Bird Species Diversity Research Articles

Keanekaragaman dan Kelimpahan Jenis Burung di Kawasan Mangrove Mangunharjo Semarang

The Mangunharjo mangrove area is one of the mangrove ecosystems in the coastal area of Semarang City. This study aims to determine the diversity and abundance of bird species, as well as the similarity index of bird communities in the Mangunharjo mangrove area. Data were collected using the point count method in the observation area including ponds, mangroves, rice fields, and beaches. Data collection was carried out periodically from July 2019 to February 2020 with three replications in each area. The results showed that in the Mangunharjo mangrove area there were 66 species of birds from 32 families. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index in the observation area, from the highest to the lowest, were ponds 3.10 (high), mangroves 2.81 (medium), rice fields 2.75 (medium), and beaches 2.66 (moderate). The dominant bird species in the area are the Linci Swallow (15.73%) and the Little Egret (10.61%). While the areas that had the highest Sorensen species similarity index were ponds and mangroves with an index value of 62.5%.

Determining Environmental Factors Affecting Bird Diversity

Aim of study: The main purpose of the study is to determine the site factors affecting bird diversity. 
 Area of study: This study was performed in the Çandır District, Isparta which is located inner part of the Western Mediterranean region.
 Material and methods: In present study, Observations were conducted regularly in a total of 43 sample sites in Çandır District, throughout each month in 2016. Also, each sample site was observed using point-counting techniques from the direct observation techniques. In the present study, alpha diversity (Species richness, Menhinick, Margalef, Shannon-Wiener, Brillouin, Simpson, Berger-Parker, and Fisher’s Alpha) values were calculated, and significant variables were determined by using correlation analysis.
 Main results: A significant correlation (p=0.05) was determined between alpha diversity values and both environmental and climatic variables. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare alpha diversity indexes with each other. Species richness, Shannon, and Brillouin indexes were determined as the variables having the strongest correlation with environmental variables.
 Highlights: A better understanding of factors affecting bird species diversity, which are sensitive species of ecosystems, is of great importance for the detection and monitoring of future changes. Especially when it is considered in terms of parameter selection for modeling studies, the mentioned importance increases even more. Therefore, it is thought that the results of this research will be important both in terms of studies conducted in Çandır District and in terms of studies on bird diversity.

Cattle grazing in CRP grasslands during the nesting season: effects on avian reproduction

AbstractBird populations in grasslands have experienced declines coinciding with loss and fragmentation of prairies. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)‐administered Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the most extensive grassland restoration program in North America and it has especially benefitted grassland birds. Grazing by domestic cattle has been restricted in CRP during avian nesting seasons despite the potential improvements in structuring habitat for a greater diversity of grassland bird species. Potential negative consequences of grazing in CRP grasslands include trampling of nests by cattle, reductions in nest concealment from predators, and attraction of brood‐parasitic brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). We designed an experiment to test for effects of cattle grazing in CRP fields during the nesting season on nest survival and brood parasitism of 5 bird species that commonly nest in CRP grasslands: mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), dickcissel (Spiza americana), and eastern (Sturnella magna) and western (S. neglecta) meadowlarks. Grazing was implemented during summers 2017 and 2018 on 17 of 36 fields followed by a year of rest on all fields in 2019. Of the 879 nests on grazed fields, only 4 were likely trampled by cattle (vs. 54% of all nests estimated as failing because of depredation). Experimental grazing (grazed vs. ungrazed fields) had variable effects on nest survival and cowbird parasitism among the bird species analyzed. Negative effects of grazing on daily nest survival of dickcissel and meadowlarks were apparent, at least in some years. We found no direct effects of grazing on nest survival of mourning dove or grasshopper sparrow. Probability and intensity (cowbird offspring/nest) of cowbird parasitism in dickcissel nests was higher on grazed versus ungrazed sites but only in conservation practice (CP) CP2 (vs. CP25 fields). Parasitism probability of grasshopper sparrow nests by cowbirds was higher on grazed fields in the 2 years after introduction of cattle in 2017. Greater vegetative concealment around nest sites was associated with reduced cowbird parasitism of meadowlark and grasshopper sparrow nests and higher nest survival for grasshopper sparrows. Reductions in vegetative height caused by longer‐term or high‐intensity grazing might therefore have negative consequences for some grassland birds by increasing nest site visibility and exposure to cowbird parasitism. Our results indicate that cattle grazing in CRP fields during the nesting season might have some negative effects on reproductive success of some grassland bird species, at least in the short term; however, the potential improvements of structuring habitat to accommodate more grassland bird species and increasing landowner participation in the CRP are considerable.

