Population and Distribution of Sumatran Frogmouth in Aceh

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@Bruce Wedderburn Sumatran Frogmouth - Batrachostomus poliolophus - Birds of the World

Sub-montane and montane forests. This area, with its rich forest cover, is suitable for the Sumatran Frogmouth, particularly at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters (Eaton et al., 2021).

The Sumatran Frogmouth (Batrachostomus poliolophus) is an endemic species to the montane forests of Sumatra, including various regions within Aceh. Here is a detailed account of its population and distribution in Aceh:

Population

The precise population size of the Sumatran Frogmouth in Aceh is not well-documented due to limited comprehensive studies. However, it is generally considered uncommon but regularly observed in suitable habitats. According to Eaton et al. (2021), the species is regularly observed in appropriate habitats across its range, suggesting a stable presence in areas where the environment remains undisturbed.

Distribution in Aceh

The Sumatran Frogmouth is distributed across several key locations in Aceh, primarily in areas with suitable montane and sub-montane forests. The following regions are notable for the presence of this species:

1. Gunung Seulawah

- Location: Southeastern part of Aceh, near the capital city Banda Aceh.

- Habitat: Sub-montane primary forests and mixed pine forests at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters. This area provides an ideal environment for the Sumatran Frogmouth due to its dense forest cover and minimal human disturbance (BirdLife International, 2024).

2. Gunung Leuser National Park

- Location: Spans across Aceh and North Sumatra.

-Habitat: Montane forests within the park, especially at higher elevations. This national park is a significant conservation area that supports the habitat needs of the Sumatran Frogmouth (BirdLife International, 2024).

3. Mount Goh Leumo

- Location: Central Aceh.

-Habitat: Sub-montane and montane forests. This area, with its rich forest cover, is suitable for the Sumatran Frogmouth, particularly at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters (Eaton et al., 2021).

4. Ulu Masen Ecosystem

- Location: Covers a large area in Aceh, including parts of the central and western regions.

- Habitat: Extensive primary forests at various elevations, providing a conducive environment for the Sumatran Frogmouth. This ecosystem is critical for the conservation of many endemic species, including the Frogmouth (Global Forest Watch, 2022).

5. Takengon Region

- Location: Central highlands of Aceh.

- Habitat: Montane forests in this highland area, particularly those that remain undisturbed by agricultural activities. The cooler climate and dense forest cover make it an ideal habitat for the Sumatran Frogmouth (Eaton et al., 2021).

6. West Aceh Forests

- Location: Western part of Aceh, including regions like Meulaboh.

- Habitat: Sub-montane and montane forests that provide suitable conditions for the species (BirdLife International, 2024).

Key Characteristics of Distribution

- Elevation Range: The Sumatran Frogmouth is typically found at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters, with occasional sightings at lower elevations around 600 meters (BirdLife International, 2024).

- Forest Type: Prefers sub-montane primary forests and mixed pine forests. These dense, undisturbed forests provide the necessary cover and food resources for the species.

Observations and Trends

- Commonality: While the Sumatran Frogmouth is considered uncommon, it is regularly observed in suitable habitats within these regions (Eaton et al., 2021).

- Habitat Protection:  Much of the suitable habitat in Aceh falls within protected areas, helping to safeguard the population from significant threats such as habitat loss due to agricultural expansion (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, 2022).

By maintaining and protecting these habitats, the Sumatran Frogmouth can continue to thrive in Aceh. Conservation efforts should focus on monitoring population trends, protecting existing forest cover, and promoting sustainable land use practices to ensure the long-term survival of this unique bird species.

References

1. BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sumatran Frogmouth Batrachostomus poliolophus. Downloaded from [BirdLife International] https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sumatran-frogmouth-batrachostomus-poliolophus on 02/07/2024.

2. Eaton, J. et al. (2021) Description of the Sumatran Frogmouth in the context of its habitat in Sumatra.

3. Global Forest Watch (2022) Data on forest cover loss in Sumatra. Based on Hansen et al. (2013).

4. UNEP-WCMC and IUCN (2022) Protected Planet: The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).