Bird distribution and conservation in the Ailao Mountains, Yunnan, China

Abstract

Results from a long-term ecological study carried out by Chinese and American researchers in the Xujiaba Ecological Reserve within the Ailao Shan Nature Reserve show the importance of the Ailao Mountains as a sanctuary for numerous bird species. Natural forest cover is decreasing throughout Southwestern China and adjacent Southeast Asia leading to a diminished habitat for plants and animals throughout the region. Remnant primary and secondary forests in the Ailao Mountains supply habitat for an abundance of bird species and other wildlife, many facing possible extinction. This study analyzes the bird diversity of three different ecosystems: primary broad-leaved evergreen forest on the crest of the Ailao Mountains, and two secondary pine forests, regenerating from clear-cut evergreen broad-leaved forest, on the eastern and western slopes. The primary forest (30 ha plot) has the greatest diversity of bird species with 169 species in the summer and 107 in the winter compared to 98 and 75, respectively, for the western slopes (40 ha plot) and 72 and 49, respectively, for the eastern slopes (40 ha plot). The research found a large local seasonal migration between the crest of the mountain range and the slopes as well as increasing numbers of long-distance migrants. The research also notes that the variety of ecosystems supports a large variety of bird species including 218 within the Ecological Reserve and 365 in the greater Northern Ailao Mountains. Conservation efforts in the Reserve focus not only on resident birds, but also on migratory birds. Because of a seasonal local migration, forest ecosystems outside of the Reserve need preservation as well as forests inside of the Reserve. To accomplish effective conservation, a combination of ecological research, conservation education and local economic development must be incorporated.