A preliminary study on the distribution of small non-volant mammals in Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas, Quezon province, Luzon island, Philippines

Date

10-1995

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Wildlife Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Andres Tomas L. Dans

Abstract

Small non-volant mammals were surveyed along an elevational transect at Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas in South Western Luzon. Philippines Removal trapping was conducted at four elevational sites ranging from vegetation (500 m) to mossy forest (1800 m). A total of 85 captures were recorded in 1,362 trapnights for an overall trapping success of 6.24 species captured include 1 shrew (crocidura grayi) and seven rodents (Apomys abrae. Apomys datae. Apomys of microdon. Bullimos luzonicus. Rattus everetti and Rhyncomys soricoides) All are Philippine endemics with five species restricted only to Luzon Faunal Region All except probably two (R.everettei and A. microdon) are new records for Mt. Banahaw bringing to eleven the number of small non-volant mammals known to the mountain. Data obtained generally support predictions concerning elevational patterns in richness and relative abundance (increasing with elevation) and habitat associations of endemic species (restricted to prestine or lightly disturbed habitats)

Preliminary results support conservation implications provided by other studies in the archipelago. Patterns of deforestation render lowland species most vulnerable. Habitat associations and patterns of endism indicate that disturbance to natural habitats post a greater negative impact to the endemic portions of a local fauna. Since most endemic studies occur at low population densities, any reserve should be large enough to maintain viable population and should encompass the widest habitat range possible to protect habitat restricted species. It should be designed to include a fully protected core of primary forest surrounded by buffer zones of regenerating secondary forest and managed forest plantations. Mt. Banahaw de Tayabas is probably the last stronghold of endemic faunas in Southern Luzon. It is therefore highly recommended that the mountain be included in the IPAS system as a priority area conservation.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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