Effect of environmental and human use factors to abundance of green peafowl Pavo muticus at Huai Tab Saloa and Huai Songtang, Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuary, Uthai Thani province

Abstract

In Thailand, green peafowl (Pavo muticus) is classified as an endangered species, according to population declining caused by losing, destruction and fragmentation of habitat and human persecution. The abundance and habitat utilization of green peafowls were studied during January to December 2008 at Huai Tab Saloa and Huai Song Tang river basin, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani Province. The objectives of this study are to investigate the habitat characteristics which the green peafowls used in foraging, dusting, roosting, breeding, and nesting, and to suggest a management plan for habitat restoration and conservation. Results showed that four habitat types were used by the green peafowls to consisting of mixed deciduous forest, secondary forest, dry dipterocarp forest and bamboo forest near permanent riverine with sand bar. The foraging time in rainy season (May-October) and dry season (November-April) started at 07.00 a.m. and 08.15 a.m., respectively. The characteristics of dust bathing area were loamy sand soil type, low density of tree and understorey (0.167 and 1.515 individuals/m2), medium canopy cover (44.4%) and high illuminated intensities (748 lux). Green peafowl roosting habitat was characterized by high and large trees, medium canopy cover (61.667%) and 19 - 30 meters of tree height at riverside. The characteristics of mating area were sparsely canopy covers (18.75%), low understorey structure and density (26.406% and 1.863 individuals/m2) and low tree density (0.091 individuals/m2). The nesting area characteristics were high understorey vegetation structure (63.438%) and canopy cover (65.0%). Recommendations for conservation planning of the green peafowls are first, separating preserved and recreation area; second, developing landscape management in buffer zone for recreation ecotourism; third, monitoring green peafowl population regularly and expanding the protected area which green peafowls are found; forth, constructed more permanent water resources within the area of large number of green peafowls tracts are found; fifth, promoting awareness programs for the youth and villagers and sixth, promote the efficiency of law enforcement.