The Status and Threats of Birds: A Case Study of Birds in Nayapul to Ghandruk Area, Kaski, Nepal

The purpose of this study is to quantify species diversity of birds in the study area and to explore the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the bird population. This study was carried out by using the fixed point counting method. The study area was situated in Annapurna Rural Municipality of Kaski district. A total of 147 bird species belonging to 46 families and 14 orders were identified in the study area. It was found that Muscicapidae was the largest family and Passeriformes the largest order. Among the reported species, 50% were residents, 31% were full-migrants, 18% were altitudinal migrants and the remaining were 1% nomadic. Habitats of birds included the forest 68%, the scrubland 17 %, the grassland 7% and the wetland 6 % of the study area. Similarly, the rocky area and artificial area covered 1% of the total species. The results showed that most of the bird species i.e. 136 were least concerned, 4 of them were nearly threatened, 3 of them were endangered, 3 were critically endangered and only one species was vulnerable. The most important threats included hunting and trapping, killing for fun, shift in crop production, use of insecticides and pesticides, improved storage devices, habitat destruction, developmental activities, tourism, buried carcasses and predatory.

Monitoring of small rock pools reveals differential effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on birds and mammals in the Calakmul region, southern Mexico

AbstractGreat attention has been drawn to the impacts of habitat deforestation and fragmentation on wildlife species richness. In contrast, much less attention has been paid to assessing the impacts of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife species composition and behaviour. We focused on natural small rock pools (sartenejas), which concentrate vertebrate activity due to habitat’s water limitation, to assess the impact of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on the species richness, diversity, composition, and behaviour of medium and large-sized birds and mammals in the highly biodiverse forests of Calakmul, southern Mexico. Camera trapping records of fauna using sartenejas within and outside the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) showed that there were no effects on species richness, but contrasts emerged when comparing species diversity, composition, and behaviour. These effects differed between birds and mammals and between species: (1) bird diversity was greater outside the CBR, but mammal diversity was greater within and (2) the daily activity patterns of birds differed slightly within and outside the CBR but strongly contrasted in mammals. Our study highlights that even in areas supporting extensive forest cover, small-scale chronic anthropogenic disturbances can have pervasive negative effects on wildlife and that these effects contrast between animal groups.

Bird diversity on shelf islands does not benefit from recent land‐bridge connections

AbstractAimResearch in island biogeography has long focused mainly on present‐day island configurations. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on islands’ past histories of land connection, shape and size. Moreover, continental islands (=shelf islands) have received less attention than oceanic islands, and species inventories from extremely small islands are lacking in many datasets. We examine the effects of sea‐level rise since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) on bird species diversity and composition of tropical shelf islands in Southeast Asia.LocationSundaland.TaxonBirds.MethodsWe compiled avifaunal island inventories for 94 islands using an exhaustive literature review of historic surveys of larger islands combined with our own comprehensive island surveys from both small and large islands. Using generalised least‐squares models with spatial autocorrelation, we assessed the importance of traditional biogeographical parameters including area, maximum elevation, distance from mainland and geographical isolation, along with post‐LGM effects of change in island area and duration since isolation. We also compared the species composition on similar‐sized shelf islands from two categories—recently submerged and unsubmerged—using non‐metric multidimensional scaling.ResultsPost‐LGM effects on species diversity are minimal and insular diversity is instead well explained by present‐day island characteristics, such as area, distance to mainland and proportion of land surrounding an island within a 10 km radius (Cox and Snell Pseudo‐R2 = 0.803). Avifaunal diversity is similar across recently submerged and unsubmerged small shelf islands.Main conclusionAvifaunal diversity on tropical shelf islands equilibrates rapidly after isolation, indicating that both extinction and immigration rates are high. In particular, a high immigration rate of dispersive species maintains diversity, especially on small islands. Over‐water dispersal is generally restricted to short distances among Sundaic birds. Consequently, the diversity of an island can be maintained by the presence of large or stepping‐stone islands near it.

