Comparative study of bird species Richness between managed and Unmanaged paddy fields in Kampung Guar Chempedak, Guar Chempedak, Kedah

This study investigates bird species richness and abundance between managed and unmanaged paddy fields in Kampung Guar Chempedak, Kedah. Managed paddy fields involve active agricultural practices such as pesticide application and irrigation, whereas unmanaged fields are left fallow, allowing for the growth of diverse natural vegetation. Data was collected using the point count method, supplemented with field observations and vegetation surveys. A total of 16 bird species comprising 792 individuals were recorded in managed fields, compared to 21 species comprising 670 individuals in unmanaged fields. Biodiversity indices revealed that the Shannon- Wiener Index (H’) was 2.00 for managed and 2.80 for unmanaged fields. Similarly, the Margalef Index (Dmg) recorded values of 2.25 (managed) and 3.07 (unmanaged), while the Evenness Index (J’) was 0.72 (managed) and 0.92 (unmanaged). These values indicate significantly higher species richness and a more balanced species distribution in unmanaged fields.