Asian Journal of Conservation Biology, July 2019. Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58-71 AJCB: FP0104 ISSN 2278-7666 ©TCRP 2019 Avian Diversity in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, Philippines
Olga M. Nuñeza1*, Maria Luisa P. Non2, Edna P. Oconer2, Roderick C. Makiputin1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, 9200, Philippines 2Department of Biology, Mindanao State University- General Santos, General Santos City, Philippines
(Received: March 13, 2019; Revised: May 21, 2019; Accepted: June 05, 2019)
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess the species diversity and endemism of birds in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL). A combination of mist netting and transect walk methods was done in the six sampling sites of MMPL. Eighty-one bird species belonging to nine orders and 35 families with 35 endemic species consisting of 30 Philippine endemic and five Mindanao endemic (43.21% endemism) were documented. Species richness, abundance, and endemism were recorded to be higher in site 4 (undisturbed lowland dip- terocarp forest) while higher species diversity was recorded in site 2 (disturbed montane forest). The Philip- pine endemic species, Macronous striaticeps (brown tit-babbler) was the dominant and most abundant spe- cies. Bray-Curtis cluster analysis showed that sites 3 and 6 had the highest similarity percentage (>48%) while Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference between samples in disturbed and undisturbed sites. One vulnerable species, Ficedula basilanica (little slaty flycatcher) was recorded in sites 2, 4, and 5. Hunting and conversion of forest to farmland were the observed threats to the birds of MMPL.The presence of vulnerable species, the moderately high number of endemic species, and the presence of disturbance in- dicate the strong need for protection of the bird fauna and bird habitats in MMPL.
Keywords: biodiversity, birds, endemism, montane forest, lowland dipterocarp forest
INTRODUCTION group of islands and among the islands is Mindanao (Paguntalan et al., 2011). The Philippines is a treasure trove of biological diversity Mindanao, the second largest island in the coun- (Conservation International, 2011) with high species try has a total of 418 species of birds with 36 endemic richness (Steppan et al., 2003) and percentage of endem- species and 46 globally threatened species (Avibase, ism than any other biogeographic province in the whole 2016b). Birds play many roles as pollinators, predators, of the Indo-Malayan Realm (Turner et al., 2003). Over seed dispersers, scavengers, and ecosystem engineers 57% of species in the major faunal and floral groups (Whelan et al., 2008). Birds are also very useful indica- occur nowhere else in the world (Oliver & Heaney, tors of species richness and endemism patterns because 1996). The Philippines is also identified as one of 17 changes in bird populations provide a useful indication megadiverse countries (Sampang, 2008) hosting 70%- of broad environmental change (BirdLife International, 80% of the world’s biodiversity (Haribon Foundation, 2013). This reinforces the significant role of the birds in 2016). However, the high biodiversity and endemism the ecosystem. Hence, regular bird survey is essential in have been put to great pressure because of the different order to provide information that could help us in the anthropogenic disturbances (Myers et al., 2000). Rapid conservation and in the improvement of wildlife man- changes to the natural habitat of flora and fauna are due agement in the area. to agricultural development (Palakova et al., 2011). Several studies on birds have been conducted in Many groups of animals are affected because of anthro- Mindanao. Relox et al. (2011) documented 53 species pogenic disturbances (Paz et al., 2013). The Philippines in Mt. Hamiguitan and found that bird communities are is home to a high diversity of birds with high level of distributed based on vegetation at increasing elevation endemism (Haribon Foundation, 2014). Philippine birds in a tropical rainforest. Paguntalan et al. (2011) re- consist of 695 species where 241 are endemic, 54 spe- corded 142 bird species with 68 (47%) endemic in Zam- cies are vulnerable, 25 endangered, 16 critically endan- boanga. Cagod & Nuñeza (2012) found 88 species of gered (Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, 2018), and 93 birds in Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley. Sucal- are globally threatened (Avibase, 2018a). Thus, the high dito—Salibad & Nuñeza (2014) identified 124 species endemism and number of threatened species of birds in of birds in Agusan del Sur while Calimpong & Nuñeza the Philippines call for more effective ways of managing (2015) recorded 83 bird species of which 35 (42.17%) natural resources to conserve this avifauna (Haribon are endemic in Bega Watershed, Agusan del Sur. Mo- Foundation, 2014). In addition, many of these endemic hagan et al. (2015) in their study on the avifauna in and threatened birds are restricted to one island or a Four Long Term Ecological Research Sites in
*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: [email protected] 58 Nuñeza et al
Figure 1. Map of the Philippines (A) and Mindanao (B) showing the location of Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato (C) (Google Maps, 2018).
