Cavity-nesting birds in the forest patch around urban areas: A case study in Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract

Cavity-nesting birds lay eggs and raise chicks within their nest inside the cavities. The existence of cavity-nesting birds in nature has important ecological roles. This study aimed to identify and analyze cavity-nesting bird species in the tropical lowland forest patches, particularly in Bogor, West Java Province, Indonesia. The study was conducted in the forested area within the Dramaga Experimental Forest and the Dramaga Campus of IPB University. The cavity-nesting bird species were observed during September – December 2020 and September – December 2021. Each cavity-nesters observed was classified based on how to make and utilize the nesting site (i.e., primary excavator, facultative excavator, non-excavator) and their nest locations (i.e., nesting in the trees or other locations). We observed 12 cavity-nesters in the study area, consisting of 4 primary excavators, 2 facultative excavators, 3 non-excavators in the trees, and 3 non-excavators in the riverbanks. Cavity-nesting bird richness in the Dramaga Campus (12 species) was higher than in the Dramaga Experimental Forest (9 species). This study revealed that the two study areas still provide suitable habitats for cavity-nesting birds. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the presence of cavity-nesting birds and their habitat by initiating conservation efforts, such as habitat management, strengthening conservation actions and policies, and increasing public awareness.