SPECIES DIVERSITY AND HABITAT USE OF BIRDS IN NATURE TRAILS ALONG THE SEACOAST AS NATURAL LEARNING SOURCES AND ECOTOURISM SOURCES IN BANG KAEW SUB-DISTRICT, MUANG DISTRICT, SAMUT SONGKHRAM PROVINCE

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the diversity of birds in nature trails along the seacoast in Bang Kaew sub-district, Muang district, Samut Songkhram province. The objective of this research was to study the diversity, abundance, and nature of the activities of birds that come to use the area in order to recommend learning activities and ecotourism in the research area. From June 2020 to May 2021, data was collected through field surveys on natural trails and at 8 survey points. The data was analyzed to examine the diversity and abundance of birds. The research found that there were 8 orders, 30 families, and 71 species of birds. It was 3.20, according to the Shannon Diversity Index. The maximum number of 26 bird species in the order of Passeriformes was found. In the migration season from June to September, the research found that there were 44 species of birds. During the migration season from October to May, 66 species of birds were recorded. A maximum of 40 bird species were recorded at survey point No. 7 (viewpoint). According to the abundance index, 11 bird species were at level 5 of abundance, which was 15.49% of all birds. In terms of bird seasonal status, 36 resident birds, 9 resident and 26 migratory birds were found. During the migration season, there were 16 shorebird species and 3 seabird species. In terms of threatened status, which had almost been near-threatened (NT), there were 4 bird species, namely Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper, and Red-necked Stint. The activities and habitat use of birds in the area were nesting and foraging. During the migration season, the maximum number of 24 species of insectivorous birds, 17 species of piscivorous birds, and 17 species of benthic invertebrate feeders were found. Birds are a measure of the balance of nature and the abundance of biological resources and food sources in ecosystems. Therefore, the nature trails near the seacoast in Bang Kaew Sub-district, Muang District, Samut Songkhram Province could be developed for learning activities and ecotourism activities in the coastal ecosystem.