Mindanao (Mts. Apo, Kitanglad, Hamiguitan, and Malin- net days on August 19-23, 2013. Soil is loamy with thin dang) documented 65 bird species and found that each of leaf litter. Bodies of water like river and stream were the four LTER sites showcased a unique avian composi- observed in the area. Dominant understory flora was tion. Despite these studies, the diversity of birds in some “malaropit” (Elaeocarpus sp.) while dominant tree was of the forests in Mindanao remains poorly studied. “buyo-buyo” (Piper arborescens). Emergent trees were Mt. Matutum, a protected landscape located in Ficus ulmifolia and Erythrina subumbrans. The sampling Mindanao is one of the mountains in the country which area was adjacent to a corn field and orchard dominated has no published studies in terms of avifaunal diversity by fruiting durian trees (Durio zibethinus) and coffee. despite having forest cover that stands at 1,290 to Site 2 was located at Glandang, Tupi, South Cota- 2,270m (BirdLife International, 2018). The only pub- bato (6˚21’4.1’’N, 125˚3’39.6’’E). The area is a montane lished faunal studies in Mt. Matutum were by Garciano secondary growth forest with elevation ranging from et al. (2014) on the species richness of spiders and Nu- 1,323 masl to 1,370 masl. Sampling was conducted for ñeza et al. (2015) on the species diversity of bats. How- 45 net days on October 2-8, 2013. Soil is loamy with ever, avifaunal information in the area is still wanting. dense cover of leaf litter approximately 1.5 inches thick This study was conducted in Mt. Matutum Protected with surface litter at initial stage of decomposition. Pres- Landscape to assess species richness, diversity, and en- ence of small spring with water deposition in the pond demism of birds. was observed. Dominant understory plant was “osmunda” (Calamus ornatus) while dominant tree was MATERIALS AND METHODS “anislag” (Securinega flexuosa). Emergent tree was white
Study Area lauan (Shorea contorta). Coffee was the most dominant
This research was conducted in Mt. Matutum Protected fruiting plant in the area. Landscape (MMPL) located in South Cotabato Province Site 3 was located at Glandang, Tupi (6˚21’48’’N, (Figure 1) in the southeastern part of Mindanao. Six sam- 125˚4’15’’E). The area surveyed is a mossy forest at ele- pling sites were surveyed of which three sites which are vation of 1600 masl-1714 masl. Sampling was done for considered disturbed were established at three elevations 45 net days on December 2-6, 2013. A wide bare loamy representing the lowland dipterocarp, montane, and ground covered approximately 25% of the sampling area mossy forests while the other three sampling sites identi- while 25% of the forest floor has dense leaf litter of about fied as relatively undisturbed sites were also established 1 to 2 inches thick. Abundance of fallen logs approxi- at three elevations. mately measuring more than 10 cm diameter was ob- served. Dominant understory plant observed was Pterid- Sampling Sites ium sp. while the most dominant and emergent tree was
Site 1 was at Upper Linan, Tupi, South Cotabato. The “igim” (Dacrycarpus imbricatus). Epiphytes like ferns area is known to be a lowland mixed agricultural and and wild coffee seedlings were plentiful in the area. secondary forest with elevation range of 500-800 meters Site 4 was at Sitio Kawit, Barangay Maligo above sea level (masl). Sampling was conducted for 55 (6˚20’39.4’’N, 125˚6’5.3’’E), Polomolok, South
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 59 Avian Diversity in Mt. Matutum
Cotabato. The area is a lowland mixed agricultural and references. Distribution and conservation status was secondary forest with elevation of 987-997 masl. Sam- based on IUCN Red List for Threatened Species (2018) pling was done for 64 net days on September 9-15, 2013. while classification into orders and families was based on Substrate is loamy with thin leaf litter. Small riverine Avibase (2016c). system near the lowest elevated sampling station was observed. Dominant understory plant observed was Im- Data analysis patiens platypetala while dominant trees were Paleontological Statistics Software (PAST) version 3.04 “anabiong” (Trema orientalis) and “buyo-buyo” (Piper was used to calculate biodiversity indices and perform arborescens). Emergent tree species was cluster analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test. “taluto” (Pterocymbium tinctorium). Few durian trees, other fruit trees, squash vines, and corn were observed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Site 5 was located at Sitio Kawit, Barangay Ma- ligo, Polomolok, South Cotabato (6˚21’9.9’’N, Species richness and endemism 125˚4’15’’E). The area is a montane secondary growth Eighty-one bird species belonging to nine orders and 35 forest with elevation of 1325 masl-1339 masl. Sampling families were recorded in Mt. Matutum Protected Land- was done for 52 net days on October 13-17, 2013. Soil is scape (Table 1). The results are relatively higher com- loamy with dense cover of leaf litter approximately 1.5 pared to