Species diversity and habitat utilization of birds in land use areas along boat touring routes for ecotourism and conservation in tha kha sub-district, Amphawa district, Samut Songkhram province, Thailand

Abstract

The main objectives of this research were to study species diversity, activity characteristics of birds for habitat utilization and status of birds, analyze the abundance and the similarity of birds for making birding seasonal calendar ecotourism activity in the research areas. The data was carried out by field survey of bird species diversity along three boat touring routes; Route no. 1 (Tha Kha floating market - homestay), Route no.2 (Tha Kha floating market - Thai traditional sugar making kiln), and Route no.3 (Thai traditional sugar making kiln - resort). One survey was made each month from August 2017 - July 2018. The data were analyzed to find out the abundance of birds and the similarity of birds, study habitat utilization and status of birds for making birding seasonal calendar ecotourism activity in the research areas. The finding of this research found that there were 15 orders, 37 families and 73 bird species. The maximum number of 34 bird species in order Passeriformes was found. The highest number of bird species in route no.3 was 63 species. There were 56 bird species in route no.2 and 50 bird species in route no. 1. In route no.1, species diversity index was 3.25. In route no.2, species diversity index was 3.24. In route no.3, species diversity index was 3.33. According to habitat Utilization of birds in 3 routes, mostly activities of birds were foraging, the maximum number of 35 bird species in insectivorous birds and nesting in route no.1: Red - wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus in April. In route no.2: White-breasted Waterhen Red Amaurornis phoenicurus in September. In route no.3: Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica in April. According to bird status, there were 51 resident birds, 13 resident and migratory birds and 9 migratory birds. According to bird abundance, 20 bird species were in level 5 of bird abundant, 9 bird species in level 4 common, 17 bird species in level 3 moderately common, 12 bird species in level 2 uncommon and 15 bird species in level 1 rare. According to bird similarity index, the similarity index between route no.2 and route no.3 was 0.824. Ecotourism activities were to watching migratory birds from August - May, watching firefly from May - October, watching local people lifestyle touring along boat touring routes by using Thai paddle-boats available all year round. The community also organized eco-touring activity by using Thai paddle-boats. The community and paddle boat group managed conservation habitats of birds along boat touring routes by water cleaning, planting fruit trees and flowers, making organic fruit orchards and riverine forests preservation along the canal which are foraging area for many birds. So local people should give their hand to maintain bird database for being learning center and ecotourist activities along boat touring routes because the birds are as indicators of natural balance of local ecosystem.