Research & Article

A total of 326 bird species have been recorded from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province, since 1928. Of 265 species listed for the mountain by DEIGNAN (1945), 50 species were not found during 1978-84. It is suggested that more species were absent than can be accounted for by natural species turnover and that 10 medium-to-large species may have been extirpated or greatly reduced by hunting and a further 12 species by the loss of mixed deciduous forest from the surrounding plains. The apparent absence of 4 small, formerly common montane species may be due to the gross disturbance of their high elevation, evergreen forest habitat.

Illegal hunting, forest burning and the felling of larger trees continues to be practised by both Thai and Hmong people resident on the mountain and is likely to further bird reduce diversity within the park. Recommendations for improved protection are made.