the survey conducted by Mohagan et al. (2015) inches thick with surface litter at the initial stage of de- in the four LTER sites of Mindanano, Relox et al. (2011) composition. Dominant understory plant observed was in Mt. Hamiguitan, Pagaduan & Afuang (2012) along Calamus ornatus while dominant tree species was Secur- elevation gradient of Mt. Makiling, Alviola et al. (2010) inega flexuosa. Emergent trees observed in the area were in Malagos Watershed, and Vallejo et al. (2009) in Ma- “agoho del monte” (Gymnostoma rumphianum) and nila’s last green spaces. However, the result is relatively “igim” (Dacrycarpus imbricatus). lower compared to the survey conducted by Calimpong Site 6 was at Sitio Kawit, Barangay Maligo, Polo- & Nuňeza (2015) in Bega Watershed, Cagod & Nuňeza molok, South Cotabato (6˚21’21.1’’N, 125˚5’8.0’’E). (2012) in oil palm plantations of Agusan Del Sur and The area surveyed is a mossy forest that is partially dis- Compostela Valley, Allen et al. (2006) in Babuyan Is- turbed with an elevation of 1612 masl-1719 masl. Sam- lands and Sucaldito-Salibad & Nuňeza (2014) in Agusan pling was done for 40 net days on December 9-13, 2013. Marsh. Four species (4.94%) were found to be restricted Leaf litter was very dense, approximately more than 2 to site 1, eight (9.88%) in site 2, three species (3.70%) in inches thick with surface litter at initial stage of decom- site 3, 13 (16.05%) in site 4, and one (1.23%) in sites 5 position. A large part of the area was covered with bryo- and 6. Order Passeriformes had the highest number of phytes. Dominant understory plants observed were bird species comprising 54 species (66.67%). The same “lagulo” (Blechnum egregium) and “pandan result was obtained by Cagod and Nuňeza (2012) in their baging” (Freycinetia maxima). The dominant and emer- bird survey at Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley gent tree species in the area was “igim” (Dacrycarpus where Order Passeriformes has the highest number of imbricatus). Bryophytes were abundant on the bark of bird species. According to Unwin (2011) Order Passeri- trees. formes is by far the largest order of birds, comprising Collection of samples, processing, and identification close to 6,000 species. In addition, Passeriformes is the
Bird survey employed mist netting and transect walk largest and most diverse commonly recognized clade of methods. Mist nets were set along flight paths of birds, birds having worldwide distribution with representatives opened day and night to also catch nocturnal birds, and in all continents except in Antarctica with greatest diver- checked from time to time to retrieve captured speci- sity in the tropics (Edwards & Harshman, 2013). mens. Seventeen mist nets where 15 are understory nets Four species (4.82%) were present in all sampling and two are canopy nets were put up covering a total of sites of which three are endemic, namely, Phapitreron 70 net days in the first sampling, 59 net days in the sec- leucotis (White-eared Brown-dove), Dicaeum australe ond sampling, 59 net days in the third sampling, 60 net (Red-keeled Flowerpecker), and Pachycephala philippin- days in the fourth sampling, 65 net days in the fifth sam- ensis (Yellow-bellied Whistler). The Philippine endemic, pling, and 40 net days in the sixth sampling for a total of Macronus striaticeps (Brown Tit-babbler) was the most 353 net days throughout the entire duration of the sam- dominant and abundant (8.27%) species and was found pling. Birds captured were measured for morphometric in all the sampling sites except site 6, an undisturbed data and body weight was taken before they were re- mossy forest. This could be due to the high elevation of leased back to the wild. site 6 which could limit the resource availability of birds For transect method, a 2 km transect line was es- like M. striaticeps. Goerck (1999) reported that areas tablished. Birds heard and seen within a 100m range with high elevation tend to be structurally less complex, were then recorded. A total of 194 hrs of transect walk hence reduced microhabitat for many bird species. It was was done all throughout the sampling broken down into also observed that M. striaticeps was the most dominant 48hrs in the first sampling, 41hrs in the second sampling, and abundant species (61 individuals; 13.93%) in site 4, 40hrs in the third sampling, 21hrs in the fourth sampling, an undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest. Achondo et 22hrs in the fifth sampling, and 22 hrs in the sixth sam- al. (2011) reported that M. striaticeps feeds on caterpil- pling. lars, weevils, and other insect pests and thus could be the Species were identified using Birds of the Philip- reason for the dominance of this species in site 4 since pines by Kennedy et al. (2000) and other published the area is also a mixed agricultural and secondary forest
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 60
Nuñeza et al
5
51
Total
(0.49) (5.02)
5 5 (0.49) 4 (0.39) 5 (0.49) 3 (0.30) 8 (0.79)
25 25 (2.46) 39 (3.84) 26 (2.56)
1719 1719
-
TableContinued1.
