Unité de Recherche de Biologie de la Conservation et Gestion de la Faune, Laboratoire des Milieux Naturels et Conservation de la Biodiversité, UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The aim of this study is to assess the diversity of bird communities and the threats they face in the classified forests of central Côte d’Ivoire. Birds were inventoried using the point counts method coupled with line transects in the Ahua and Proungbo-Sérébi classified forests as well as in the Soungourou and Mafa complexes. A total of 180 species divided into 16 orders and 61 families were inventoried in all sites. This avifaunal population is composed mainly of resident species whose populations are relatively stable on a global scale. However, some species are on the IUCN red list. The main threats in these classified forests are transhumance, hunting and natural habitats transformation. This study makes it possible to establish a reference situation for the avifauna of the classified forests of Ahua and Proungbo-Serebi as well as the Soungourou and Mafa complexes. This rich and diversified avifauna population is threatened by the many anthropic activities identified. In a context of sustainable management of natural resources and restoration of the national forest cover, the data of this study will make it possible to draw up a development and management plan for the sites surveyed. In addition, they will allow to develop these sites for tourism. In view of the results obtained, it is recommended to diversify the species of reforestation, to reinforce protection measures and to intensify the awareness of communities living near classified forests to biodiversity conservation.