Estimating population size and distribution of Hume's Pheasant in northern Thailand
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Author list: Iamsiri A., Gale G.A.
Publication year: 2008
Journal: Raffles bulletin of Zoology (0217-2445)
Volume number: 56
Issue number: 2
Start page: 457
End page: 463
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 0217-2445
Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)
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Abstract
Hume's Pheasant, Syrmaticus humiae, is a poorly known species, currently classified as globally near-threatened. Population estimates are particularly difficult to obtain due to a low rate of detection in the field. In order to overcome these problems, we used a relatively simple quantitative habitat model to obtain an estimate of the Hume's Pheasant population in Thailand. Potential habitat of Hume's Pheasant was predicted based on a model derived from LANDSAT satellite images and field surveys. The predictive performance of the model was tested using historical records and field data collected from surveys and from local people. The models correctly identified all test areas where the pheasant was known to be present. In summary, total available habitat was estimated to be 2,667 km2, of which only 23% fell inside either national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. The total population was estimated at 1,245 individuals, assuming national parks and sanctuaries offer at least moderate protection and are more likely to harbour populations compared to other sites. While larger than previous estimates, it suggests that there is an urgent need to conduct additional surveys outside the protected area system to assess the species status and perhaps develop additional conservation actions for these populations. ฉ National University of Singapore.
Keywords
Habitat suitability model, LANDSAT, Syrmaticus humiae
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