Bird Species Abundance and Diversity in Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State

Forest is the most significant habitat for birds by supporting around 75% of all bird species while only 45% of all bird species have adapted to humans modified habitats. The research was conducted in the Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State, in other to determine the abundance, diversity and effect of habitat types on bird’s species diversity. Fifteen transects of 200m were laid in the three habitat types (riparian forest, farmland and residential area) using stratified random sampling method. The data collected were analysed using R console. Shannon Weiner diversity index was used to analyse species diversity while generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of the habitat variables on bird species diversity. The result showed a total number of 1466 individual birds belonging to 17 families and 60 bird species were sighted. The abundance of birds was highest in riparian forest (2252), farmland (1732) and Residential area (1094) with no significance difference (p=0.177). Species richness was higher in the riparian forest (57), farmland (49), and the residential area (44). It also revealed that bird diversity index was highly significant. Riparian forest had the highest diversity (4.77), and the species were more evenly distributed (0.6) as compared to the other habitat types. The higher the number of trees and canopy cover the higher the diversity of species as was observed in the riparian forest where forest species that weren’t seen in the other habitats were found. The farmland and residential areas also hold a considerable number of some generalist bird species due to some patches of vegetation found in the habitat. Therefore, conservation efforts should be directed towards keeping vegetation intact in human dominated areas, as it serves as repository for bird species which are ecologically important. Hence, planting trees (economic, fruit and ornamental) should be encouraged.

Diversity and activity of bird fauna in ephemeral river-created habitats in Amazonia

ABSTRACT Seasonal changes in runoff and inundation create river-habitats that are considered key to the diversity of Amazonian bird species. However, studies on avifauna in different riverine habitats remain scarce. We used camera traps to survey the avifauna in river-created habitats along 39 km of river in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. We examined the number of bird species detected and species composition in islands and margin banks, evaluated species–area relationships in these two habitats, and examined if the most abundant bird species have differences in activity pattern between habitats. Cameras recorded 21 bird species from 13 families (Accipitridae, Ardeidae, Bucconidae, Caprimulgidae, Cathartidae, Columbidae, Cracidae, Hirundinidae, Icteridae, Scolopacidae, Thraupidae, Threskiornithidae, and Tyrannidae). Species composition did not differ between habitat types but we found a discernible area effect, explaining as much as 84% on the number of species detected across island sites. Overlaps of activity pattern of bird species were high between habitat types, but differences in activity peaks were found for Molothrus oryzivorus and Pitangus sulphuratus while examining islands and margin banks. River-created habitats are relevant to Amazonian bird diversity and studies on these habitats must be increased to better understand their value across the Amazon.

Patch size does not always indicate bird species diversity: case in peri-urban tropical habitat in Riau, Indonesia

Larger patches generally are inhabited by higher species richness, including birds, as predicted by the island biogeography theory. The objective of this research was to reveal the response of bird species richness in different patch sizes in peri-urban habitat. The study site area was five patches (2 large patches near human activities, remote large patch with a small lake, small patch, corridor patch) of disturbed secondary shrub-forest in Riau University, Sumatra. Birds were observed using the standard point-counts in early morning and late afternoon (8 points/patch, 3 replicates, total 40 observation-hour) in March-April 2021. Species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H’), Chao species prediction, and Bray-Curtis similarity indices (B) were calculated. Total of 979 individual birds were observed, consisted of 68 species from 28 families with B ranged from 0.573 to 0.846. Large patch with lake in remote area had the highest species richness (S:39 species, Chao:54) and H’ (3.097). However, two large patches closed to human activities had the lowest number of species (S:27, Chao:30, H’:2.908, and S:23, Chao:32, H’:2.938, respectively), even lower than small patch (S:30, Chao:40, H’:2.925) or corridor patch (S:34; Chao:51, H’:2.724). Clearly human disturbance and micro-habitat diversity affect species richness in a local scale.

