Comparison of Species Composition in Three Forest Types: Towards Using Bird as Indicator of Forest Ecosystem Health

Based on the study of understorey birds, this research examined the changes in species composition and abundance in three forest types namely primary forest, 5 and 10-year-old logged forest. Results indicated that the edge or secondary bird species, many of which belong to frugivore/insectivore and nectarivore/insectivore guilds, had increased in number in the logged forests. In contrast, the interior forest species, in particular insectivores decreased in the logged forests. This study suggested that the most resilient and adversely affected species due to logging activities are suitable to be used as indicators of forest ecosystem health.