic . In all will in turn help in formulating a conservative plan to These, season also play a role in determining what protect the species. This study focused on plant diets foods birds eat; when berries and nuts ripen in the of two species of Galliformes (Double-spurred spring and summer, for instance, birds consume large Francolin and Stone Partridge). quantities of those foods (Dobkin,1998).

All birds need food to survive, including water and MATERIALS AND METHODS shelter. Most birds share the same water supplies and live in similar structures but have vastly different Study Area. dietary requirement (Rogers, 2002). In the wild, common natural food supplies for many species This study was conducted at the Jos Wildlife Park, Jos, include insects, fruits, berries and nectar from Plateau State, Nigeria. The study area was chosen flowering plants. Some species even suck sap out of because it has a good population of Double-spurred tree buds while others pick termites, grains / cereals, Francolin and Stone Partridge. The Jos Plateau has the insect larvae from blades of grass and tree cavities. highest landmass and forms an isolated vegetation Large birds like hawks, vultures and owls may unit, within the Guinea-Congolian Sudanian Regional consume larger sources of meat such as fish and transition zone (Ezealor, 2002). It is located in the rodents. Many birds eat food caught live and fresh, north-central region of the country with landmass of although some such as vultures could feed on about 26,899 sq km, it lies between Latitude 08° 24' carcasses (Philip et al., 1994). North and Longitude 08° 32' East. Temperature varies markedly through the month reaching its Among the galliformes, one of the most diverse minimum of 8°C to 15°C during the harmattan (dry) genera of the family is the genus Francolinus. The season, characterized by cool, dusty wind which genus comprises 41 species, 36 of which are Afro- occurs between November and mid-February. Great tropical. They are common in Africa; some species are heat usually follows in March, followed by the rains in most abundant in certain parts of the continent. April. Temperature may rise well above 32°C between According to Keith (2000), seven of these 36 Afro- April and October. Annual rainfall ranges from tropical species of Double-spurred Francolin, have 131.15mm to 146.00mm. The rains are accompanied been recorded in Nigeria. by extreme low temperatures (6°C), leading to cold weather conditions. www.ewemen.com page 193

Ewemen Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry 2018, 4(2): 192 – 197 Turshak et al.

the morning and evening hours. The plants were Much of the vegetation of Jos Plateau has been taken to the herbarium at Federal College of Forestry devastated by tin-mining activities (Hadejia et al., Jos for proper identification and classified accordingly 2000). A high human population (200-300 per km2) from the Order to species level. has resulted in continued large scale deforestation and conservation of grassland and shrubs to Statistical analyses agriculture and few remaining patches of forests and woodland are fast being depleted by unsustainable Independent sample t-test was conducted on SPSS fuel wood collection (Lodewijk and Were, 2001). Only version 23, to analyze the data between treatment a few areas of natural grassland, savannah woodland and control plants. and forest remain on Jos Plateau and one of such areas is the Jos Wildlife Park. The Jos Wildlife Park was established in 1972. The park is located on the RESULTS AND DISCUSSION South West of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria at Latitude 9° 52' and Longitude 8° 53' and covers an area of Total Number of Plants on Treatment and Control approximately 8 km2. It is characterized by hilly and A total of 281 plants were identified to have grown in rocky topography with seasonal streams, good the Treatment and Control after week four of savannah woodland and riparian forest and also planting. Hundred (100) plants grew on treatment, consists of some exotic plants. The Park consists of while 181 grew on control. In the first week of caged animals and a safari area. Planting, no visible plant growth was observed on

treatment and control. However, in the second week Collection of faecal droppings of Planting, 9 plants grew on treatment while 69 Faecal droppings of the two species of Galliformes plants grew on control. There was a visible growth of were collected from ground and rocky areas at the Jos plant in the third week with 78 plants on treatment Wildlife Park, Jos, Plateau State. The collection was and 163 plants on control. In the final week (week 4) carried out in the morning at 9:00am twice in two plant growth was visible enough for identification weeks. The faecal droppings were in pellets and with 100 plants in treatment and 181 on control weighed 196 g in total. The pellets were collected into (Table 1). a plastic sample plate. The faecal droppings of Double-spurred Francolin and Stone Partridge Table 1: Number of plants that grew on treatment and control after week four collected were persevered in the laboratory and exposed to air for proper drying. Week Treatment Control Observation of plant growth 1 0 0 No growth 2 9 69 Visible growth Cultivation process 3 78 163 Visible growth 4 100 181 Highly visible growth Sharp and top soils were mixed thoroughly in ratio 1:2 respectively and with a metal funnel, the soil was carefully collected into 30 black polythene bags. The Order and Families of plants identified on soil in each black polythene bag was weighed 1200 g Treatment and Control while that of faecal droppings was 196 g. The faecal droppings were gently meshed on paper plate using a A total of seven Orders out of which eight (8) families bottle to avoid seed breakage. Three hundred grams were identified from treatment, while three Orders, (300 g) (¼) of the mixed soil in the black polythene four families were identified for plants that grew in was poured into a sample plate and mixed with 6.5 g the control (Table 2 and 3) there was a significant of meshed faecal dropping. This was done repeatedly difference in the number of plant that grew on the for the 30 polythene bags of soil. Sharp and top soil treatment and the control. More individual plants were mixed thoroughly as well and collected into grew in the control soil compared to the treatment another 30 black polythene bags and labeled as (T-test; df = 3.88, F = 2.98, P<0.001). Out of 281 plants control. Each bag also contained 1200 g of soil but recorded, treatment soil had more orders and was mixed and planted without the faecal droppings. families than the control soil probably due to the The mixtures under study (treatment and control) faecal dropping added to the treatment mixture. The were watered twice daily for two weeks using an faecal droppings contain nitrogen which aid plant improvised watering can. Watering was conducted in growth (Naidoo, 2004). Although some Orders found www.ewemen.com page 194

