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Article

Conservation ecology of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong,

a Key Biodiversity Area on Mindanao Island, the Philippines

Arturo G. Gracia Jr., Alma B. Mohagan, Janezel C. Burlat, Welfredo L. Yu Jr., Janine
Mondalo, Florfe M. Acma, Hannah P. Lumista, Riah Calising & Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo

26 April 2021 | Vol. 13 | No. 5 | Pages: 18110–18121

DOI: 10.11609/jott.6760.13.5.18110-18121

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Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2021 | 13(5): 18110–18121
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
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https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.6760.13.5.18110-18121

#6760 | Received 02 October 2020 | Final received 01 November 2020 | Finally accepted 15 April 2021

ARTICLE

Conservation ecology of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong, a Key Biodiversity Area

on Mindanao Island, the Philippines
Arturo G. Gracia Jr.1* , Alma B. Mohagan2 , Janezel C. Burlat3 , Welfredo L. Yu Jr.4 , Janine Mondalo5 ,
Florfe M. Acma6 , Hannah P. Lumista7 , Riah Calising8 & Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo9*
1
Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, Surigao del Sur State University (Main Campus),
Rosario, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, the Republic of the Philippines.
1,3,4,5,8
Department of Secondary Education, College of Teacher Education, Surigao del Sur State University (Main Campus), Rosario, Tandag
City 8300, Surigao del Sur, the Republic of the Philippines.
1,2,6,7
The Graduate School, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon 8714, Philippines.
2,6,7
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon 8714,
the Republic of the Philippines.
9
Landscape Ecology Group, Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Menglun, Mengla 6663030,
Yunnan Province, P.R. China.
9
Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanic Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla 6663030,
Yunnan Province, P.R. China.
9
International College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China.
9
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan 9407,
North Cotabato, the Republic of the Philippines.
1
[email protected] (corresponding author), 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected], 4 [email protected],
5
[email protected], 6 [email protected], 7 [email protected], 8 [email protected],
9
[email protected] (corresponding author). *These authors contributed equally to the manuscript and share senior authorship

Abstract: The identification of key areas for conservation and protection according to science-based evidence is an important component to circumvent
the negative impacts of environmental changes within geopolitical territories and across the globe. Priority areas for biodiversity played an important role
to ensure the protection of many species particularly those that are unique and threatened. There are more than 200 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in
the Philippines, yet many important research and biodiversity data are either unpublished or unconsolidated. Birds are commonly studied indicators for
KBA identification due to their high species richness, diversity, and sensitivity to forest ecosystems. By combining data from past and present surveys, we
accounted for a total of 148 bird species of 51 families, with 20 new records from recent field surveys. Our analysis showed a high level of endemism within
Mt. Hilong-hilong with 36% Philippine endemic, 14% restricted to Mindanao faunal region and 11% migrant. In terms of conservation, 8% of the species were
considered in threatened categories. The species richness and endemism were higher in lowland to mid-elevation areas compared to higher elevation areas of
the KBA. Endemism (i.e., Mindanao endemic) and increasing body mass were important determinants of binary extinction risk for bird species in Mt. Hilong-
hilong. The high biodiversity in Mt. Hilong-hilong indicates an example of the vital role of KBAs in preserving nationally and globally important bird species.
Lastly, we emphasise the importance of collaboration and integrating past and present information to synthesise relevant information to complement ongoing
conservation efforts in Mt. Hilong-hilong and other key habitats in the Philippines.

Keywords: Anthropocene, collaboration, deforestation, ecological indicators, endemism.

Editor: Namaal De Silva, The George Washington University, Washington, USA. Date of publication: 26 April 2021 (online & print)

Citation: Gracia Jr. A.G., A.B. Mohagan, J.C. Burlat, W.L. Yu Jr, J. Mondalo, F.M. Acma, H.P. Lumista, R. Calising & K.C. Tanalgo (2021). Conservation ecology of birds
in Mt. Hilong-hilong, a Key Biodiversity Area on Mindanao Island, the Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa 13(5): 18110–18121. https://doi.org/10.11609/
jott.6760.13.5.18110-18121

Copyright: © Gracia Jr. et al. 2021. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this
article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

Funding: None.

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

For Author details & Author contribution see end of this article.

