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Factors Affecting the Spatial Distribution of Black Shama Copsychus cebuensis Steere, 1890 in Argao Watershed Reserve

Archiebald Baltazar B. Malaki1§*, Rex Victor O. Cruz2, Nathaniel C. Bantayan2,
Diomedes A. Racelis2, Inocencio E. Buot, Jr.3, and Leonardo M. Florece4

1Forestry Department, Cebu Technological University, Argao, Cebu Campus, Philippines
2College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the
Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
3Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences and School of
Environmental Science & Management (SESAM), University of the
Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
4School of Environmental Science and Management,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
§School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the
Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines

*Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

ABSTRACT

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.

Key words: Argao Watershed Reserve, Copsychus cebuensis, microclimate and microhabitat variables, point count survey method, spatial distribution

 

INTRODUCTION

The survival of many species of birds is relatively dependent on the fluctuating environmental variables such as microhabitat and microclimate (Rosli et al. 2012). However, these responses may vary with species physiological tolerance, and most especially to nestlings (Hayworth & Weathers 1984; Burton 1995; Thomas et al. 2001; Harrison et al. 2003; Huntley et al. 2006; Hitch & Leberg 2007; Devictor et al. 2008; Virkkala et al. 2008; Rosli et al. 2012). Studies have shown that, species that prefer forest interior as primary habitat may avoid edges due to changes in microclimate, vegetation structure, . . . . read more

 

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