Coastal Waterbirds Diversity and Structure under Land Use Changes in the Northern Coast of Situbondo Regency, East Java

The coast is a suitable habitat for waterbirds, but changes in land use could negatively affect the life of these birds. The northern coast of Situbondo Regency, East Java Province, showed variations in land use quality. This study aims to analyze the interaction between changes in coastal land use that affect waterbird diversity and community structure on the coast. Waterbird density was recorded based on the point counts along a 100 m² transect at six stations, including Kampung Blekok, Tanjung Pecinan, Dubibir, Cemara, Banyuglugur, and Baluran National Park as the reference site. Land use quality in the coastal areas was determined by satellite imagery. Waterbird diversity was determined by the Shan-non-Wiener index, and habitat preference was determined by the Neu index. The results showed that Tanjung Pecinan and Kampung Blekok stations had characteristics similar to Baluran and provided favorable habitats for waterbirds. Dominated by high mangrove forests as well as agricultural and industrial areas, these stations supported waterbird life. The reference site (H’ 2.26) and Kampung Blekok (H’1.39) showed medium diversity. Kampung Blekok (wi 3.25), Cemara, and Tanjung Pecinan (wi 1.16 to 1.20) were favorable habitats for waterbirds. These mangrove stations should be preserved as habitats for waterbird life, including three red-listed IUCN species.