0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 3
masl
Site 6 Site
molok
1612 1612
Kawit, Kawit, Polo-
Mossy Forest Mossy
1339 1339
-
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 1 1
masl
molok
1325 1325
tane tane Forest
Site 5 Mon- 5 Site
Kawit, Kawit, Polo-
Undisturbed Sites Undisturbed
4 1 0 0 0 0 0
21 18 25
est
997 masl 997
Site 4 Site
-
molok
Kawit, Kawit, Polo-
987
terocarp For- terocarp
Lowland Dip- Lowland
1,714 1,714
-
0 0 0 0 4 3 2 5 3 4
est
masl
Tupi
Site 3 Site
Glandang, Glandang,
Mossy For- Mossy 1600
1,370 1,370
-
1 1 4 1 0 0 0 0
12 21
masl
Tupi
Glandang, Glandang,
tane tane Forest
Site 2 Mon- 2 Site
1,323 1,323
Disturbed Sites Disturbed
0 3 0 0 0 0 6 0 0
16
est
800 masl 800
Site 1 Site
-
Linan, Tupi Linan,
500
terocarp For- terocarp
Lowland Dip- Lowland
E E E E
R R R R R R
tion tion
status
Distribu-
on on
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
Con-
status
servati
dove)
dove)
-
)
-
dove)
-
dove)
-
pigeon)
-
billed Cuckoo billed
breasted Fruit breasted
-
Apodidae
-
eared Brown eared
chinned Fruit Dove) Fruit chinned
Avifauna found in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape, South Cotabato. South Landscape, Protected Matutum Mt. in found Avifauna
Columbidae
-
-
Species Name Species
APODIFORMES
COLUMBIFORMES
Ptilinopus leclancheri Ptilinopus
Collocalia esculenta Collocalia Swiftlet) (Glossy troglodytes Collocalia Swiftlet) (Pygmy comata Hemiprocne Treeswift) (Whiskered indica Chalcophaps Dove) Emerald (Common aenea Ducula Imperial (Green amboinensis Macropygia (Slender amethystinus Phapitreron Brown (Amethyst leucotis Phapitreron (White occipitalis Ramphiculus occipitalis) (Ptilinopus (Yellow leclancheri Ramphiculus ( (Black
Table 1. 1. Table
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 61
Avian Diversity in Mt. Matutum
4 4 (0.39) 4 (0.39) 1 (0.10) 5 (0.49) 6 (0.59) 1 (0.10) 1 (0.10) 1 (0.10) 1 (0.10) 2 (0.20) 5 (0.49) 1 (0.10)
10 10 (0.98) 14 (1.38)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TableContinued1.
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 7 0 4 0
0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 4 1 1 0 1 0 7 1
2 1
3 2 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 0
0 0
E E E
R R R R R R R R
M M M
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
)
Halcyon chloris Halcyon
(
Cuculidae
Artamidae
Phasianidae
Alcedinidae
cuckoo)
Campephagidae
(Red Junglefowl) (Red
cuckoo)
GALLIFORMES
-
-
CUCULIFORMES
PASSERIFORMES
CORACIIFORMES
collared Kingfisher) collared
throated Kingfisher) throated Woodswallow) breasted
-
billed Crow) billed
faced Coucal) faced Tailorbird) headed
- -
-
- -
bellied Cuckooshrike) bellied
-
Corvidae
Halcyon Halcyon smyrnensis (White chloris Todiramphus (White merulinus Cacomantis Cuckoo) (Plaintive variolosus Cacomantis (Brush Cuckoo) melanops Centropus (Black viridis Centropus Coucal) (Philippine saturatus Cuculus Cuckoo) (Oriental fugax Hierococcyx Hawk (Malay sparverioides Hierococcyx Hawk (Large gallus Gallus leucorynchus Artamus (White striata Coracina (Bar Cisticolidae nigriceps Orthotomus (Black Corvus macrorhynchos (Large
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 62
Nuñeza et al
1 1 (0.10) 2 (0.20) 1 (0.10) 2 (0.20) 2 (0.20) 2 (0.20) 1 (0.10) 4 (0.39) 9 (0.89)
61 61 (6.00) 17 (1.67) 11 (1.08) 19 (1.87) 15 (1.48) 14 (1.38)
0 0 7 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
TableContinued1.