Ewemen Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry 2018, 4(2): 192 – 197 Turshak et al. on the treatment soil were also found on the control to a slower growth rate on treatment soil. Another which are mainly grasses. The distinguishing orders reason could be that the soil was unsterilized before are Fabales, Sapindales, Solanales and Cucurbitales. planting. These plant orders have nutrients required by galliformes for their growth and survival (Ejitere, Plant diet of Double-spurred Francolin and Stone 1997). Partridge

Table 2: Number of plants identified on the treatment soil This study showed that treatment had more species of plants which suggests higher species richness. Order Family Scientific Common Total name name Control soil had higher abundance because it had Asterales Asteraceae Ageratum Billy goat 2 more plants growing than on treatment soil. The conyzoides weed species richness is a pointer to the fact that birds eat Caryophyllales Amaranthaceae Amaranthus Spiny 9 spinosus pigweed many food types mostly plants (McKinney 2002). Caryophyllales Amaranthaceae Amaranthus Smooth 22 hibridus pigweed Cucurbitales Cucurbitaceae Cucumis Cucumber 2 According to McKinney (2002), vegetables are a very sativis important part of a healthy nutrition for birds. Fabales Fabaceae Pisum Green 12 Galliformes eat food items that are rich in vitamins sativum peas Poales Poaceae Eleusine India 31 and minerals to stay healthy and maintain an effective indica goose immune system against diseases and illnesses. grass Different species of galliformes can have varying Sapindales Anarcardiaceae Mangifera Mango 1 indica dietary requirements. Double-spurred Francolin and Sapindales Rutaceae Citrus Orange 1 Stone Partridge for example eat mainly fruits/ sinensis Solanales Solanaceae Solanum Tomatoes 8 vegetables based diet. Galliformes also feed on lycopersicum different on different plants to acquire adequate, balanced amount of protein, amino acids, fats and essential fatty acids, carbohydrates. Feeding on Table 3: Number of plants identified on the control different plants by galliformes helps reduce the

Order Family Botanical Common Total tendency of dietary deficiencies to the bird (BirdLife name name International, 2004). Asterales Asteraceae Ageratum Billy goat 57 conyzoides weed Caryophyllales Portulacaceae Portulaca Pigweed 44 Portulaca oleraceae is a member of the Purslane oleraceae family, Portulacaceae, which comprises of 25 genera Caryophyllales Amaranthaceae Amaranthus Spiny 29 of often succulent herbs and shrubs. This plant is a spinosus pigweed Poales Poaceae Eleusine India 56 vegetable whose seed is spread by water, wind and indica goose serves as a good source for game birds (Salisbury, grass 2001). It is one of the richest plant sources of Omega- 3 fatty acids and there are different antioxidant and Species Richness and Abundance minerals in different part of the plant. Even though Treatment soil were found to be rich in species under most conditions Portulaca oleraceae is a having 8 different Orders and 95 plants in total while palatable and nutritious livestock food, nitrate control soil were found to be less rich in specie but poisoning and oxalate poisoning have been reported abundant in plant number, 186 plants. Furthermore, in livestock feeding on the plants (Schmutz et al., in terms of plant richness, significantly more plants 1998). However, Cantella (1998) did not observe any were recorded in the Treatment and Control as symptoms of poisoning in cattle and birds. Suspect shown in Figure 1 (t-test; df = 11, F = 0.30, P<0.001). plants usually grow on soils rich in nitrogen, such as Although the collected faecal dropping were mixed that found on stockyards or in bare clay soils, where and applied only on the treatment soil, more plants there has been a flush of growth after a good rain, with fewer Orders grew on the Control soil than on then a dry period. Vegetables such as Amaranthus spp the treatment soil. This could be as a result of the are the daily diet and most readily available source of dark green portion of the faecal droppings. The dark important nutrients- proteins, fats, vitamins and greener portion depicts bird that fed on food with minerals. For galliformes, the production of these higher nutritional and the darker green color depicts vegetables is limited due to low fertility of native soil that they lack enough nutrient and only bile was in most parts of Nigeria (Makinde, 2010). The coming out of the dropping (Burkette, 2006). This led vitamins and minerals produced by these plants are www.ewemen.com page 195

