Behavioral and habitat analysis of Tabon Bird [Philippines]
2000
Aala, A. (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, San Andres, Manila (Philippines). Ecosystems Research and Development Service)
The behavior of the Tabon bird in its natural habitat in Alibijaban Wilderness Area, Barangay [village] San Andres, Quezon [Philippines] was observed to fully protect, conserve, manage the species. The activities of the study included the observation of the species in its natural habitat, determination of various factors affecting its distribution and population and other important information. The study covered three nesting sites along the seashore. The sampling sites used as permanent observation stations were located on the western site of the island. Findings showed that the distribution and number of Tabon birds in the island were affected by the collection and selling of Tabon bird eggs. The animal was found to inhabit a second growth and an even-aged stand of mangrove and beach type forests. The bird was observed roosting on branches of tall trees and took refuge there during night time. Reproduction starts during the dry season (January to May) and the peak of breeding is from March to April. The birds bury their eggs in the sand. Roaming around the nest, feeding and scratching were the usual activities of the birds. A total of 18 nests or mounds were identified in the study area, nine of which contain eggs. Visits to the nest were more frequent in the early morning than in the late afternoon. The bird possessed a keen sense of smell which enabled them to detect intruders, strange objects and alternations around their nests. Tabon bird eggs had an average weight of 100.03 g and average moisture content of 72.22%. When the eggs was about to hatch, it became darker and tiny root hairs develop. The researcher recommends the implementation of in-situ and ex-situ conservation of Tabon bird through captive breeding
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