The occurrence, distribution and abundance of shorebirds at Seberang Takir, Kuala Terengganu

Abstract

Shorebirds are birds that are able to adapt and evolve with the environment and make them successfully survive in the ocean area. Shorebirds generally feed at low tide and can be observed on beaches and brackish wetlands. Walk survey was conducted 11 times in September, October, November, 2012 and January, 2013 by using the GPS line transect in Seberang Takir coastline area. A total of 135 observations of shorebirds from seven families with seven different species have been observed during the whole survey which are Paddyfield pipit (Anthus rufulus), Greater sand plover (Charadrius leschenaultii), Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Common myna (Acridhotheres tristis), Blue-tailed Bee eater (Merops philippinus) and Swiftlet. There is statistically highly significant difference indicates from the walk survey for the whole sampling between the species observed (df = 7, p < 0.01, x2 = 323.229). Besides that, the walk survey also shows the distribution of shorebirds between morning and evening session is highly significant different from the most frequent observed species. The occurrence and distribution of shorebirds in the area are affected by the existence of new man modified habitat with the presence of grasslands and water break area. The other factors like pollution and human disturbance also affecting to the shorebird population in and details studies should be conducted to obtain enough scientific data about the occurrence, distribution and abundance of shorebirds in Seberang Takir.