Density and feeding preference of the Polillo tarictic hornbill Penelopides manillae subnigra in fragmented forests of Polillo island

Date

10-2007

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Juan Carlos T. Gonzalez

Abstract

MAMANGUN, ANA KATRINA MILABO. 2007. Density and feeding Preference of the Polillo Tarictic Hornbill Penelopides manillae subnigra (Mcgregor, 1910) in fragmented forests of Polillo Island. University of the Philippines Los Banos B.S. Biology major in Ecology. Adviser: Prof. Juan Carlos Gonzalez ABSTRACT The density and feeding preference of the Polillo tarictic hornbill Penelopides manillae subnigra were compared between a heavily disturbed secondary forest and residual lowland forest. Using transect analysis, the density of tarictics in each forest site was computed. The disturbed forest site exhibited higher tarictic density (4.75 individuals per km2) than the residual forest site (1.25 individuals per km2). The difference in tarictic density between the two sites was affected by several factors, such as the abundance of fruiting trees, the presence of nesting trees and also the degree of anthropogenic disturbance. The disturbed forest site was more fragmented (19.96% forested area) than the residual forest site (26.39% forested area). Both forest sites were suitable in sustaining tarictic populations. The disturbed forest site contained more fruiting trees foraged and dispersed by tarictics thus higher density was observed. In the residual forest, large trees were observed that are essential for nesting during breeding season. Male tarictics are territorial especially during this time thus they drive away other tarictics to protect their nests and as a result, lower density was observed. Forests of Polillo have undergone fragmentation. Being endemic, tarictics are subjected to limited habitat thus they adapt and tolerate anthropogenic disturbances to forest habitat available.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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