Density Estimation of Hornbills in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province

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Pornkamol Jornburom
Vijak Chimchome
Anak Pattnavibool
Pilai Poonswad

Abstract

Distance sampling (point transects) was conducted intensively to monitor the population of hornbill species in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Four species of hornbills live sympatrically, namely, the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus) and Brown Hornbill (Anorrhinus  tickelli). Only evergreen forest type was surveyed, as hornbills mainly inhabit this type of forest. Four transects, each 9 km in length were conducted, with each transect containing 45 observation points along the line at a spacing of 200 m. Observations were made at each point along the transect over eight visits during the breeding and non-breeding seasons from January 2004 to December 2005 and November 2008 to January 2009. Survey data included both direct sighting and acoustic detection of hornbills. Flying-over birds were recorded, but they were not included in the density estimation analysis. DISTANCE 5.0 software was used to estimate density. The results showed that the population density could be estimated for three hornbill species, the Great, Rufous-necked and Wreathed Hornbill, using only sighting data, but not for the Brown Hornbill due to low detection levels for this species. Density estimates in the non-breeding season were calculated for each species. Density estimation during the non-breeding season, based on sighting data only for the Great, Rufous-necked, Wreathed Hornbill was 5.279 (n = 71), 3.246 (n = 35) and 11.466 (n = 67) individuals/km2 respectively. Density estimation during the non-breeding season, based on sighting and acoustic data for the Brown Hornbill was 2.764 (n = 17). It is hoped that this monitoring model can be used as an effective system to estimate not only hornbill populations, but also for other important wildlife species in tropical forests.


 


Keywords:  density estimation, hornbill, distance sampling,  Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

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How to Cite
Jornburom, P. ., Chimchome, V. ., Pattnavibool, A. ., & Poonswad, P. . . (2022). Density Estimation of Hornbills in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province. Thai Journal of Forestry, 29(1), 1–11. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjf/article/view/255749
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