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2003 Gurney’s Pitta Survey in southern Tanintharyi Division

A preliminary survey for Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi was undertaken at five sites within the species’ historical range in the Tanintharyi (Tenasserim) Division of Myanmar from 14 to 24 May, 2003. During the surveys, Gurney’s Pittas were heard and or observed at four sites with a maximum of 10-12 pairs recorded at one site. Birds were encountered in logged primary and secondary forest below 100 m on flat ground, sometimes less than 10 m from forest edge. All encounters with Gurney’s Pitta were within 2 km of the main trans-Tanintharyi highway. Landsat satellite imagery was then used to map remaining lowland forests and Gurney’s Pitta habitat in the Tanintharyi Division. Our analysis demonstrates that only 4,705 km2 of lowland forest remain with about 3,496 km2 in flat area with slopes < 10 degrees. Based on previously reported population densities, these habitats may support a population of 5,152 – 8,586 pairs. Much of the remaining habitat is restricted to small and fragmented patches < 1 km2 in area. The five largest patches have a total area of 1,431 km2 and range in size from 137-467 km2.

This survey demonstrates that the Gurney’s Pitta still occurs within its historical range in Myanmar, although probably not at any of the historical collecting localities visited. The global population of Gurney’s Pitta is at least 100% greater than the latest published estimate. This survey also has shown that the Gurney’s Pitta populations in southern Tanintharyi Division are under pressure from forest conversion to oil palm. Contrary to the situation in neighboring Thailand, sufficient forest remains to establish landscape level protected areas covering a broad ecological continuum. Securing populations of Gurney’s Pitta within either expanded or entirely new protected areas must be the best chance for the species and the Sundaic flora and fauna of which it is part.

Largest population of Gurney’s Pitta found outside Myanmar’s proposed National Park in 2004

The 50,000 ha Ngawun Reserve Forest is the largest remaining block of level lowland forest in southern Myanmar and around 150 Gurney's Pitta contacts, a species sometimes called the 'Jewel-thrush' and one of the rarest and most beautiful birds on earth were made during the survey, but the actual population size will be far larger. The surveys were conducted by a team of conservationists from the Biodiversity And Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), the Department of Forests Kawthaung District, Tanintharyi Division and BirdLife International. The team identified this site using remotely sensed data provided under a Government of Myanmar and Smithsonian Institution project.

Ngawun Reserve Forest supports the largest population of Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gurneyi now remaining on the planet. Photo:Saw Moses

Jonathan Eames, Programme Manager of BirdLife International in the region and a member of the survey team, said "Our surveys show that Ngawun Reserve Forest is of international importance for Gurney's Pitta and other threatened species. The fact that Ngawun Reserve Forest is adjacent to the proposed Lenya National Park presents the Government of Myanmar with a tremendous conservation opportunity. If these areas were combined, through a modification of the proposed boundaries to Lenya National Park, it would conserve a representative example of the wildlife and forests that once cloaked southern Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand.” Dr Michael Rands, Director and Chief Executive of BirdLife International commented "The Government of Myanmar has already shown tremendous foresight in designating the two million hectare Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary earlier this year, and we hope that they can show a similar commitment towards conservation of this globally important area too. If invited, BirdLife would be delighted to join the Ministry of Forestry, other NGOs and concerned organizations to promote and secure the conservation of Ngawun Reserve Forest and the proposed Lenya National Park."

2003 Pink-headed Duck Survey in the Hukaung Valley, Myanmar

Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata is common on ox-bow lakes in the Hukaung
valley (Photo: J. C. Eames).

During the survey the team recorded the Endangered White-winged Duck Cairina scutulata almost daily, with a total of ten birds recorded in total, including a flock of four together on 18 November. The Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata was also common with a total of seven birds recorded. Green Peafowl was very common being seen in flocks of up to eight birds on the sandy banks of the Chindwin River. Other common ox-bow lake inhabitants included the Lesser Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga humilis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster and Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. More unexpectedly the team recorded Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, and flocks of migrating Black Storks Ciconia nigra and Common Cranes Grus grus.

Although the team did neither observe or find material evidence of the species we believe there is a high probability that the species still occurs in Kachin State, based on reports received during this and the previous survey undertaken last March. We base this belief on the fact that the area still supports extensive tracts of undisturbed lowland semi-evergreen forest, riverine, oxbow lakes and emergent aquatic vegetation, including grassland, combined with low human impacts on the landscape. Therefore the reasons cited for the decline of the species elsewhere, particularly landscape level agricultural conversion of natural habitat do not appear to apply to Myanmar. The historical occurrence of the species further west and east also suggests the species should occur in the area. BirdLife will undertake further surveys in the area during 2004. This project is supported by the Asia Bird Fund.