Bird’s species response to the ex-coal mining reclamation stages

Abstract

Abstract Birds played an essential role in the life cycle. This study aimed to determine the bird diversity in coal mining reclamation areas with different ages of reclamation plants: one, four, and eight years old, located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The bird diversity was determined using two methods: direct observation and capture-released using mist nets. The birds captured by mist nets were identified, and morphometric measurements were conducted. The results showed 26 species of birds found in this study. Birds species were dominated by Blue-throated bee-eater (Merops viridis), Yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), Asian-glossy starling (Aplonis panayensis), and Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus). The bird’s diversity in the reclamation area with four years of reclamation plants was higher than the other areas. However, the number of birds in the reclamation area with eight years of reclamation plants was the highest. Differences in habitat conditions in the three research areas might cause a low similarity index of bird diversity. Javan myna and Yellow-vented bulbul were found in all research sites. In conclusion, pioneer bird species were observed during the early process of post-coal mining reclamation. The existence of cover crops was essential as a source of food for the birds and nests.