Preliminary bird diversity study in oil palm plantation suggests positive effects of biodiversity enhancement: Technical Communication

Abstract

A preliminary survey of bird diversity carried out in an oil palm plantation near Bintulu, Sarawak found that there could be a positive correlation between numbers of birds and proximity to secondary forest. The study also suggested that the presence of riparian buffer zones in the plantation had a positive effect on bird diversity. These findings support what practitioners have been advocating in plantations; namely, more natural habitats, enhanced connectivity amongst riparian and other natural habitats and the protection of remnant tall trees. These preliminary results provide a useful starting point for further research.