Hornbills and Great Argus of Khlong Saeng
KHLONG SAENG · BIRDLIFE
Hornbills and Great Argus of Khlong Saeng
The Khlong Saeng–Khao Sok forest complex is recognised in scientific literature as an important hornbill landscape, while research inside Khlong Saeng has shown that Great Argus abundance can be lower near the reservoir shoreline than deeper in the forest.
Hornbills are among the most recognisable forest birds of the Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake landscape.
A Hornbill Hotspot
A national assessment of hornbill distribution and conservation identified Khlong Saeng–Khao Sok among Thailand's hornbill hotspots. In that modelling study, approximately 96% of the forest complex was predicted to provide potentially suitable hornbill habitat, the highest proportion among the 12 protected-area complexes assessed.
Why Hornbills Matter
Hornbills depend on forest resources including large nesting trees and seasonal fruit. Their movements connect different parts of the forest, and their presence helps communicate the ecological value of large, mature and connected habitat.
Great Argus Research
Researchers surveyed Great Argus in Khlong Saeng in 2017 using line transects along reservoir edges and in forest interior. Their model estimated 108 individuals within the sampled framework, with substantial uncertainty, and found abundance increasing with distance from the reservoir shoreline.
What the Shoreline Effect Means
The study suggests that reservoir-edge conditions and associated disturbance can affect a forest species even when substantial habitat remains nearby. It is another reminder that the visible edge of the lake is not ecologically equivalent to deeper forest.
Birding From a Boat
Boat-based observation can reveal hornbills, raptors, kingfishers and canopy movement, but many forest specialists are more readily detected by sound or within forest habitat. A boat trip therefore samples only part of the bird community.
Listen as Much as You Look
In tropical forest, calls often reveal animals before they are visible. Quiet travel improves the chance to hear gibbons and birds and also reduces disturbance.
KEY FACTS
GOOD TO KNOW
Khlong Saeng–Khao Sok: identified hornbill hotspot | Great Argus study: February–April 2017 | Survey design: reservoir edge + forest interior transects | Main lesson: forest interior and edge are ecologically different
The Great Argus estimate belongs to the study's sampled area and model, not a current census of the entire sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khlong Saeng good for hornbills?
The wider Khlong Saeng–Khao Sok forest complex is identified in scientific literature as an important hornbill hotspot.
What is a Great Argus?
Great Argus is a large forest pheasant of Southeast Asia whose loud calls and sensitivity to habitat conditions make it an important species for ecological research.
Can Great Argus be seen from the lake?
They are forest birds and are often more readily detected by calls than by casual boat observation. Sightings cannot be promised.
Why are hornbills important?
They depend on forest structure and fruit resources and can play important ecological roles as seed dispersers.
Does the reservoir affect birds?
Research on Great Argus in Khlong Saeng found lower abundance near the reservoir shoreline than farther into forest, indicating an edge-related effect for that species.