Spatial and temporal changes in the diet composition of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) in Slovakia comparing three historical periods

Abstract The author evaluates his own data on the food of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) in Slovakia using material he collected between 1975 and 2020. A total of 105,543 food items were identified in 254 samples taken at 136 localities. Mammals had the highest representation (Mammalia, 65 species, 58.4%), and the species composition of birds was diverse (Aves, minimally 140 species, 8.5%), but the common frog (Rana temporaria, 32.0%), from the lower vertebrates, is represented more abundantly. Invertebrates (Evertebrata, 0.1%) occurred in food residues only occasionally. The bulk of the samples were collected from eagle-owl nests. The samples were divided into three time periods (A–C), which differ in the manner of human land-use management: A up to the 1950s, with a smaller area of field plots and more extensive grazing in the uplands; B from the 1950s to the 1980s, during the Socialist period, with the concentration of agricultural production in large units; C the last 30 years, 1990 to 2020, with the gradual break-up of collective land management. The first period (A) is characterised by a strong dominance of frogs, particularly the European brown frog R. temporaria (44.6%), and a large share of small mammal species of the family Muridae (genera Apodemus and Mus). During the time of Socialism (B), eagle-owls adapted to hunting larger species of mammals and birds, and the share of frogs in their food fell by half (R. temporaria, 23.3%). With the decline in livestock production after 1990 (period C), the species diversity of birds increased: aquatic species and raptors in particular are on the rise. Successive overgrowth of pastures in the submontane zone is reducing the hunting territories of eagle-owls. The dominance of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) in their diet has gradually increased from period A (26.8%) to period C (37.3%). Data from eleven areas around Slovakia are evaluated separately for the three time periods. In period A, the highest proportion of frogs was in the Liptov region (R. temporaria, 68.2%), when eagle-owls nested deeper in the mountains. The proportion of frogs decreased towards lower areas, and in the Ponitrie (Nitra river basin) it was only 10.8%. At the same time, the share of M. arvalis and larger prey increased. A similar trend of increasing shares of larger prey towards lower locations also applied during the Socialist period (B). In the last 30 years (C), frogs in the higher river basins have given way to European water voles Arvicola amphibius and M. arvalis. In association with the progressive overgrowth of pastures, forest species such as the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank vole (Myodes glareolus) are increasingly prevalent, as are the white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) and various thrushes (Turdus sp.).

Short communication: Diversity of bird species in Air Telang Protected Forest, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Eddy S, Mutiara D, Mediswati RYT, Rahman RG, Milantara N, Basyuni M. 2021. Short communication: Diversity of bird species in Air Telang Protected Forest, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 5274-5279. Birds belong to the mangrove forest ecosystem, which is important biodiversity for life and must be maintained. This study aimed to examine the diversity of bird species in Air Telang Protected Forest (ATPF) which has experienced massive degradation. Birds' observation was carried out using the purposive sampling method by exploring predetermined areas with binoculars and cameras and direct observation. Birds were identified by analyzing their morphology, sound, and color. The research data obtained a total of 38 bird species that consist of 13 orders and 22 families. In addition, the results of this study obtained nine species of migratory birds and two species with near threatened (NT) status based on the IUCN Red List Category. This study is the first bird species inventory and identification research conducted in ATPF.

