Avian abundance and diversity in three urbanized university campuses at different elevations in Northern Mindanao, Philippines

• Published in: Biodiversity (Nepean) Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 62 - 73
• Main Authors: Pedrera, Joven A., Ascaño, Cordulo P., Piloton, Queenilyn A., Relox, Richel E., Cagurin, Giovanni B., Mugot, Dennis A., Palma, Richmund A., Maglunsod, Jessica G., Gonzaga, Apolinario B., Taylaran, Renante D., Quirino, John Preach C., Acma, John Mikel M., Valdez, Ruthy Mae B., Getuaban, Geisha Mae V., Agbas, Jessa Marie A., Acosta, Pelmar M., Roa, Mitchie M., Cardoza, Marjho Mae S., Calvis, Liza H., Llevado, Jomar C., Landicho, Junar A., Moncada, John David O., Handag, Sansen A., Walag, Angelo Mark P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nepean Taylor & Francis 02.01.2025; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Availability; Avian diversity; Biodiversity; Bioindicators; Bird impact; Bird populations; Birds; College campuses; conservation strategies; Cuculidae; Environmental changes; family; Food resources; global change; Green infrastructure; Habitats; Indicator species; Landscape preservation; Nectariniidae; Philippines; Population studies; Pycnonotidae; Resource availability; urban campuses; Urban populations; urban spaces; Urban structures; Urbanization; vegetation; Philippines
• ISSN: 1488-8386; 2160-0651; 2160-0651
• DOI: 10.1080/14888386.2024.2427286

This study investigates the impact of urbanization and elevation on avian diversity across three university campuses in the Philippines. Urbanization, a significant driver of global environmental change, negatively affects biodiversity by altering natural habitats. Birds, frequently used as bioindicators, are vital subjects for studying urban impacts due to their visibility and sensitivity to environmental changes. This research compares the abundance of bird families across campuses at different elevations, revealing significant variations influenced by urban structure, vegetation, and resource availability. Line transect, point count, and mist-netting methods were employed to survey the birds in the study area following established methods. The family Pycnonotidae is most abundant in the low-elevation urban campus (University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines - Cagayan de Oro), while families like Nectariniidae and Cuculidae are more prevalent in the high-elevation campus (USTPClaveria). These findings underscore the importance of habitat diversity and resource availability in supporting avian communities. The study highlights the potential of urbanized university campuses to serve as refuges for biodiversity if managed appropriately. Enhancing habitat complexity, maintaining green spaces, and ensuring diverse food resources are crucial for sustaining bird populations. The results emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts within urban campuses to preserve and promote avian diversity in increasingly urbanized landscapes. Prioritize enhancing habitat complexity and diversity in urbanized university campuses by maintaining green spaces, planting native vegetation, and creating varied structural habitats to support avian biodiversity. Implement regular monitoring and adaptive management. Ensure diverse food resources by planting fruit-bearing and nectar-producing plants and promoting organic gardening to support different bird families. Collaborate with horticultural and forestry departments for effective implementation. Integrate conservation efforts in urban planning, create wildlife corridors, reduce disturbances, and protect sensitive species. Promote educational programmes and community engagement to raise awareness about urban biodiversity conservation.