Do Birds Indicate the Quality of Green Space?
Created By RISC | 2 years ago
Last modified date : 2 years ago
Tall concrete structures, noisy traffic, and large crowds make cities unsuitable for many wild animals and can reduce biodiversity. But urban green space can still attract some wildlife.
Urban green space feature various types of vegetation and include parks, green roofs, or even wasteland. Some animals will come and use the space as a habitat, food source, or nursery because they can adapt to live there.
So, what kinds of animals can live in cities?
Birds are a group of animals that do well in cities. They use resources in various ways and can find suitable food sources and habitats. They are therefore an indicator species for biodiversity. Studying urban bird species and behavior is critical for monitoring the quality of green spaces and planning space management for both people and animals to have a good quality of life.
RISC has collaborated with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University led by Asst. Prof. Pongchai Dumrongrojwatthana and Mr. Andaman Kaosung to study diversity and patterns of birds at The Forestias from October 2021 to April 2022.
Data was collected using point count surveys in three areas: the artificial forest surrounding the Pavilion, the artificial forest in the deep forest, and the green roofs. The Forestias was discovered to be home to 37 bird species. Most are resident but some are migratory, such as Oriolus chinensis, Lanius cristatus, and Arundinax aedon. Most birds forage in the ground cover and rest on woody plants. Birds primarily breed on woody plants. This behavior reflects the quality of green space in the project, which can support biodiversity. Long-term studies, however, are still required to obtain more comprehensive information that can be used in city planning to conserve life or to design other green spaces.
Story by Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division, RISC and Mr. Andaman Kaosung, Intern from Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University