Setting a camera trap.

Birds are an important part of tropical ecosystems. Through processes of pollination and seed dispersal birds have an important role in both the sustainability of existing forests and the regeneration of degraded forests. Moreover, some predatory birds are keystones species whose existence influences the existence of other species in the ecosystem. Protecting bird populations helps to assure the balance of an ecosystem.

Kerinci Seblat National Park is one of the most important conservation areas for birds in Sumatra and recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) according to Birdlife International. The park supports 371 species of birds including 17 of the 22 species endemic to Sumatra (ICDP 2002), and is a favourite site for birdwatchers from around the world. However, the park is facing many threats including habitat destruction, poaching and lack of awareness which severely reduces the population of some species. Some birds are heavily sought for trade. The most commonly captured species are sold for the caged bird trade, and some species are caught as food. Unfortunately, this situation receives little attention among conservation practitioners in the region. If this continues, several rare and endangered species will soon vanish from the wild.

This project will be a part of a long term program for bird conservation in Kerinci Seblat National Park and surrounding areas. It will lay a foundation for future activities as well. Therefore, to make the proposed project contribute significantly to nature conservation, several activities will be carried out. Firstly, training will be conducted for local bird club members as the basis for forming the project’s team members. Secondly, we will conduct surveys of existing wild bird populations and biodiversity followed by market survey and investigation of bird poaching and trading in Kerinci and Sungai Penuh district. The study will help in monitoring, mapping bird distribution, identifying the network and level of threats, and developing strategies for the conservation. Secondly, educational materials will be produced and disseminated to a range of audiences including bird traders followed by school visits, and community/village meeting programs to raise public awareness about wild birds in the region.