Avian species diversity in oil palm plantations of Agusan Del Sur and Compostela Valley, Philippines
Journal Title: Advances in Environmental Sciences - International Journal of the Bioflux Society - Year 2012, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Oil palm trees have become the most expanding equatorial crops in the world and their product, palm oil, is produced, traded and used more than any other vegetable oil worldwide. The expansion of oil palm cultivation, however, is frequently cited as a major factor causing deforestation that may result in biodiversity losses in tropical countries. In this study, an assessment of the avifauna in oil palm plantations in Agusan del Sur and Compostela Valley, Mindanao, Philippines was done from April 2010 to July 2010. Sampling sites were categorized based on the age/growth of palm trees. Line transect method, mist netting and birdwatching were used to gather data on avifauna. Eighty-eight species were recorded. Species richness, abundance, and number of endemic species were also recorded to be higher in mature plantations than in young plantations. A significant difference was noted in bird abundance found in the different age groups of oil palm plantations in Agusan del Sur. Thirty-one endemic species were recorded, one of which is Mindanao endemic. Three vulnerable species, Gallicolumba criniger (Mindanao bleeding-heart), Alcedo argentata (silvery kingfisher) and Ficedula basilanica (little slaty flycatcher) were recorded both in the young and mature plantations. The Aethopyga primigenius (grey-hooded sunbird), a near threatened species was recorded in mature plantations only. The presence of these vulnerable species in all study sites indicates the need to protect the degraded secondary residual forest and forest patches along the plantation.
Authors and Affiliations
Beverly Cagod, Olga Nuñeza
Keywords
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