Hydropower reservoir reduces Great Argus Argusianus argus density in proximity to its shore

Habitat degradation due to hydropower development within protected areas has a marked negative
effect on resident wildlife species. However, efforts to develop appropriate conservation and
management plans are hampered by a general lack of quantitative information and a poor understanding
of relevant ecological constraints. Great Argus Argusianus argus, a large galliform species
sensitive to habitat degradation, can reflect the impacts of the Chiew Larn reservoir in southern
Thailand on local wildlife. Great Argus abundance in the remaining lowland areas of Khlong Saeng
Wildlife Sanctuary (KSWS) was estimated using line transects along the Chiew Larn reservoir
edges and in the forest interior between February and April 2017. The population estimate for
KSWS was 108 individuals (95% CI: 41–272) based on the sampled area of 18.06 km2, with a
density estimate of 5.9 calling males/km2. The abundance increased with increased distance from
the reservoir shoreline, which might be related to the high level of direct and indirect human
disturbance close to the hydropower reservoir.