Bird Diversity and its Potential for Tourism Activities In Mandeh Mangrove Forest, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Avitourism is a form of tourism that focuses on bird watching in
their natural habitat. The existence of mangrove forests is very important in an
area because it is a habitat for various types of wildlife, especially birds. This
study aims to analyze bird diversity and its potential in tourism activities in the
Mandeh mangrove ecosystem area. This research was conducted from
February to April 2024. The method used was the point count method. Data
collection of bird species and numbers was carried out at 15 observation points.
The distance of each observation point is 150 meters with an observation radius
of 50 meters. Data collection was carried out for 10 minutes at each point.
Observations were conducted for four days, and continued with bird species
identification. Data analysis used was Shannon Wiener diversity index,
evenness index and richness index. The results found 32 bird species from 18
families. Dominated by the Apodidae and Estrildidae families. The diversity
index value is 2.17 with moderate index criteria. evenness index 0.63 which is
included in the uneven category and a wealth index of 4.96 with a high wealth
category. Birds that have ecotourism attractions found are 1 type of endemic
bird, not found raptor birds, 2 types of birds listed on the IUCN, 7 types of
melodious sound birds and 16 types of beautiful feathers, so that the Mandeh
mangrove ecosystem area has potential.