0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
1 2 3 1 2 3 9 2 1 0 4 4 6
26 15
0 0 6 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
10
0 0 7 2 0 0 4 4 0 0
0 1 0 5 2
0 0 9 0 0 0 4 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 2
E E E E E E E
R R R R R R
M M
LC LC LC LC
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
NT
bellied Flowerpecker) bellied
-
(Orange
(Brown Shrike) (Brown
crowned Flowerpecker) crowned
naped naped Monarch)
-
tailed tailed Shrike)
-
-
breasted Flowerpecker) breasted
keeled Flowerpecker) keeled
-
-
Dicaeum aeruginosum Dicaeum (Striped Flowerpecker) anthonyi Dicaeum (Flame australe Dicaeum (Red bicolor Dicaeum Flowerpecker) (Bicolored ignipectus Dicaeum (Fire hypoleucum Dicaeum Flowerpecker) (Buzzing pygmaeum Dicaeum Flowerpecker) (Pygmy trigonostigma Dicaeum balicassius Dicrurus (Balicassiao) bracteatus Dicrurus Drongo) (Spangled malacca Lonchura Munia) (Chestnut Hirundo rustica Swallow) (Barn cristatus Lanius Lanius schach (Long azurea Hypothymis (Black
Dicaeidae Dicruridae Estrildidae Hirundinidae Laniidae Monarchidae
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 63
Avian Diversity in Mt. Matutum
8
(0.79)
2 2 (0.20) 3 (0.30) 8 (0.79) 1 (0.10) 7 (0.69) 2 (0.20) 3 (0.30) 7 (0.69) 5 (0.49) 1 (0.10) 3 (0.30)
24 24 (2.36) 20 (1.97) 19 (1.87) 29 (2.85) 45 (4.43) 14 (1.38)
TableContinued1.
2 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1
1 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 0 6 0 0 0
0 1 3 0 5 0 3 0 3 2 3 9 5 7 2 0 0
13
3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
10
5 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 8 0 4 4 0 1 1 2
24
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 2 0 0 0
10 16
E E E E E E
R R R R R R R
M M
ME ME ME
V
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
LC LC LC LC
)
babbler)
-
browed Shortwing) browed
(Cinnamon Ibon) (Cinnamon
-
faced Spiderhunter) faced
-
(Streaked Ground (Streaked
(White
(Naked
Muscicapidae
(Little Slaty Flycatcher) Slaty (Little Flycatcher) (Narcissus
(Lovely Sunbird) (Lovely
(Mangrove Blue Flycatcher) Blue (Mangrove
(Pied Bushchat) (Pied
(Cryptic Flycatcher) (Cryptic
winged Sunbird) winged
-
bellied bellied Whistler)
browed Flycatcher) browed
throated Sunbird) throated
-
backed Sunbird) backed
-
-
-
streaked streaked Flycatcher)
-
(Olive
Brachypteryx montana montana Brachypteryx
Cyornis rufigastra rufigastra Cyornis basilanica Ficedula crypta Ficedula hyperythra Ficedula (Snowy narcissina Ficedula griseisticta Muscicapa (Grey caprata Saxicola pulcherrima Aethopyga (Metallic shelleyi Aethopyga clarae Arachnothera longirostra Arachnothera (Little Spiderhunter) jugularis) (Nectarinia jugularis Cinnyris sperata) (Nectarinia sperata Leptocoma (Purple philippinensis Pachycephala (Yellow elegans Parus (formerly elegans Pardaliparus Tit) (Elegant Passeridae cinnamomeus Hypocryptadius Pellorneidae mindanensis Ptilocichla
Nectariniidae Pachycephalidae Paridae
AJCB Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 58–71, 2019 64
Nuñeza et al
2 2 (0.20) 6 (0.59) 3 (0.30) 9 (0.89) 3 (0.30) 9 (0.89) 2 (0.20)
51 51 (5.02) 17 (1.67) 12 (1.18) 17 (1.67)
41 (4.04) 41
TableContinued1.
