A Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Xuan Lien Nature ...

Section 2 - Site Features
although only one specimen was obtained from local hunters. The species requires rocky, montane
forest habitat, which is widespread in the area.
2.11 Birds
The field survey recorded 134 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 30 families in the study area. Of
the 134 bird species recorded, two are listed as globally threatened (Collar et al. 1994) (Table 9).
Two endemic bird species were recorded during the field survey: Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler Jabouilleia
danjoui and Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri, which are endemic to Vietnam and Laos.
Table 9: Endemic and Globally Threatened Bird Species Recorded in the Study Area
Species Scientific Name Endemic Current Status as per
Species Collar et al. 1994
Megalaimidae
1. Red-vented Barbet Megalaima lagrandieri EL
Sylviidae
2. Short-tailed Scimitar Babbler Jabouilleia danjoui EL VU
3. Short-tailed Parrotbill Paradoxornis davidianus VU
Follows Inskipp et al. (1996).
Notes: VU = Vulnerable as per Collar et al. (1994). EL = Endemic to Vietnam and Laos.
Bird Records
Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis. A group of three Great Hornbills was observed along the Ken River.
The bill of a female Great Hornbill, caught in the upstream area of the Ken River, was seen in a hunter’s
house.
Brown Hornbill Anorrhinus tickelli. Foraging birds of this species were seen and heard at the foot of Ta
Leo mountain (19 o 51’53"N 105 o 11’32'’E). Many specimens of tail and wings were found in hunters’
houses in Ban Vin village.
Habitat Distribution of Bird and Mammal Species
The composition of the bird and mammal communities varies according to habitat type:
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(a) Pure Bamboo Forest. The diversity of both mammal and bird species in this habitat is low.
The only common mammals are squirrels and other rodents. Common birds include
White-headed Babbler Gampsorhynchus rufulus, Short-tailed Parrotbill Paradoxornis
davidianus, Striped Tit-babbler Macronous gularis and several species of woodpecker
(Picidae). Pale-headed Woodpecker Gecinulus grantia is one of the few bird species restricted
to this habitat type.
(b) Mixed Bamboo and Broadleaf Evergreen Forest. Several civet species are found in this
habitat, including Binturong Arctictis binturong, Masked Palm Civet Paguma larvata and
Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermapharoditus. Common bird species include Brown
Hornbill, Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus, Black-throated Laughingthrush
Garrulax chinensis, Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis and several species of
woodpecker and drongo (Dicrurus spp.).
(c) Primary Forest. This habitat supports the greatest diversity of mammals and birds. Mammals
found in this habitat type include Gaur, Asiatic Black Bear, Sun Bear, White-cheeked