Acknowledgements: This manuscript was crafted amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, in which writing, and reviewing were challenging for both the authors
and the editorial process. We would like to thank the three anonymous reviewers and the editors of JoTT for their constructive comments that benefited the
improvement of the manuscript. We would like to acknowledge also the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the issuance of GP, the
Local Government Unit of Awasian and Tandag Water District for the logistical support, and to all the people who contributed to the success of this endeavour.

18110
Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al. J TT
INTRODUCTION Gonzales et al. 2009). Deforestation poses a key threat
to biodiversity loss in the country, driven by logging and
The Philippines is the world’s second-largest shifting agriculture. For example, at least 74% of tree
archipelago and its unique biogeographical features cover loss in 2001–2018 was caused by deforestation
with more than 7,000 islands allowed the diversification alone (Global Forest Watch 2020). In 2002–2019, an
of taxa, making it one of the megadiverse tropical estimated 3.1% or 145,000ha of humid forest was lost
country (Heaney & Regalado 1998). Birds are amongst in the Philippines, equivalent to a 12% tree cover loss
the most diverse group in the Philippines, constituting (Global Forest Watch 2020).
more than 50% of the country’s land vertebrates, and The quality of the environment plays an important
large proportions are considered distinct and globally role in shaping the structure and function of biodiversity
threatened (Peterson et al. 2000), with 724 described (Fried et al. 2019; Lelli et al. 2019), generally described
species and at least 200 country endemics (Clements using population density, species abundance, trait
et al. 2019). These numbers will probably increase with diversity, and distribution across different habitats
proper taxonomic studies when integrative taxonomy (Davidar et al. 2005). To prevent eventual decline and
approach is made (Sánchez-González & Moyle 2011; species extinction, important areas for conservation
Gonzalez et al. 2013). such as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are identified by
The diversity of birds in the Philippine contributes to conservation biologists and respective governmental
the ecological balance and integrity of remnant native policymakers based on high biodiversity potential.
vegetation (Peterson et al. 2000). Birds have large range KBA identification is not solely dependent on the
distribution, high mobility, and diverse traits that are species richness but in accordance to the presence of
sensitive to ecological changes (O’Connell et al. 2000; population or species that are (1) threatened globally, (2)
Trindade-Filho et al. 2012). Therefore high avian species distributed in a small restricted range (e.g., endemism),
richness can serve as an important ecological indicator (3) restricted use during some stage of their life cycle,
in terrestrial ecosystems (Canterbury et al. 2000). The and lastly (4) restricted to a specific biome (Eken et al.
functional trait diversity across birds provides various 2004; Ambal et al. 2012). Birds are included as indicator
key ecosystem services in different systems, from intact groups for terrestrial KBAs identification due to their
forests to more disturbed urbanised areas (Sekercioglu wide-breadth of diversity and sensitivity to ecosystem
et al. 2016). Frugivorous and nectarivorous birds are conditions (Canterbury et al. 2000; O’Connell et al. 2000;
vital for seed dispersal and pollination, respectively, Eken et al. 2004). Currently, there are 228 KBAs in the
therefore maintain gene flow and persistence of the Philippines, of which 101 are terrestrial (51,249 km2)
population of many important tropical plant species and 27 are fully protected, 25 partially protected, and 49
(Ingle 2003; García & Martínez 2012). This group also unprotected (Ambal et al. 2012). Although KBAs holds
serves as natural foresters in degraded areas through high biodiversity, not all are protected, and thus often
seed rain and dispersal (Gonzales et al. 2009; Mueller challenged by several factors, particularly anthropogenic
et al. 2014). Insectivorous birds can suppress insect activities due to lack of well-defined statuary protection
pests and can reduce the use of environmentally policy prohibiting encroachments and the persistence
harmful pesticides in agricultural landscapes (Koh 2008; of threats (Butchart et al. 2015; Cai 2013; Knight et al.
Sekercioglu 2012). Carnivores are vital in the check 2007). The effectiveness of conservation policies and
and balance of prey populations, for example, rodent initiatives often requires extensive and wide information
populations in urban or agricultural landscapes with on biodiversity, yet knowledge gaps continue to be
high reproductive potential (Donázar et al. 2016). a challenge, limiting effective and efficient decision
The Philippine biodiversity, however, is threatened making (Butchart et al. 2015; Nori et al. 2020).
by various environmental and human pressures (Brooks The Island of Mindanao in the southern part of the
et al. 1999) that may disrupt species diversity, their Philippines holds many biodiversity-rich ecosystems
ecological function and services. Given the growing with a high concentration of endemic species (Paz et al.
population in the Philippines, a large proportion of 2013; Sanguila et al. 2016; Amoroso et al. 2019). The
species and habitats are threatened by land-use changes majority of the endemic and threatened species are
to accommodate human needs (Brooks et al. 2002; Posa concentrated in intact forests identified or protected
& Sodhi 2006; Posa et al. 2008). In the Philippines, by the government to conserve the species from total
over 67% of bird species are dependent on intact extinction (Sanguila et al. 2016; Amoroso et al. 2019).
pristine forests ( Dutson et al. 1993; Brooks et al. 1999; Mt. Hilong-hilong (Fig. 1) is a KBA in Mindanao that lies