Features of formation bird population structure in Minsk in the time aspect

The structure of bird population of urbanized areas is determined by the diversity of habitats within the city, the diversity of bird species in suburban biotopes, and regional processes of dispersal of birds closely associated with human settlements. The analysis of the dynamics of the breeding bird species richness in Minsk showed that its formation progressed in different ways. All in all, since 1946, 141 bird species have been recorded nesting (including allegedly) in the territory of Minsk.The breeding bird assemblages is dominated by dendrophilous (45.0 % of all species) as well as wetland and semi-aquatic (29,3 %) bird species, with more than half of all the breeding bird species (50.3 %) associated with trees and shrubs. In different periods, the breeding bird species richness varied, by now, it has noticeably increased (from 77 to 132 species). This happened due to the expansion of the administrative boundaries of the city with the inclusion of bird species of suburban habitats, an increase in the diversity of habitats suitable for bird nesting (for example, the formation of large water bodies) as well as due to active colonization of urban ecosystems by various bird species. At the same time, after 2000, 9 bird species stopped nesting and 17 bird species started nesting. Active processes of synurbization of some bird species on the European continent observed in recent decades have become the reason for the addition of new species to the avifauna in Minsk, although the basis of the current structure of bird population was formed back in 1986–1999. At the same time, the synurbized groups of various bird species may be of autochthonous, allochthonous, or mixed origin.

Ecology and Epidemiology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in the Northeastern United States: An Historical Perspective.

In the current review, we examine the regional history, ecology, and epidemiology of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) to investigate the major drivers of disease outbreaks in the northeastern United States. EEEV was first recognized as a public health threat during an outbreak in eastern Massachusetts in 1938, but historical evidence for equine epizootics date back to the 1800s. Since then, sporadic disease outbreaks have reoccurred in the Northeast with increasing frequency and northward expansion of human cases during the last 20 yr. Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae) serves as the main enzootic vector that drives EEEV transmission among wild birds, but this mosquito species will occasionally feed on mammals. Several species have been implicated as bridge vectors to horses and humans, with Coquilletstidia perturbans (Walker) as a leading suspect based on its opportunistic feeding behavior, vector competence, and high infection rates during recent disease outbreaks. A diversity of bird species are reservoir competent, exposed to EEEV, and serve as hosts for Cs. melanura, with a few species, including the wood thrush (Hlocichia mustelina) and the American robin (Turdus migratorius), contributing disproportionately to virus transmission based on available evidence. The major factors responsible for the sustained resurgence of EEEV are considered and may be linked to regional landscape and climate changes that support higher mosquito densities and more intense virus transmission.

Species diversity of birds as bioindicators for mangroves damage at Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Mandalika in Central of Lombok, Indonesia

The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was designated as a tourist area in 2015. The development of the Mandalika area directly impacts the sustainability, diversity of species, especially birds that make mangroves their habitat. The study aims to investigate the value of bird species diversity in mangrove habitats as bioindicators. Furthermore, the research has been carried out for three months, from March to May 2021. Research data collection uses the roaming method, and data analysis uses bird community structure analysis (Diversity Index). In this study, 33 species of birds were found. Furthermore, it was found that six species of birds are protected wildlife. In addition, 16 are migratory birds, and 27 are Least Concern (LC) bird species; four species have Near Threatened (NT) status. Meanwhile, the Index of bird community structure is H’ 2.7, uniformity E 0.8, and dominance C 0.9. The value of the bird community structure in the Mandalika SEZ shows the condition of mangrove habitat in the moderate damage category. Therefore, there needs to be an effort to preserve mangroves involving the community, government, and Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) area managers.

Bird diversity analysis in the lower mountain forest of mount Bulusaraung to support ecotourism’s activities in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park