0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 0 2
0 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
2 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 2 5
41 20
0 2 2 0 0 0 3 2 0 2 0 3
0 4 0 9 0 3 0 1 0 0 7
13
0 0 6 5 4 3 0 0 8 0 0 0
E E E
R R R R R R
M
ME ME
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
flycatcher)
(Coleto)
warbler) -
-
cinnamon Fantail) cinnamon
-
)
)
wattled Bulbul) wattled vented Bulbul)
fronted fronted Nuthatch)
- -
and
-
-
Hypsipetes philippinus Hypsipetes philippinus) (Ixos Bulbul) (Philippine (Pycnonotus urostictus Poliolophus urostictus (Yellow goiavier Pycnonotus (Yellow javanica Rhipidura Fantail) (Pied nigrocinnamomea Rhipidura (Black superciliaris Rhipidura Fantail) (Blue Scotocercidae (Orthotomus cucullatus Phyllergates cuculatus Tailorbird) (Mountain frontalis Sitta (Velvet Stenostiridae helianthea Culicicapa Canary (Citrine calvus Sarcops
Phylloscopus borealis Phylloscopus trivirgatus Phylloscopus
(Arctic Warbler) (Arctic Leaf (Mountain
Phylloscopidae Pycnonotidae Rhipiduridae Sittidae Sturnidae
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Avian Diversity in Mt. Matutum
3
81 35
(0.30) 301
1016
2 2 (0.20) 2 (0.20) 1 (1.10) 1 (0.10)
52 52 (5.12) 19 (1.87)
6 6 (0.59) 3 (0.30)
84 84 (8.27) 30 (2.95) 52 (5.12)
0 0 0 3 1 0 0
0 1 0 0
15 70 24 14 40
0 0 0 1 0
2 0 0 0 1 0 0
45 27 13 52
1 0 2 1
21
0 0 0 0
61 20 33 53 27 64
438
4 0 0 2 2 0 5 2 0 0
10 10
31 17 45
115
3 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0
17 15
45 22 45
217
8 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1
24 13 55
131
E E E E E E E
R R R R R
LC LC LC LC LC
LC LC LC LC LC LC LC
)
owl)
-
Megalaima haemacephala Megalaima
(
bellied Woodpecker) bellied
-
(Island Thrush) (Island
parrot)
-
(White
owl)
eye)
-
eye) -
eye)
-
-
(Mindanao Lowland Scops Lowland (Mindanao
babbler)
-
Chrysocolaptes lucidus Chrysocolaptes
Picoides maculates (Dendrocopos maculatus) (Dendrocopos maculates Picoides
Macronus striaticeps Macronus Tit (Brown poliocephalus Turdus everetti Zosterops White (Everett's meyeni Zosterops White (Lowland montanus Zosterops White (Mountain javensis Dryocopus Woodpecker) Pygmy (Philippine Ramphastidae haemacephalus Psilopogon Barbet) (Coppersmith philippensis Loriculus Hanging (Philippine Otus everetti Otus megalotis Scops (Philippine
Timaliidae Turdidae Zosteropidae PICIFORMES Picidae Flameback) (Greater PSITTACIFORMES Psittaculidae STRIGIFORMES Strigidae individuals of number Total species of number Total species endemic of number Total hours net Total
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with presence of riverinesystem where insects could be Among the recorded 81 bird species in MMPL, 35 present and abundant. Calimpong & Nuňeza (2015) also (43.21%) are endemic of which 30 are Philippine en- found M. striaticeps to be abundant at 312 masl. Ken- demic and five species are Mindanao endemic, 38 resi- nedy et al. (2000) found this species to be common in dent and eight migrant species. Site 4, an undisturbed dense foliage near the ground in forest and forest edge up lowland dipterocarp forest had the highest number to 1500 masl or more. Furthermore, the natural habitats (S=27) of endemic species. This high number of endemic of M. striaticeps are subtropical or tropical moist low- species in site 4 was observed to be due to its undisturbed land forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane vegetation as well as its vegetation cover which includes forests (Global Biodiversity Information Facility, 2017) dipterocarp trees that provide resources and microhabitat which coincides with the distribution of this species in for birds. The same finding was reported by Relox et al. this study. The Philippine endemic species, Dicaeum (2011) in their study at Mt. Hamiguitan that species en- australe (Red-keeled Flowerpecker) which was present demism is relatively high in lowland forest because of in all sampling sites was second in dominance and abun- the large area covered by dipterocarp trees. In addition, dance (6%). The dominance of this species was observed reduced habitat and anthropogenic activities (Aloy et al., to be attributed to the presence of fruiting trees which 2007) could also contribute to high existence of endemic could serve as food since this species feeds on fruit, nec- bird species which is characterized by site 4. Site 2 had tar, and pollen of mistletoes (Loranthaceae) (Cheke & the second highest number of endemic species (S=17) Mann, 2008). According to Kennedy et al. (2000), this even if it is a disturbed montane forest. In addition, it was species dwells in the canopy of forests, forest edge, sec- observed that all of the sampling sites had endemic spe- ond growth, and shrubs in open countries in fruiting