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2021 | 13(5): 18110–18121 18111

J TT Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al.

on the boundaries of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, MATERIALS AND METHODS
and Surigao del Sur Provinces in the northern portion of
the Diwata Range of northeastern Mindanao or Caraga Entry protocol and acquisition of permit
region. The whole KBA has an area of 2,432km2 with Prior to the field surveys, as a courtesy, we visited
the highest elevation at 2,012 metres above sea level the major stakeholders from the local government
(The Haribon Foundation 2018). Several taxonomic and and the local people in the area. This was followed by
biodiversity studies have been conducted in Mt. Hilong- obtaining of the Wildlife Gratuitous Permit (GP # R13-
hilong, focusing particularly on birds. Albeit information 2017-0036) following the procedure of the Department
remains scattered or inaccessible. A major knowledge of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the
gap concerning Philippine birds in KBAs is the lack of clear Republic of the Philippines.
understanding of the relationship of species diversity,
the extent of the threatening process, and extinction Field survey
risks. Understanding biotic potential and vulnerability We conducted field surveys in Tandag Watershed
are essential to developing effective conservation in Mt. Hilong-hilong, Barangay Awasian, Tandag City,
prioritisation in a certain habitat or ecosystems (Segan Surigao del Sur, situated between 9.075o N and 126.154o
et al. 2016; Tanalgo & Hughes 2019). Here, we integrate E. We primarily recorded birds using transects and point
field data collected in 2017 and the past survey to assess counts. We utilised established trails to establish 2-km
and analyse the overall biotic potential and diversity transects in each elevation range. Birds were observed
patterns for birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong in Mindanao during peak activity, from 05.00h to 10.00h and from
Island, Philippines. Our study further aims to understand 14.00h to 18.00h, for four consecutive days per transect
the conservation priorities of birds in this KBA based with five field researchers as observers. The samplings
on their ecological status and potential threats. Our were performed in the first four days for transect 1 and
synthesis will serve as complementary science-based the next four days for transect 2. The overall sampling
evidence to support ongoing conservation efforts in Mt. effort was 180 observer-hours per transect. Point counts
Hilong-hilong. were carried out at every 250m of the transect making

Figure 1. Elevational map of Mt. Hilong-hilong showing the boundaries of the Key Biodiversity Area. Map was generated using QGIS version 3.14.

18112 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2021 | 13(5): 18110–18121

Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al. J TT
a 9-point station on a 2-km transect line. We conducted gradient using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test
surveys for 20 minutes at every point. All bird species of independence (χ2). We performed simple generalised
observed and vocalisations during the transect walk and linear modelling (GLMs) using the gamlj module in
in the point-stations were counted. Jamovi (v 1.2.6) (Gallucci 2019) to predict the binary
We also performed mist-netting to supplement extinction risk (global) of species recorded in Mt. Hilong-
the sampling. We set 22 standard-sized mist nets in hilong, with adult body mass (kg), endemism, and
every site at the heights: ground nets (0–5 m above feeding group as explanatory variables. We choose the
the ground; N= 8), sub-canopy nets (at 5–10 m; N= 7), best model based on the model with the lowest Akaike
and canopy nets (10m above ground; N= 7), to capture information criterion (AIC) values.
ground-dwelling, sub-canopy, and canopy-dwelling We categorised and quantified key threatening
species, respectively. A total of 168 net-days was carried process for each species as direct human-use, land-
out. We checked nets as regularly as possible to ensure use driven, and natural threats using the species threat
no individuals are tangled for a long period. Captured index following Tanalgo & Hughes (2019) based on the
individuals were placed in a cloth bag to avoid further IUCN Red List assessment (IUCN 2020) as rudimentary
stress, and were then identified using field guides by analysis to determine species risk from potential threats.
(Kennedy et al. 2000). All captured individuals were We classified direct threats like those that potentially
released in the same area where they are captured. impact species biology and population immediately
(e.g., hunting and harvesting), land-use driven are
Synthesis of secondary data and analyses threats that affect species habitats (e.g., deforestation
We performed a simple meta-analysis to evaluate and agricultural conversion), and natural threats are
the diversity patterns of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong by threats that include the climate and geological driven
combining present survey data and previously published threats (e.g., storm or extreme heat). We compared the
accounts. We only included those studies that contain number and means of key threatening process across
a complete dataset that includes elevation of records, endemism and conservation status using the non-
species name, conservation status, endemism, and parametric Kruskal-Wallis test.
feeding guilds. We curated and updated the species
names and their species-specific information using the
data from the International Union for the Conservation RESULT
of Nature Red List (IUCN 2020). We exclude in the final
analysis those species with dubious identification and Bird records from the recent field survey
ecological status. The elevation of species where the A total of 82 bird species with 20 new species
species was recorded was binned in intervals (e.g., 0–100, records from 14 orders, 40 families, and 66 genera were
101–500, 500–1,000, 1,000–2,000 m) as representative documented in the present field survey in Mt. Hilong-
of lower to higher elevation gradients. We determined hilong (Supplementary Data 1 https://doi.org/10.6084/
species feeding guilds based on published literature m9.figshare.13168916.v1). The number of species
(e.g., Kennedy et al. 2000; Mohagan et al. 2015; Tanalgo in the recent survey was lower compared to the 120
et al. 2015, 2019) and grouped species into frugivores reported by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (2007)
(feeding on fruits), nectarivores (feeding on nectars and from the four other sites of Mt Hilong-hilong located
floral parts), granivores (feeding on seeds), insectivores at Adlay, Sipang-pang, Pinasandi, and RTR. White-
(feeding on insects and small arthropods), carnivores Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris, Tricoloured
(feeding on large invertebrates and vertebrates), and Munia Lonchura malacca, and Yellow-vented Bulbul
omnivores (feeding on both plant and animal resources). Pycnonotus goiavier were the most observed species
We performed all statistical tests and data in all stations, particularly in the less forested areas,
visualisations using the open-source software Jamovi such as grassland and cultivated-areas. Forest-dwelling
1.2.6 (The Jamovi Project 2020). We omitted abundance- species Mindanao Hornbill Penelopides affinis, White-
based data (e.g., species counts) to standardise the eared Brown-dove Phapitreron leucotis, and Yellow-
quantification and comparison. Species richness was breasted Fruit-dove Ramphiculus occipitalis were only
based on absolute species count per elevation gradient observed in the dense dipterocarp forests of the KBA.
interval. We compared richness and proportion of In the present survey, eight per cent (N= 7 spp.) of the
ecological status, e.g., conservation status, population species were categorised as threatened. Whereas there
trends, endemism, and feeding guilds across elevational were 52% (N= 43 spp.) endemic species constituted by

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2021 | 13(5): 18110–18121 18113

J TT Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al.

35 (43%) species endemic in the Philippine, and eight Table 1. Diversity summary of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong in
terms species richness according to feeding guild, endemism,
(10%) are endemic to Mindanao Island. movement pattern, conservation status, and population status. See
Supplementary Data 1 for full list of species listed and analysed in the
Synthesis of bird diversity patterns in Mt. Hilong-hilong study https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13168916.v1
We synthesised present and previous studies to Number of Record from new
Diversity attributes %
estimate bird species biodiversity in Mt. Hilong-hilong. species field survey

We tallied a total of 148 bird species belonging to 51 Feeding guild

families (Supplementary Data 1 https://doi.org/10.6084/ Carnivores 18 12 10

m9.figshare.13168916.v1). This number approximately Frugivores 28 19 18
represent 20% of the 724 Philippine bird species. The Granivores 5 3 2
families Columbidae (N= 13 spp., 9%), Muscicapidae Insectivores 73 49 41
(N= 10 spp., 7%), Cuculidae (N= 9 spp., 6%), Nectaridae Nectarivores 15 10 9
(N= 9 spp., 6%), and Dicaeidae (N= 8 spp., 5%) were the Omnivores 9 6 2
most represented families. Within feeding guilds, half
Endemism
of the overall species were insectivorous (N= 75 spp.,
Non endemic 75 51 39
51%) followed by frugivorous (N= 28 spp., 19%), and
Philippine Endemic 53 36 35
carnivorous (N= 18 spp., 12%) (Table 1). Overall, without
considering the elevational gradient distribution, we Mindanao Endemic 20 14 8

