Bird Diversity Survey in Burapha University Area, Chon Buri Province

Species diversity and abundance of birds in Burapha University, Chonburi Province was monthly assessed by point count method from April 2013 to April 2014. There were 60 species of birds belonging to 36 families and 12 orders, of which Order Passeriformes has the highest number of species (33 species), followed by Order Ciconiiformes (7 species), Order Coraciiformes (6 species), Order Columbiformes (4 species), Order Apodiformes (2 species) and Order Cuculiformes (2 species), respectively. Based on seasonal status, 45 species were considered as resident, 14 as migrant, and 1 as passage migrant species. The average of species diversity index of bird community ( H’ ) in a year-round period of Burapha University was  2.44. The highest H’ was in October whereas the lowest H’ was in August ( H’ : 2.66 and 2.15, respectively). The number of species per category with respect to the frequency of species occurrence was 27 (abundant), 8 (common), 9 (moderately common), 5 (uncommon) and 11 (rare), respectively. Based on relative abundance, the most abundant species was Rock Pigeon ( Columba  livia ),  followed  by  Eurasian Tree Sparrow  ( Passer montanus ), Zebra Dove  ( Geopelia striata ),  Common Myna ( Acridotheres tristis ) and White-vented Myna ( Acridotheres grandis ). According to the IUCN Red List of threatened species, two species, Red-breasted Parakeet ( Psittacula alexandri ) and Brown-throated sunbird ( Anthreptes rhodolaemus ), were classified as Near Threatened while based on bird conservation status of Thailand two species, Hill Myna ( Gracula religiosa ) and Baya Weaver ( Ploceus philippinus ), were classified as Near Threatened. Above all, findings highlighted that Burapha University provides important urban greenery for conservation of avian biodiversity. It is finally recommended to conduct long-term monitoring of bird diversity and to limit human disturbance in order to maintain bird biodiversity. Keywords : diversity, bird, Burapha University, Chon Buri, Eastern Thailand