Lower mountain forest in the complex of Mount Bulusaraung Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, is a one of bird’s habitat in the South Sulawesi. This area is a tourist destination, especially mountain climbing activities. Thus, it is necessary to know the diversity of animals, especially birds on this hiking trail, so that the information can be used to support ecotourism activities. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bird species in the complex of Bulusaraung Mountain, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to support ecotourism activities. This research was conducted from April to June 2018. Data was collected using the line transect method on three lines, namely the Balleanging, Kattokaddaro and Tompobulu lines. The second and third paths are hiking trails, while the rest are trails leading to community agricultural areas. The geographical position of the transect line was recorded using GPS. The GIS method was used to generate a bird watching trail map. Data analysis was carried out to calculate the individual density and frequency of bird presence. In addition, the species diversity indices, species evenness indices, and species richness indices were also calculated. The results showed that there were 44 species of birds found in the study area, which were 16 species in the Balleanging line, 27 species in the Kattokaddaro line and 37 species in the Tompobulu line. The highest bird species diversity indices value was found on the Tompobulu line (H' = 2.93), while on the Kattokaddaro line it was H' = 2.73 and the Balleanging H' = 2.55. The results of this study will support the management strategy in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park in order to harmonize the conservation of biological resources through ecotourism activities that involve local communities to increase their economic income.

Response of birds to high biodiversity silvopastoral systems: Integrating food production and biodiversity conservation through applied nucleation in southern Brazil

The quality of a landscape’s matrix is a key condition for the conservation of biodiversity and affects the diversity and composition of bird assemblages in agricultural landscapes with forest remnants. In southern Brazil most agricultural landscapes are a mosaic of cultivated areas, treeless pastures and forest remnants. These landscapes must be planned and managed for food production while synergically enhancing ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we compared the diversity and composition of bird species in High Biodiversity Silvopastoral Systems (SPSnuclei), treeless pasture areas, forest edges and forest interiors. SPSnuclei is a type of silvopastoral system (SPS) whose design was inspired by applied nucleation reforestation techniques using multispecies agroforestry nuclei. In this study, we sought to understand the influence of the SPSnuclei on the diversity and composition of birds by comparing SPSnuclei to treeless pasture areas, forest edges and the forest interior. We hypothesize that multispecies agroforestry nuclei would restore some of the ecosystem biodiversity, and therefore resilience. To quantify bird diversity, sound recorders were installed simultaneously within these habitats during the spring and summer of 2016 and 2017 on three dairy farms. We identified calls from 108 bird species in 2400 min of recordings (600 min/habitat). The High Biodiversity Silvopastoral System increased the diversity of birds in the agroecosystem. Species richness was higher in the parcels with SPSnuclei compared to treeless pastures (P < 0,05). Although, species richness was smaller in the SPSnuclei than forest edge and interior of the forest remnants (P < 0,05). Eight species from the interior and forest edge were observed in the SPSnuclei, but not in the treeless pastures. This research presents evidence that SPSnuclei has positive effects on the diversity and composition of the avifauna in agricultural landscapes and could act as stepping stones that increase connectivity between forest remnants.

Bird Diversity in Rambut Island Wildlife Reverse Seribu Islands

Indonesia is one of the top priority countries in efforts to preserve biodiversity because it has the largest biodiversity in the world. Rambut Island Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve area with a wetland ecosystem type. This study aims to analyze the diversity of bird species in the Pulau Rambut Wildlife Reserve area. This research was conducted in May-July 2021. The method used for this study was a literature study. The diversity of bird species on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu is quite high, as indicated by 24 species of birds. The existence of the activities of the people of Untung Jawa Island is thought to have an influence on the diversity of bird species found on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu. Therefore, the role of BTNLKpS managers is needed to maintain the preservation and diversity of bird species found on Rambut Island, Kepulauan Seribu.

The diversity of bird species based on the altitude of the protected forest area in Sirimau Mountain in Soya Village - Ambon City

