Abstract:
The study objectives were to test: (1) the effects of
the edge-interior gradient on understorey insectivorous bird abundance,
density and diversity; (2) effects of environmental variables along an
edge-interior gradient at population level (i.e., on each sub-guilds and
species abundance); (3) possible effects of environmental structure along
an edge-interior gradient at community level (i.e., species richness,
diversity and total abundance). Fifteen hundred and four birds belonging
to 49 species were recorded. Species composition differed along the edge-interior
gradient at the guild and species level. The composition of insectivorous
birds was correlated with the latter measured environmental variables.
Based on bird-habitat associations along the edge-interior gradient, two
groups were distinguished. Arboreal foliage gleaning insectivores were
positively correlated with ground cover, light intensity, shrub cover
and percent of shrub cover between 0.5 and 2 m high. While terrestrial
insectivores, were sensitive to the forest edge and could indicate the
quality of forest interior habitats associated with high humidity, dense
canopy cover and deep litter depth. Forest remnants in the lowlands of
Peninsular Malaysia that have a deep leaf litter layer, a dense canopy
cover and high relative humidity are able to support insectivorous species
that are sensitive to edge effects. As such these forests have important
conservation value.
Hossein Varasteh Moradi, Mohamed Zakaria, Abdullah B. Mohd and Ebil Yusof, 2009. Insectivorous Birds and Environmental Factors Across an Edge-Interior Gradient in Tropical Rainforest of Malaysia. International Journal of Zoological Research, 5: 27-41.
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