cies. This shows that some of the endemic bird species in trees; singly or in groups and in mixed flocks usually MMPL can tolerate disturbed sites. The study conducted below 1000 masl. Furthermore, Tanalgo et al. (2015) in Mt. Hamiguitan also found that the avifauna is able to reported that D. australe is usually found in primary and tolerate disturbances like mining explorations, hunting, secondary forests and also in fruiting and flowering trees and logging (Relox et al., 2011). However, Dicaeum in the 1024-hectare campus of the University of Southern hypoleucum (Buzzing Flowerpecker), Dicaeum aerugino- Mindanao in south-central Mindanao. Relox et al. (2011) sum (Striped Flowerpecker), Dicaeum anthonyi (Flame- only found this species in the Lowland Dipterocarp For- crowned Flowerpecker), Dicrurus balicassius est (75-370 masl) of Mt. Hamiguitan while this study (Balicassiao), and Picoides maculatus (Philippine Pygmy shows that it can also be found in the undisturbed and Woodpecker) which were only found in site 4 are the disturbed mossy forests at an elevation range of 1600- only endemic species found to be present only in undis- 1719 masl. turbed site while Otus megalotis (Philippine Scops-owl), In terms of sampling sites, site 4 an undisturbed Otus everetti (Mindanao Lowland Scops-owl), and Hy- lowland dipterocarp forest had the highest species rich- pocryptadius cinnamomeus (Cinnamon Ibon) are en- ness (S=53) and abundance (43.11%) with 438 individu- demic species that were only found in disturbed sites. als. The richness of bird species in this site was observed Furthermore, the least number of endemic species in sites to be due to its undisturbed complex vegetation structure 1, 3, and 6 could be due to the disturbances present in and cover which provide food availability, perching sites 1 and 3 and the high elevation of sites 3 and 6. sites, roosting sites, and nesting sites for birds. In addi- Most of the documented bird species in MMPL tion, the low elevation of site 4 (987-997masl) could also are categorized as least concern by IUCN (2018) except be one of the factors for this bird’s richness and abun- for two Philippine endemic species: Dicaeum anthonyi dance. Relox et al. (2011) and Silvosa et al. (2007) also (Flame-crowned Flowerpecker) classified as near- recorded high number of species in the lowland diptero- threatened species which was found (only two individu- carp forest of Mt. Hamiguitan. Sites 1 and 6 had the low- als) in site 4 (an undisturbed site) and Ficedula basi- est number of species (S=24) since site 1 is a disturbed lanica (Little Slaty Flycatcher) classified as vulnerable lowland dipterocarp forest and site 6 had a high elevation species which was found in both disturbed and undis- which could limit food sources. Waterhouse et al. (2002) turbed sites (sites 2, 4 and 5). This indicates that protec- reported that as elevation increases, the availability of tion of MMPL is strongly needed to conserve these en- resources for birds diminishes reflecting differences in demic and vulnerable species. forest stand structure, site productivity, vegetation com- Table 2 shows that MMPL has high species rich- position, distribution pattern, secondary biotic interac- ness (S=81) and species diversity (H’=3.748) with even tions, and available land area. Terborg (1977) described distribution of species. All the sampling sites have high increasing elevation as associated with decreased species species diversity and among them, site 2 a disturbed richness. Moreover, disturbed sites generally contribute montane forest had the highest diversity (H’= 3.321). The to the low species richness and abundance of birds high diversity of species in site 2 could be due to the di- (Vijayan & Gokula, 2006) because disturbance changes verse vegetation of the area where understory plant, the habitat quality and could decrease the population size “osmunda” (Calamus ornatus), the tree species of species (Pardini et al., 2009). Furthermore, Paz et al. “anislag” (Securinega flexuosa), White Lauan (Shorea (2013) observed that the abundance and richness of bird contorta), and fruiting coffee plants were present and species positively correlate with understory structure and abundant which could provide microhabitats, food, and cover. This relationship is in agreement with the findings breeding sites that could support several bird species with of the study where the species-rich site is the undisturbed different habitat requirements. According to Peris & lowland dipterocarp forest (site 1) which has complex Montelongo (2014), areas with less diverse or reduced understory structure.
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Table 2. Biodiversity indices across elevation and disturbance gradient in MMPL.
