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The status of Gurney's Pitta Pitta gumeyi, 1987–1989

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2010

Adam Gretton ,
Marcus Kohler ,
Richard V. Lansdown ,
Tim J. Pankhurst ,
John Parr  and
Craig Robson
Adam Gretton
Affiliation:
Cosford Hall, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP76DR, U.K..
Marcus Kohler
Affiliation:
10 Higher Drive, Banstead, Surrey SN41PF, U.K.
Richard V. Lansdown
Affiliation:
Sir William Halcrow& Partners Ltd, Burderop Park, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 oQD, U.K.
Tim J. Pankhurst
Affiliation:
The Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust, Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK419SH, U.K.
John Parr
Affiliation:
c/o National Parks Division, Royal Forest Department, Phahon Yothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Craig Robson
Affiliation:
63 Stafford Street, Norwich NR23BD, U.K.
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Summary

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Fieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was carried out over three field seasons. Fourteen sites were surveyed, at four of which the species was found. The main site (where it had been rediscovered in 1986) held 24–34 pairs, 12–18 of which were in the 500 ha study area. A second site held 3-6 pairs (but it is thought unlikely that this population still exists today), whilst the other two sites held only two pairs each and were thought to have negligible chances of survival. All territories were in semi-evergreen rainforest, below 150 m altitude. The current population i s probably some 20–30 pairs, with territories still being lost annually to deforestation. This is currently the total known world population; it is possible that the species may survive in southern Burma, but no recent surveys have been undertaken there. Furthermore, massive deforestation caused by Thai timber companies has been reported from Burma during 1988–1993. The interpretation of census results are discussed, particularly with reference to social organization and calling seasonality. The determined protection of the one remaining site supporting a viable population will be essential if the species is to survive into the next century.

Type
Research Article
Information
Bird Conservation International , Volume 3 , Issue 4 , December 1993 , pp. 351 - 367
Copyright
Copyright © Birdlife International 1993

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