Population density assessment of Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis Steere) in selected forest patches within the key biodiversity areas in Argao, Cebu Island, Philippines

Issue Date

7-2016

Abstract

Distance sampling point count method was used to determine the population density of Black Shama (Copsychus cebuensis Steere) among the selected forest patches in Mt. Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas in Argao - an area of high conservation importance in Cebu. Distance 6 Release 2 software program was used in estimating the population density of the target species among three sampling sites, namely: Barangays [villages] Conalum (Site 1), Usmad (Site 2) and Tiguib (Site 3). Results have shown that its population is still widespread or widely distributed among the forest habitat patches being sampled. In Site 1, the population density estimates were 53 and 51 individuals per ha on the pure and mixed forest habitats, with a standard error (SE) of 9.581 and 8.2575, respectively. Site 2 had a population density estimates of 45 and 43 individuals per ha for pure and mixed forests, with SE of 8.4401 and 6.7033, respectively. Site 3 had also population density estimates of 45 and 42 individuals per ha with SE of 10.387 and 9.9872 for mixed and pure forests, respectively. Though the target species is globally rare and endangered; however, at the local level, especially in the forest patches that were sampled, Copsychus cebuensis individuals are still widely distributed. This observed pattern may be due to the ability of the species to adapt well across all habitat types, i.e. in mixed, pure or plantation forests. It is therefore, imperative that maximum protection and conservation of these remaining forest patches within the Mt. Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas in Argao, Cebu Island, Philippines must be implemented.

Source or Periodical Title

Asia Life Sciences

ISSN

0117-3375

Volume

25

Issue

1

Page

325-335

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations; references

Language

English

Subject

Birds--Argao, Cebu City; Wildlife conservation; Population density

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BIRDS; INDIGENOUS ORGANISMS; POPULATION DENSITY; BIODIVERSITY; RESOURCE CONSERVATION; PHILIPPINES

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS