Rapid assessments of bird species richness in selected forest eco-parks in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Observations on avifauna were conducted across 10 forest eco-parks (FEPs) in Perak from 19 to 26 April 2024 to document and update avifaunal species richness. Two teams of six observers conducted direct observations using cameras and binoculars. Over the eight-day survey period, each team concurrently covered five sites, with each site surveyed for a total of 10 hours per site. Overall, a total of 132 bird species from 44 families were recorded. The family Pycnonotidae showed the highest species richness, encompassing 10.6% (14spp.) of the total species documented in the study. Resident birds dominated the observations, accounting for 87.9% (116spp.), while insectivorous species were the most common feeding guild, comprising 47.7% (63spp.) of the total species recorded. The most widespread and frequently encountered species were the Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis), Black-headed Bulbul (Brachypodius atriceps), and Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus brunneus). According to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, 112 species are classified as Totally Protected (TP), and 10 species as Protected (P). Based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, two species are listed as Endangered (EN), and three as Vulnerable (VU). This record emphasized the role of these sites as important refuges for species of conservation concern. Among all sites, Kaki Bukit Larut FEP recorded the highest species richness, representing 38.6% (51spp.) of the total species. Bird species richness varied between sites, with low to moderate Jaccard similarity values (J = 0.05-0.33), reflecting high species turnover and highlighting distinct avian communities across the study area. The highest similarity was between Kledang Saiong and Papan FEPs (J = 0.33), while Sungai Salu FEP exhibited the most distinct species (J = 0.05). Hypothetically, habitat structure, elevation, geographic location, food availability, and rainfall may be among the most influential factors shaping bird species richness across the forest eco-parks in this study, as highlighted in prior research. These findings demonstrate the ecological uniqueness of each forest eco-park and emphasize the importance of conserving multiple sites to preserve regional bird diversity. This study also provides essential baseline data for stakeholders, including the Perak State Forestry Department, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Perak State Government, ecotourism planners, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to inform future conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring efforts within Perak’s forested landscapes.