Wintering Haven Under Pressure: Avian Diversity and Anthropogenic Disturbances at a Multi-Use Tropical Dam in Ghana, West Africa

This study investigates the ecological role of urban dams as a shared resource, assessing avian richness and abundance alongside human disturbances to understand the pressures facing avian species. The study was conducted at Bankani dam in the northern region of Ghana. A total count of birds was conducted in mornings and late afternoons covering both wet and dry seasons. Counts were conducted along three main observation points: the embankment, left shore, and right shore. Surveys were conducted three days a month for 6 months results in 18 sampling days. Human activities that potentially affect the wetland was also documented concurrently with the bird count. A total of 50 bird species were recorded, belonging to 15 orders and 28 families. 21 out of the 50 species identified were migrants. The study recorded a high avian richness of 43 species in the dry season and 29 species in the wet season. The generalized linear model (GLM) result shows that abundance of birds varied significantly between the seasons ( p < 0.001), with higher numbers observed during the dry season. Major threats to birds identified include hunting, sand mining, water abstraction, and improper disposal of used agrochemical containers. This study highlights the dual anthropogenic disturbances and ecological significance of the Bankani Dam. It emphasizes the role the dam plays in sustaining both resident and migratory avian species using the dam during wintering periods. The findings reveal seasonal variations in avian richness and abundance, alongside increasing human pressures that threaten the integrity of this wetland habitat. As a wintering haven under pressure, the Bankani Dam illustrates conservation challenges facing multi-use wetlands in an urbanizing arid landscape. Safeguarding such habitats requires an integrated conservation approach that balances ecological integrity with the needs of the people.