SUPPORTED PROJECTS

Threatened avifauna of Negros Island, Philippines

Lisa Marie Paguntalan

This project will focus on the threatened endemic avifauna on lowland and montane forests of south Negros as recommended by previous studies (Brooks, et al., 1992; Evans, et al, 1993; Curio et al., 1998). The investigating team will be addressing the status, ecology and habitat distribution of endemic threatened birds within these areas. Working with Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC), Ting Matiao Foundation (TMF), Center for Tropical Conservation Studies (CenTrop), Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Cuernos de Negros Mounatineering Club (CNMC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Biology Department of Silliman University, data produced will be used to produce recommendations for the conservation and protection of these areas. Four selected lowland forests of south Negros will be studied. The conservation status, ecology, distribution of its threatened avifauna will be determined. Long term contribution of the project to conservation will be achieved in conjunction with PNOC, TMF, SK, CNMC, CenTrop, DENR and Biology Department of Silliman University. A full report will be produced within a year and appropriate papers will be written. Involvement of local people, members of Sangguniang Kabataan (barangay youth council) and an education campaign on the importance, ecology and distribution of endemic birds of Negros will have a large impact on the conservation of these remaining lowland forests of Negros.