Bird diversity in the enrichment experiment plots of an oil palm plantation

Abstract

Agricultural habitat heterogeneity could promote the bird biodiversity. Up to six native tree species had been planted in different plot sizes by the EFForTS (Ecological and Socioeconomic Functions of Tropical lowland rain forest transformation Systems) Project in Jambi Province, i.e., Petai (Parkia speciosa), Jengkol (Archidendron pauciflorum), Durian (Durio zibethinus), Sungkai (Peronema canescens), Meranti (Shorea leprosula) and Jelutung (Dyera polyphylla). This study is aimed to investigate the effect of native tree enrichment to bird diversity in oil palm plantation. Data was collected from 27 July to 10 August 2022 in enrichment experiment sites. The enrichment plots surveyed were those of 20 m x 20 m (13 plots) and 40 mx 40 m (12 plots) sizes. Point counts with a radius of 50 m were used to survey from 6.00 to 10.00, and, when necessary, from 15.30 to 17.30. A total of 33 bird species of 20 families were observed during the study, but only 24 species of 13 families were observed within the point count radius. Bird diversity was slightly higher in the larger enrichment plots (H’= 2.649; E= 0.845) than in the smaller plots (H’= 2.291; E= 0.826). Seven feedingguilds based on major dietwere identified, with the majority (48.5%) are insectivorous species. Two carnivorous species were recorded outside the point count radius, i.e.,Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba).