Noteworthy comments on birds for mega-diverse Myanmar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9317.17.2.26459-26467Keywords:
Biodiversity, distributional range extension, lack of information for conservation, new bird recordsAbstract
Myanmar, recognized for its rich biodiversity in South, Southeast, and East Asia, continues to unveil new avian taxa and record significant species range extensions. This study presents and analyzes bird observations from 2010 to 2023, emphasizing less accessible regions like the Hkakabo Razi Landscape, Shan States, Tanintharyi, and the Ayeyarwady delta. Utilizing audio-visual records, we document 13 bird species, including range extensions and novel sightings. Our findings highlight Myanmar’s critical role in avian biodiversity, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts. This research contributes to narrowing the knowledge gap on bird species distributions within Myanmar, revealing a thriving community of bird enthusiasts and the potential for future discoveries.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Swen C. Renner, Saw Moses, Lay Win, Thein Aung, Myint Kyaw, Saw Myat Ohnmar, Thiri Dae We Aung, Kay Thwe Myint, Sai Sein Lin Oo, Paul J.J. Bates, Marcela Suarez-Rubio

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