Distribution and abundance of avifauna on the foothills of Mt. Pangasugan, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the distribution and abundance of avifauna on the foothills of Mount Pangasugan using the standard transect method. A total of 46 avaifaunal species belonging to 12 orders and 27 families with 24% endemism were found in the three selected sites based on habitat types, degree of disturbance and elevation range. Most represented order is Passeriformes while the most represented family is Columbidae.

Patterns of distribution and abundance of avifauna tend to be associated with habitat type and degree of disturbance. The most abundant and most frequently encountered species are the generalists, which can tolerate various degree of disturbance in a wide range of habitats; the least frequently occurring and least abundant species are mostly endemic interior species which prefer relatively intact forest at higher elevations where disturbance is very minimal. These specialist groups of avifaunal species, which are mostly internationally recognized as threatened, show unique association with particular habitat type, thus considered to be highly sensitive to habitat change. Protection of the remaining forests in Mount Pangasugan is deemed necessary for the survival of these interior species.