Birds as provider of ecosystem services at Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

Abstract

Frugivores and nectarivores birds are known to provide ecosystem services in the form of pollination and seed dispersal. In the forest edge of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park the structure and species composition of birds was evaluated. Transects were set up at three different locations in the Pemerihan area, traversing both forest edge and agricultural gardens. Birds were surveyed using point counts, which were carried out during July-September 2012 in the Sumberejo-Pemerihan area of the national park. Vegetation surveys were also undertaken at each point. The results suggest a clear demarcation of habitat structure between forest edges and agricultural gardens, although encroachment was present in the forest edge. Bird diversity was similar between the two habitat types. Three common bulbul species characterized the bird composition along the forest edge. The presence of bulbuls as seed dispersers may indicate that natural regeneration is accelerated within the area.