Statistical analysis of topographic characteristics and nest-site preference of the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) in Penang National Park, Malaysia

• Main Authors: Dauda Taofik Oyedele, Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah, Mohd Syafiq Masduqi Mohd Zainudin, Wan Mohd Muhiyuddin Wan Ibrahim, Nurul Salmi Abdul Latip
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Prince of Songkla University 2019-08-01
• Series: Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology (SJST)
• Subjects: ASPECT; slope; ruggedness; proximity; regrowth ± 6.3 m
• Online Access: https://rdo.psu.ac.th/sjstweb/journal/41-4/24.pdf

Penang National Park was surveyed to model nest-site selection of the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (WBSE) using the geographic information system of the study site (latitude 5 28 N 0  and longitude 100 10 E 0  ). Using two habitat variables (topographic and disturbance) nest-site selection analysis was carried out to examine significant differences between the sites used by the WBSE. A digital elevation model showed that the study area was characterized by high elevation (4500 ) with pockets of low elevation at the edges. Higher percentages of elevation clusters were obtained at the southern region of the study area (mean elevation, 92 m) and it was significantly lower than the mean elevation of the entire park (147). The average slope of the nest sites (22.5±7.0°) was significantly higher than the general average slope of random points (18.6±9.4°) in the entire park. The occupation-model gives a parsimonious prediction of the WBSE population in an area for biodiversity conservation.