Avifauna at garden area of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Abstract

Study of avifauna was conducted using point observation method for six months at garden area of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Terengganu starting from July 2006 until December 2006. The objectives of the study were to identify the diversity of birds at garden area and to enrich the existing checklist of birds. A total of 1384 sightings represent 32 species and 20 families were observed. The most frequent observed bird species was the Peaceful Dove (Geopelia striata) with 307 sightings (22.2%) while the least observed bird species were Greater Flameback (Chrysocolaptes lucidus) and Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) with one sighting (0.1 %) respectively. Family Halcyonidae recorded the most frequent species observed, with 102 sighting (7.4%) from four species. December recorded the highest number of species and family appearance with 25 species (78.1 %), 18 families and 328 sightings. Most of the bird species observed was totally protected (75.0%) and resident species (71.9%) according to Wild Life Act 1972. Based on daily observation, the 30 day showed the highest sighting with 17 species. The present of avifauna advocated there were resources utilization in garden area such as source of food, types of vegetation structure, weather condition, human activities and also including migration season.