Bandealit Mangroves Serve as an Important Habitat for Dozens of Bird Species
Research conducted by KERISDIMAS BIO-CON in 2022 within the mangrove ecosystem of the Bandealit Resort area, Meru Betiri National Park, revealed the high diversity of bird species inhabiting this coastal ecosystem. Using the point count method, the research team successfully recorded 38 bird species from 23 families, indicating that the mangrove ecosystem continues to function as an important habitat for a wide variety of birds.
Of the recorded species, the community consisted of 1 raptor species, 3 waterbird species, and 35 terrestrial bird species. The only raptor observed was the Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius), which occupies the role of a top predator within the food chain. Meanwhile, the presence of waterbirds such as the Purple Heron and Pacific Reef Heron further highlights the ecological importance of mangroves as wetland habitats that support the balance of coastal ecosystems.
In addition, the study also documented several protected bird species, including the Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), which is classified as Endangered, as well as the Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius) and the Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot (Loriculus pusillus). The presence of these species demonstrates that the Bandealit mangrove area possesses high conservation value and plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity sustainability.
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Black-thighed Falconet (Microhierax fringillarius)
Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot (Loriculus pusillus)
Terrestrial birds dominated the recorded community and represented various feeding guilds, including insectivores, frugivores, and piscivores. This finding indicates that mangrove ecosystems do not only support waterbirds, but also provide important habitats for forest birds and edge-habitat species. The availability of food resources from mangrove vegetation, insects, and aquatic organisms such as fish and crabs serves as a major factor supporting this high level of diversity.
Overall, these findings confirm that the mangrove ecosystem in the Bandealit Resort area plays a crucial role as bird habitat with a complex community structure. Therefore, mangrove conservation efforts are essential to ensure species sustainability and maintain the ecological balance of coastal environments.