Ewemen Journal of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry 2018, 4(2): 192 – 197 Turshak et al. especially important for maintaining galliformes College of Forestry Jos, is also thankfully health in the long term. A lack of vitamins and mineral acknowledged for identifying the plants. could lead to deficiencies. This study showed that galliformes feed also on tomatoes and cucumber plant but in small amount. This is in agreement with the CONFLICT OF INTEREST work done by some researchers who indicated that high intake of tomatoes plant by birds can cause None declared. diarrhea to the bird as it is mainly a water- based diet (Schmutz et al., 1998). REFERENCES

25 Species Richness 1. BirdLife International (2004). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Gamebirds Special Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. Species Abundance [Accessed 10 Nov. 2006]. 20 2. Breathing Places- Nature activities. “BBC webpage on feeding birds”. Available at: Bbc.co.uk. [Accessed 10 Nov. 2011] 3. Burkette, JF (2006). About Bird poop. Bird Poop Component 15 24: 200-206 4. Cantella CE (1998). Trials with plants regarded as poisonous. Seed Viability Experiment. 48: 321-325 10 5. David C (2010). University of Maryland Department of Entomology: Proceedings of the national academy of sciences. Available at: www.birdsgist.com (Accessed 11 Aug. 5 2010). 6. Dobkin OE (1998). Monotonous nature of galliformes and passereines. Galliformes Feeding 32: 112-124 0 7. Ezealor AU (2002). Critical Sites for biodiversity Treatment Control conservation in Nigeria. Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Lagos. 110 pp. Figure 1: Species richness and abundance of treatment and 8. Ejitere EO (1997). Studies of the physiology of Ageratum control plants. conyzoides: Ageratum conyzoides origin. J Plant Physiol 44: 113-115. 9. Falana AO (2005). Domesticus Gallus and Double-spurred CONCLUSION Francolin Galliformes Comparison. Trends in Ornithology 21: 110-116 10. Gadow DF (1883). Birds distribution and classification: Trend Birds are largely opportunistic feeders that feed on in Ornithology 3: 425-434 different food types (Dobkin, 1998). The result of this 11. Hadejia AI, Mohammmed Z, Inahoro I, Buhari M and study has showed that the two species of galliformes Olapojoye SA (2000). Participatory assessment of natural under study mainly feed on plants based diet such as resources and traditional management practices in Laminga fruits and vegetables i.e., they are Frugivorous. These community. Amurum Forest. Nigeria Conservation Foundation. pp 45-65. plants are believed to possess nutrients required 12. Keith OE (2000). Afrotropical species of Double-spurred daily by the two species of galliformes. The Francolin in Nigeria. Biosystematics of galliformes 52: 88-92 information presented in this study on the plant diet 13. Lodewijik J and Were R (2001). Jos-Plateau Forest– of Double- spurred Francolin and Stone Partridge can Grassland Mosaic (AT1010). Available at: httm://www.worldwildlife.org/wildworld/profiles/terrestri be used to set up a conservation plan for the species al/at /at1010 full.html [Access 1 Aug. 2015]. of galliformes and plants. Considering the number of 14. Makinde EA (2010). Birds and vegetable/fruits. Frugivorous plants found to grow from the treated soil within a Gamebirds 25: 261-264 short time there are probably more species of plant 15. Mckinney ML (2002). Natural feeding habitat. Biol Sci 52: yet undiscovered and future studies is recommended, 221-223 16. Naidoo JF (2004). Frugivorous Birds feeding habit – Double- as this will increase our knowledge of plant diet of spurred Francolin and Stone Partridge. Fruit Feeding Birds 8: bird species which might raise its conservation value. 14-22. 17. Philip JK, Del H, Elliot A, and Sargatal J (1994). Handbook of the Birds of the World: Aves. pp. 228-230. 18. Rogers J (2002). Bird feeding, another viewpoint. Alberta ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Nature 2: 126-130. 19. Salisbury KA (2001). Bird feeding habits. Feeding Habits 27: The management and staff of the Jos Wildlife Park are 365-400 thankfully acknowledged by the authors for allowing 20. Schmutz K, Karren J and Boyle H (1998). Effects of water access to the reserve for the study. The Federal based diet. In: Plant and Water based Diet for galliformes. Whiley, pp112. www.ewemen.com page 196

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21. Wilkinson D (2010). Bird feeding and seeds dispersion. Sparrows & Juncos 7: 1770-1771.

Article’s citation

Turshak LG, Ogbechie CI and Chaskda AA (2018). Empirical study of plant diet of double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcarus and Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus. Ew J Anal & Environ Chem 4(2): 192 – 197.

Authors’ contributions

TLG and CAA conceived and designed the study. TLG and OCI carried out all field, laboratory work and interpreted data. OCI conducted literature search and review. OCI drafted the manuscript. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.

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