The Conservation Value of Traditional Durian Agroforestry Orchards for Birds and Frogs in Peninsular Malaysia

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jörn Fischer
• Subject Area: Ecology of Land Use
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 577658963

The global demand for durian (Durio spp.), a highly prized tropical fruit, has driven significant changes in agricultural practices, often leading to the establishment of large-scale monoculture plantations. These changes pose potential threats to biodiversity, including for birds and amphibians. This research aims to investigate the conservation value of traditional durian agroforestry orchards compared to monoculture durian plantations in Peninsular Malaysia. The study addresses key questions on how these different farming practices affect the diversity of birds and amphibians and identifies local and landscape-level factors that shape species richness and composition. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Badrul Azhar, who is based in Malaysia, and will be structured into four work packages (WP). WP1 quantifies and compares acoustic indices, such as acoustic diversity and entropy, across different durian cultivation methods. WP2 assesses and compares the species richness and composition of birds and amphibians across cultivation methods, with a particular focus on conservation priority species. WP3 investigates the correlation between acoustic indices and conventional biodiversity indices, while WP4 evaluates farmers' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards biodiversity conservation. The study will span eight states in Peninsular Malaysia: Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, Kedah, Penang, and Johor. A total of 168 recording stations will be established across these states, with continuous 24-hour acoustic monitoring conducted for five consecutive days at each station. The collected data will be analyzed using different combinations of multivariate statistics and regression modelling. The significance of this research lies in its potential to fill the critical knowledge gap regarding the ecological impacts of durian cultivation. The findings are expected to highlight the importance of traditional agroforestry practices in maintaining biodiversity and provide insights into sustainable agricultural practices.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Malaysia
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Badrul Azhar Md. Sharif