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Total Species richness 24 45 31 53 27 24 81 Individuals 131 217 115 438 45 70 1016 Dominance 0.06416 0.05048 0.04922 0.05604 0.05679 0.08449 0.03366 Shannon (H’) 2.938 3.321 3.213 3.294 3.094 2.835 3.748 Evenness 0.787 0.6155 0.8019 0.5083 0.8173 0.7093 0.524
Legend: Disturbed Sites: Site 1 -Lowland Dipterocarp Forest (500-800 masl), Site 2- Montane Forest (1,323-1,370 masl), Site 3- Mossy Forest (1600-1,714 masl). Undistubed Sites: Site-4 Lowland Dipterocarp Forest (987-997 masl), Site-5 Montane Forest Site (1325 -1339 masl), Site -6 Mossy Forest (1612 -1719 masl). tree cover decrease both the abundance and diversity of richness in undisturbed sites decreased as elevation in- birds since most of bird species are strongly dependent creased. Styringa et al. (2011) reported that the increase on the vegetation cover for feeding and breeding, thus, in species richness and diversity of bird community is diverse vegetation in site 2 contributes to the diversity of due to contributing factors like canopy height and secon- bird species. In addition, the remarkable diversity in dary canopy developmen while Joshi et al. (2012) re- montane forest reflects the uniqueness of the native habi- ported that it is due to the variety and number of plant tat including the physical condition of the environment species. which is a combination of several factors such as mois- Figure 2 shows the similarity of the six sampling ture, disturbance, availability of nutrients, and food that sites of MMPL where sites 3 and 6 formed the first clade change over space and time (Smith, 1990). and had the highest similarity percentage of >48% which Sampling site 6 had the highest dominance index. means that these two sites shared mostly the same bird The high dominance index value implies that dominant species. This is expected since sites 3 and 6 are both bird species exist in the site (Cagod & Nuňeza, 2012). mossy forests with high elevation. According to Tubelis The Mountain White-eye (Zosterops montanus) was the & Cavalcanti (2001), sites having high similarity percent- dominant species found in site 6. Furthermore, evenness age could have the same type of habitat and a tendency of index is useful in giving an insight on the degree of di- having the same species composition. Sites 2 and 4 versity in a particular area (Pagaduan & Afuang, 2012). formed the second clade with a similarity percentage of The evenness values obtained in the six sampling >38%. Both sites have diverse vegetation cover which sites showed that the number of individuals within each serves as microhabitat for some bird species. Fruiting species was moderately even in sites 1, 3, 5, and 6 while trees in the site also serve as source of food for the birds. less evenly distributed in sites 2 and 4. Furthermore, it Site 5 clustered to sites 3 and 6 with a similarity percent- was observed that species diversity and species richness age of >32% which is attributed to the nine bird species in disturbed sites increased in site 2 at an elevation of found in these two sites. Site 1 clustered to sites 2 and 4 1,323 -1,370 masl but decreased at site 3 with an eleva- with a similarity percentage of >30% where 15 species tion of 1600-1,714 masl while the species diversity and are the shared species of the three sites. Furthermore, all
Figure 2. Cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis Cluster Analysis – single link) of birds across the six sampling sites of MMPL (Site 1 - Lowland Dipterocarp Forest; Site 2- Montane Forest; Site 3-Mossy Forest; Site-4 Lowland Dipterocarp Forest; Site-5 Montane Forest; Site, Site -6 Mossy Forest).
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Table 3. Kruskal-Wallis test of bird species in disturbed and undisturbed sites of MMPL.
Kruskal-Wallis Test Test Interpretation H (chi 2) P (same) No significant difference between Species Diversity 0.4286 0.5127 samples. No significant difference between Evenness 0.04762 0.8273 samples.
the sampling sites were clustered due to the shared three lowland dipterocarp forest had the highest species rich- species, Phapitreron leucotis (White-eared Brown-dove), ness and endemism while site 2, a disturbed montane Dicaeum australe (Red-keeled Flowerpecker) and forest had the highest species diversity. The most abun- Pachycephala philippinensis (Yellow-bellied Whistler) dant and dominant species documented was the Philip- which are present in all the sampling sites. pine endemic, Macronus striaticeps (Brown Tit-babbler) Table 3 shows the comparison of the diversity and and the only vulnerable species was Ficedula basilanica evenness in the disturbed and undisturbed sites of (Little Slaty Flycatcher). Hunting and conversion of for- MMPL. Both species diversity and evenness showed no est to farmland were the observed threats to the birds of significant differences between species in disturbed and MMPL indicating that protection of habitats needs to be undisturbed sites. This indicates that there are bird spe- strongly implemented to conserve endemic and vulner- cies in this study like Phapitreron leucotis (White-eared able species in the area. Brown-dove), Dicaeum australe (Red-keeled Flower- pecker), Pachycephala philippinensis (Yellow-bellied ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Whistler), and Macronus striaticeps (Brown Tit-babbler) We acknowledge the Commission on Higher Education which can tolerate and inhabit both disturbed and undis- for the funding support and the DENR-Region 12 for the turbed sites. issuance of the gratuitous permit.
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