Ayomiposi Joy Ayodele, a dedicated researcher, is making significant waves in the field of biodiversity and conservation, particularly through her groundbreaking work on Nigeria’s avian populations. Her contributions underscore a deep commitment to understanding and protecting the nation’s natural heritage.

Ayodele’s expertise in ornithology was recognized early when she was selected as one of 21 pioneer conservationists nationwide to attend an Introductory Ornithological Field course organized by the AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute in 2019. This opportunity further solidified her passion and skills in bird research and conservation.

Unearthing Avian Treasures in Old Oyo National Park
A major highlight of Ayodele’s work is her pivotal role in a recent study that unveiled the surprising diversity of wild birds within the Marguba range of Old Oyo National Park. This extensive research, conducted through meticulous field surveys using line transects and mist netting, is crucial for effective forest bird conservation.

Between April and May 2018, Ayodele and her team meticulously surveyed two distinct habitats within the park: the aquatic forest around the Ogun River and the drier forest near Ajaku/Ibuya. Their efforts cataloged an astonishing 143 bird species across 54 families and 19 orders.

One of the most thrilling discoveries from this survey was the documented presence of the Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni). This species was previously not thought to occur in Nigeria. This groundbreaking finding, further supported by a co-authored publication, suggests an established population of this rare woodpecker in the park and potentially indicates an eastward expansion of its range from Ghana into Benin and now Nigeria. During their detailed survey, Ayodele’s team observed and recorded several Golden-tailed Woodpeckers, even managing to catch one adult male in a mist net.

The research emphasized that “Wild birds play beneficial roles in sustaining the ecosystem” and highlighted the importance of assessing species diversity, richness, and abundance for effective conservation. Among the many species identified, the Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata) was the most abundant, with 105 sightings, while the Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) had the highest sighting frequency. The study also pinpointed 16 biome-restricted species within Old Oyo National Park, including 10 from the Sudan Guinea Savanna Biome and six from the Guinea Congo Forest Biome, showcasing the park’s unique ecological significance.

Contributing to Broader Conservation Efforts
Beyond her park-specific research, Ayodele actively contributes to broader conservation initiatives. She serves as a volunteer team member for the Nigerian Bird Atlas Project Southwest Nigeria, consistently submitting her observations to the project and demonstrating a readiness to “explore, engage and contribute positively to the conserving biodiversity”.