Bird Diversity in the Disturbed Early Secondary-Growth forest of Taniok, Barangay New Tanglag,

Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines: A Preliminary Investigation

Jaime D. Almora, Jr., B.Sc

March 2012

Abstract

Tabuk city in Kalinga province continues to be data deficient in ornithological science. Illegal
logging and unhealthy agricultural practices in the city not only destroy remaining forests but also give a
compromised view of its wildlife diversity. Thus, a bird survey was conducted in the disturbed secondary-
growth forest of Taniok in Barangay New Tanglag. Using the line-transect method, 21 species were
observed, of which 11 were endemic. The Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos maculatus was
found to be common in the forest interior, the Glossy Swiftlet Colocallia esculenta was common in forest
edge, and the Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni in the creek area. The presence of water sources,
mineral seeps, and fruit trees make the site a suitable habitat for the bird community present. Interviews
with the CENRO-PAWS chief and several locals indicated the disappearance of atleast two species in
recent years because of habitat degradation.

Introduction

The whole island of Luzon in the Philippines has been identified as a Protected Bird Area because
of its high endemic species richness and threatened species richness. However, bird diversity studies
focus on remaining virgin forests in the Sierra Madre as well as established birding spots in Southern
Luzon, leaving many of the Island’s lesser known provinces data deficient.

Very little information is available on the birds of Tabuk city. Illegal logging, mining, and
unhealthy agricultural practices compromise the remaining 70.57% of forestland, of which 6.86% (3,750
ha) are protected. This study aims to conduct an initial investigation of the avifaunal diversity in the
disturbed early secondary-growth forest of Taniok, Barangay New Tanglag, Tabuk, Kalinga, at 17o27’
121o25’ from December 24 to 27, 2011; and to relate species’ feeding guilds to environmental conditions.

Methodology

The site of the study consisted of around seven hectares of disturbed early secondary-growth
forest 190-230 masl with 3 microhabitats: forest interior, forest edge, and creek area. A bird survey was
conducted by walking a 1.1 km circular transect from 06:00-09:00 h for four consecutive days, and
recording all birds observed within a 50 meter radius. 1 mist-net was set-up in the forest-interior for the
first two days and nights; another one was set-up on the third day at the forest-edge. Observations were
made using 10x42 binoculars with multi-coated lenses and BaK-4 Prisms and sound recording equipment.

Results and Discussion

We were able to identify 21 bird species, with 53, 48, 68, and 60 individual counts on the 1st to 4th days,
respectively. The forest interior showed the highest species richness with 10 species while species in the
creek area showed the highest abundance making up 49.1%, 62.5%, 77.9%, and 81.7% of the total counts
on the 1st to 4th days, respectively.
Figure 1.1. (Left) disturbed areas around the site, (Right) Microhabitats within the site

Table 1.1. Individual counts per day of identified bird species

 Netting resulted in a Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica on the 1st net day and a Grey
streaked Fly-catcher Muscicapa griseisticta on the 3rd net day. 8 fruit bats were captured on the 1st net
night alone.

We observed high endemicity (11/21 = 52.4%) among the species observed. Comprised of the
following Orders: Passeriformes (12), Apodiformes (2), Galliformes (1), Columbiformes (2), Piciformes
(2), Psitacciformes (1), Strigiformes (1). The Lowland White-eye, Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker, and
Red-keeled Flowerpecker were the most common endemics (>5 counts) , while the Glossy Swiftlet,
Yellow-vented Bulbul, and Orange-bellied Flowerpecker were the most common non-endemics.

Interviews with locals indicated that Kingfishers, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Long-tailed Shrike, and
“blue doves” can also be found in the area. . On the other hand, Hornbills “Calao” and a chicken-eating
Raptor species (local name “Kali”) were once present but have not been seen in recent years.

Identification of the flora yielded fruit trees Coffea, Ficus nota, Theobroma cacao, etc., and flowering
trees and shrubs Laucaena, Duranta erecta, Mucuna cyclocarpa, etc. These feed the frugivore and
nectarivore bird species. The nearby stream also serves as breeding ground for insects and is thus
preferable for insectivores.

Interviews with the PAWS chief and the CENRO office made no significant help in identification
of bird species in the area, which is a manifestation of the lack of ornithological knowledge in the
province. Bleeding Hearts, Drongos, and other Lowland tolerant forest species are also expected to occur
in the area.

Figure 1.2. Feeding guilds of identified species

Feeding Guilds

Frugivore
3 Insetivore-
frugivore
Insectivore- 2
nectarivore
Omnivore 6
Carnivore 9
9
Graminivore-
insectivore
1
Figure 1.3. Distribution of identified species

Distribution

14% Endemic
Resident
53%
33% Migrant

Conclusion and Recommendations

A Preliminary Investigation into the disturbed early secondary-growth forest of Taniok yielded 21
bird species of which more than half were endemic. Individual counts leaned heavily towards tolerant
species Zosterops meyeni, Dendrocopos maculatus, and Collocalia esculenta. Interviews with the
CENRO-PAWS chief had no significant contribution in the identification of possible bird species, a
manifestation of the lack of ornithological knowledge in the city. Forest-destructive activities must be
immediately regulated, if not banned, so as to save the less than 7% virgin forest cover remaining in the
town. A more extensive study must also be conducted, over a larger site with habitat analysis, longer
observation hours, and more net-days.

References

Tabuk Government. 2010. Tabuk city socio-economic and physical profile. PDF file.

Matlock, R.B. & Edwards, P.J. (2006, March). The influence of habitat variables on bird communities in
forest remnants in Costa Rica. Biodiversity and Conservation, 15 (9), 2987-3016.

Birdlife International. Philippine forests. PDF file. Retrieved March 8, 2012.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 3.1. www.iucnredlist.org