Factors affecting the spatial distribution of black shama Copsychus cebuensis steere, 1890 in Argao Watershed Reserve

Abstract

© 2018, Department of Science and Technology. All rights reserved. Point count method was used to determine the microclimate and microhabitat factors affecting the population density and distribution of Black Shamas (Copsychus cebuensis) in Argao watershed (AWR) – a key biodiversity area on the island of Cebu and a top priority for conservation initiatives. Estimated population densities of C. cebuensis were 52 and 53 individuals per hectare in mixed and natural forests. There were only three and four predictors at habitat and sampling site level have able to explain the behavior of the population density of C. cebuensis. Relative humidity and canopy cover have high positive significant correlations, while tree basal area has high negative correlation (at the habitat level). Elevation and canopy cover have positive significant correlation, while slope and shrub cover have negative significant correlation with C. cebuensis population density (sampling site level). The adjusted R2 values were 0.345 and 0.212 (at landscape and sampling site). These suggest that about 34.5% of the variations of the population density of C. cebuensis have been accounted for by the former and only 21.2% by the later. Preservation and protection of remaining forest fragments within AWR is paramount especially the four sampling sites being sampled.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

317683

Page

175-189

Document Type

Article

Subject

Argao Watershed Reserve, Copsychus cebuensis, Microclimate and microhabitat variables, Point count survey method, Spatial distribution

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