Philip D. RoundGeorge A. GaleWarren Y. BrockelmanMahidol UniversityKing Mongkuts University of Technology Thonburi2018-08-202018-08-202006-08-01Biodiversity and Conservation. Vol.15, No.9 (2006), 2873-289115729710096031152-s2.0-33749011986https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/22876The avifauna of a mixed fruit orchard and nearby isolated forest patch on the mountain of Khao Luang, southern Thailand, was compared with that in natural forest. The orchard was about 75% as rich in bird species as the forest and was dominated by smaller frugivores, nectarivores and widespread generalists. Sundaic birds contributed 26% of sightings in the orchard, and understorey insectivores were poorly represented. The avifauna of the 4.5-ha forest patch was similarly depauperate and bore greater resemblance to that in the orchard than to that in forest. These results have implications for management since increasing emphasis is being placed upon the rights of local communities to manage and exploit resources in protected areas. While agricultural diversification may assist in restoring modest levels of diversity in areas already degraded or committed to human use, it should not be seen as a substitute for conventional protection of forest and wildlife through exclusion of such use. © Springer 2006.Mahidol UniversityAgricultural and Biological SciencesEnvironmental ScienceArticleSCOPUS10.1007/s10531-005-2006-7