Assessment of avifaunal diversity and density in selected areas of Cardona, Rizal in relation to environmental status Ma. Michael A. Roque ... [et al.].

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Biology) -- University of Rizal System-Morong.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Study aimed to assess the avifaunal diversity and density in Cardona, Rizal in relation to environmental status in six selected study areas. It was conducted in 2015 during April to early August to determine if the current state of the environment and season-variation affects the number of birds and its miscellany. It used descriptive and exploratory methods. It involved the use of plotting arbitrary transect lines, with a minimum length of 1 kilometre per site. and capturing photographic images of each species for further identification. In addition, a visual technique under line-transect survey method was used to determine the seasonal variations in bird diversity and abundance. A total of 924 birds from 47 species and 1254 individuals from 47 species were identified in the dry and wet season respectively. Also, it used spearman's Rank Correlation to determine the correlation of diversity and density to different season, classification and endemicity. While Pearson R was used to determine the correlation on the number of birds between wet and dry season. Lastly, Point Bisereal was also used to determine the correlation between the number of birds and environmental health status of Barangay in Cardona, Rizal. The calculations show that the number of birds and its diversity is not statistically associated to that of the environment's state and season of the selected areas. A moderately strong positive correlation between avifaunal density and taxonomic classification exist due to the different needs and requirements of each species including their food sources and types of niches secluded only in a specific area making the rate of density higher. In terms of measuring the avifaunal density and diversity over the total area surveyed, Shannon-Wiener Index and Simpson's Index were used showing that. the obtained record of species is distributed or increased across the study site. The Shallow marshlands on the lakeside supported the greatest number of birds among the other study areas surveyed. Bird diversity was significantly in the wet season than in the dry season particularly due to higher rate in vegetation (Fisher and Hicks) caused by excessive rainfall during July and August with Pacific Swallow/House Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Wood Swallow (Artamus leucorynchus) and Yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) being the most abundant species. Based on the results, it is therefore concluded that environment status of the selected study grounds and season, statistically does not have any effect on bird density and diversity with regard to density. The number of bird varies considering the taxonomic classification of the avifaunal species, and the areas selected hold a high species diversity and density. From the mentioned findings of the study, it is recommended that there should be an endorsement of an advocacy to the municipal government to help conserve the rich diversity of avifaunal species in Cardona, Rizal both in the island and mainland areas. Encourage the people to be more aware of these species and take notice of their existence and their importance in the balance of nature.