The abundance and species richness of insectivorous birds in relation to arthropods assemblages along a distance gradient from secondary forest into oil palm plantation in SALCRA , Sarawak
Predation by insectivorous birds is naturally considered as an important biological pest control in oil palm plantations. The abundance and species richness of insectivorous birds and their arthropod preys were examined along a distance gradient from secondary forest into the oil palm plantation...
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Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Malaysia Nature Society
2022
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/40884/3/abundance.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/40884/ https://www.mnj.my/2022-volume-74-part-3/ |
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Summary: | Predation by insectivorous birds is naturally considered as an important
biological pest control in oil palm plantations. The abundance and species richness of
insectivorous birds and their arthropod preys were examined along a distance gradient from
secondary forest into the oil palm plantation at SALCRA Stenggang Oil Palm Estate in Bau,
Sarawak between March to August 2020. The point count survey (total effort of 600
minutes), recorded 318 insectivorous birds representing 35 species from 18 families. Pitfall
traps and sticky traps (total effort of 300 trap nights) collectively recorded the highest
arthropod count in secondary forests. The results suggested that the decline in the
abundance and diversity of insectivorous birds are mostly due to the increasing distance
from the forest edge, while it diminishes the predation pressure on arthropod prey. The
increase in insectivorous birds has a negative effect on arthropod abundance at secondary
forests and forest edge, but not within the interior of oil palm plantations. This study
proposed retaining natural forest found within and surrounding the oil palm plantation, as
this is imperative for the ecological biodiversity to naturally spill over the predator
movement into the oil palm plantation for the provision of important ecosystem services. |
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