Abstract. Kanka P, Sukmasuang R, Duengkae P, Siripattaranugul K. 2023. Abundance and physical factors affecting the appearance of selected terrestrial birds in Khao Yai National Park using camera trapping. Biodiversitas 24: 222 232. This study used results from camera traps set for Dhole (Cuon alpinus) and their prey during 2017-2020 in Khao Yai National Park to assess the species richness of ground-dwelling birds and identify abundance and also temporal appearance of the species in the area. We selected only the Pheasant species that typically forage on the ground to investigate the physical factors affecting the appearance in Khao Yai National Park. Based on camera trapping data with a total of 4139 trap days, 115 camera locations showed 36 species of birds belonging to 21 families, and 13 orders of ground-dwelling bird species were recorded. Siamese Fireback (Lophura diardi), Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), and Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera) were detected with an abundance index of 10.65%, 7.27%, and 1.84%, respectively. The ground-dwelling bird abundance index from the camera traps accounted for 26.85% of the total fauna. Although the Phasianidae were found to be diurnal species, this study also shows a statistically significant difference in the average time between Red Junglefowl and Siamese Fireback. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference between Red Junglefowl and Silver Pheasant during their active time. The water sources showed a significant effect on the presence of the Siamese Fireback in data analysis; however, no physical environmental factors significantly affected the distribution of Red Junglefowl and Silver Pheasant. This study found that surrounding creeks and streams significantly impacted the appearance of the Siamese Fireback. As a result, area management needs to prevent and reduce disturbances along a creek in order to effectively manage the habitat of the Siamese Fireback and other wildlife.

Pla-ard M, Hoonheang W, Kaewdee B, Panganta T, Charaspet K, Khoiesri N, Paansri P, Kanka P, Chanachai Y, Thongbanthum J, Bangthong P, Sukmasuang R. 2021. Abundance, diversity and daily activity of terrestrial mammal and bird species in disturbed and undisturbed limestone habitats using camera trapping, Central Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: 3620-3631.  This study on the abundance, diversity and daily activity of terrestrial mammal and bird species was conducted in the limestone mountainous area of Central Thailand, located on the east of Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai forest complex. Camera traps were placed in both habitats disturbed by limestone mining and undisturbed habitat areas. From the study, a total of 38 species of mammals and birds from 27 families in 13 orders were recorded, including 15 species of mammals from 6 orders, 12 families and 23 species of birds from 14 families in 7 orders. Fifteen species of mammals were recorded in the undisturbed area and 11 were recorded in the disturbed area, with the Malayan Pangolin, Small Indian Civet and Grey-bellied Squirrel found in the undisturbed area. However, the number of bird species in the limestone mining area was larger than in the undisturbed area. It was also found that there was no difference in the overall abundance and diversity of mammalian species between disturbed and undisturbed areas, which is not in accordance with the hypothesis. But in the case of wild birds, the relative abundance of wild birds was found to differ significantly between areas. A high number was found in the areas with mining activities, although there was no difference in the diversity index of the two areas. However, it was found that when the combined data was analyzed, there was a significant difference in the daily activity of both mammals and wild birds in both areas. Many rare wildlife species were recorded during this study, for example, the Malayan Pangolin, Serow, Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Rufous Limestone-babbler, Golden Jackal, Leopard Cat, Large-toothed Ferret Badger, Small Asian Mongoose, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Malayan Porcupine. The key measure proposed is to preserve some natural habitats within the areas with mining activities, as wildlife remains in the area.