This study is aimed to discover the diversity of bird species based on the altitude of the area and to discover the impact of vegetation as habitat towards the diversity of bird species in protected forest area in Sirimau Mountain in Soya Village located in Ambon City. The method used to discover the diversity of birds was the IPA-method (Indices Ponctuels d’Abondance) while observing the vegetation used the CSS-method (Continous Strip Sampling) alongside the observation paths. The protected forest consists of three area of different altitudes, namely 300 meters above sea level (masl), 400 masl and 500 masl. The bird species found in the protected forest area in Sirimau Mountain in Soya Village as a whole were 16 species. The forest area at 300 masl was found 14 bird species with diversity index (H’) of 2.57, the forest area at 400 masl was found 12 bird species with diversity index (H’) of 2.42, while the forest area at 500 masl was found 11 bird species with diversity index (H’) of 2.10. There were 8 bird species found in every area of three different altitudes that were dominant such as Perling Ungu (Aplonis motalica), Walet Sapi (Collocalia esculenta), Perkicit Pelangi (Trichoglossus haematodus), Pergam Laut (Ducula bicolor), Sesap Madu Sriganti (Nectarinia jugularis), Srigunting Lencana (Dicrucus bracteatus), Nuri Pipi Merah (Geoffreyus geoffreyi) and Tekukur Biasa (Streptopelia hinensis). Meanwhile, the dominant types of vegetation found in the area were Damar (Agathis sp.), Kayu Merah (Eugenia jambolana) and Meranti (Shorea sp.)

Urban landscape for birdwatching activities

Urban landscapes are usually dominated by built spaces and human-made vegetation, which different from natural landscapes. This difference will affect the composition of birds that can be found in the urban landscape. For birdwatchers, birds are the main object in birdwatching activities. The objectives of this paper were to analyze the feasibility of urban landscapes for birdwatching activities and find out the characteristics of urban landscapes favored by birdwatchers in four cities in Java (Bogor, Sukabumi, Bandung, and Surabaya). Birdwatchers’ site preference and perception were surveyed through online questionnaires in February through May 2020 (n=1,247 respondents). Surveyed data revealed that birdwatching sites’ size varied between 0.05 and 76.82 ha, mainly urban forests and city parks. Most of the urban landscape was habitat to various bird species typical of the urban landscape (e.g., Eurasian tree-sparrow, Cave swiftlet, Black-headed Bulbul). Raptors (e.g., Black-thighed Falconet) are found in several locations. Among the respondents, 25 % (n=309) had previously conducted birdwatching activities in urban landscapes, while 72.0% (n=808) expressed their interest in birdwatching in urban landscapes, indicating that urban landscapes was feasible for birdwatching. The most favorite locations were the Bogor Botanical Gardens, Darmaga Research Forest (both in Bogor), Merdeka Field Park, Cikundul Agrotourism Area (Sukabumi), Bandung Zoo, Babakan Siliwangi City Forest (Bandung), Bungkul Park, and Flora Park (Surabaya). Characteristics of sites favored by birdwatchers were a shady area, not noisy location, and any facilities for birdwatching. The diversity of bird species did not became the main reason.

Evolutionary Dynamics and Epidemiology of Endemic and Emerging Coronaviruses in Humans, Domestic Animals, and Wildlife.

Diverse coronavirus (CoV) strains can infect both humans and animals and produce various diseases. CoVs have caused three epidemics and pandemics in the last two decades, and caused a severe impact on public health and the global economy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to understand the emergence and evolution of endemic and emerging CoV diversity in humans and animals. For diverse bird species, the Infectious Bronchitis Virus is a significant one, whereas feline enteric and canine coronavirus, recombined to produce feline infectious peritonitis virus, infects wild cats. Bovine and canine CoVs have ancestral relationships, while porcine CoVs, especially SADS-CoV, can cross species barriers. Bats are considered as the natural host of diverse strains of alpha and beta coronaviruses. Though MERS-CoV is significant for both camels and humans, humans are nonetheless affected more severely. MERS-CoV cases have been reported mainly in the Arabic peninsula since 2012. To date, seven CoV strains have infected humans, all descended from animals. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) are presumed to be originated in Rhinolopoid bats that severely infect humans with spillover to multiple domestic and wild animals. Emerging alpha and delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in pets and wild animals. Still, the intermediate hosts and all susceptible animal species remain unknown. SARS-CoV-2 might not be the last CoV to cross the species barrier. Hence, we recommend developing a universal CoV vaccine for humans so that any future outbreak can be prevented effectively. Furthermore, a One Health approach coronavirus surveillance should be implemented at human-animal interfaces to detect novel coronaviruses before emerging to humans and to prevent future epidemics and pandemics.