Preliminary study on avian fauna and vertical tree structure at UiTM Pahang / Nor Ain Syaifudin

UiTM Pahang had diversity of birds that had not been documented yet. The
objectives of this study were to identify the current bird species present in the
study areas of UiTM Pahang Reserved Forest and oil palm plantation as well as to
determine the vertical tree structure in different habitat types. Point count method
and opportunistic method were used for bird identification in study areas. Types
of feeding guild were determined for each species recorded. A total of 20 species
representing 13 families of birds and seven orders were detected in UiTM Pahang.
Reserved Forest scored 19 bird species followed by palm plantation with six
species. A nearly threatened bird Chestnut-Bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus
sumatranus) was also found in the Reserved Forest. Comparison between these
two areas showed significant differences in vertical tree structure comprising of
foliage height density, canopy cover and diameter breast height. Complex
vegetation in the forest offers more niches with higher plant for nesting, fruits and
insects to support more bird species. It is suggested that vegetation structure of the
habitat seems to be one of the key features which influence the avian species.
Therefore, preservation of reserved forest is recommended due to its diversity and
the presence of nearly-threatened bird species.