found significant relationships between species feeding Migration Pattern

guild and endemism (χ2= 21.7, df= 10, P= 0.016), and Full Migrant 16 11 10

across conservation status (χ2= 50.9, df= 20, P< 0.001). Non migrant 132 89 72
Thirty-six per cent (N= 53 spp., 36%) of the species Conservation status
were country endemic, 20 species (14%) restricted to Data Deficient 1 1 0
Mindanao faunal region, and 16 (11%) species were Least Concern 124 84 71
migratory (Table 1). Large proportion of species (N= Near Threatened 11 7 4
135 spp., 91%) were considered in non-threatened
Vulnerable 11 7 7
category (Least Concern and Near Threatened), eight
Endangered 1 1 0
per cent (N= 12 spp., 8%) were threatened (Vulnerable
Population status
and Endangered), and one per cent data deficient
species. Although the majority of the species were non- Decreasing 79 53 43

threatened there was a significant number of endemic Increasing 5 3 4

species within this category (χ2= 57.9, df= 8, P<0.001) Stable 60 41 33

with 30% (N= 40 spp.) endemic in the Philippines and Unknown 4 3 2

10% (N= 14) endemic in Mindanao Islands. There were
fewer number of threatened species but there was a
significantly higher percentage of species in declining
population trends (N= 78 spp., 53%) versus with stable 2; Supplementary Data 2 https://doi.org/10.6084/
(N= 59 spp., 40%) and increasing population trends m9.figshare.13169396.v1).
(N= 5, 3%) (χ2= 40.70, df= 12, P< 0.001). Moreover, We found more species in the lower elevational
the 66% (N= 48 spp.) of all endemic have significantly gradient interval (N= 115 spp., 78%) albeit presence
decreasing population trends compared to only 44% (N= of particular families did not significantly differ across
32 spp.) of the non-endemic species (χ2= 29.00, df= 6, elevation gradient (χ2= 110, df= 150, P< 0.994). Within
P< 0.001) (Table 1).  Furthermore, using a simple logistic the KBA, higher endemism proportion were recorded
regression model, we demonstrated that adult body in the lower (49%) and mid-elevation (61%) (χ2= 9.16,
mass and endemism were significant determinants of df= 9, P< 0.423) (Fig. 3), but only differed significantly
binary extinction risk of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong. Our within conservation status (χ2= 21.60, df= 12, P< 0.04)
best model (AIC= 136.133) indicated that larger species (Fig. 3). We found no significant relationship amongst
(β= 0.590, SE= 0.168, P< 0.001) and those Mindanao elevational gradient and feeding guild (χ2= 9.92, df= 18,
(β= 3.227, SE= 0.864, P< 0.001) and Philippine endemic P< 0.934) (Fig. 3).
(β= 2.557, SE= 0.802, P< 0.001) in contrast to non-
endemic species were more likely at higher risk (Fig.

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Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al. J TT
84% of non-endemic species were threatened by direct-
human threats (e.g., hunting) (Kruskal-Wallis test: χ2=
19.03, df= 2, P< 0.001). Natural threats were higher
among endemic species (Kruskal-Wallis test: χ2= 10.15,
df= 2, P= 0.01). In terms of average threats per species,
Threatened probability

Mindanao endemic has higher mean number of threats

(mean= 2.00 ± 1.98) compared to non-endemic (mean=
1.41 ± 1.52) and Philippine endemic species (mean=
1.12 ± 1.53).

DISCUSSION

Biodiversity assessments and monitoring provide
important information to understand species diversity
and conservation (Tanalgo et al. 2015). Field data,
Body mass (kg) particularly from rapid biodiversity surveys are often
Figure 2. Simple logistic regression showing the link amongst species undervalued, but when carefully synthesised are useful
extinction probability, adult body mass (kg), and endemism of birds
in Mt. Hilong-hilong. to inform the local state of biodiversity, which aids or
complement prioritise key areas, habitats, and species
(Tanalgo et al. 2019). Mt. Hilong-hilong interests
many natural history scientists and conservation
Potential threats biologist within and outside the region. Yet, most
Fundamental to developing effective conservation ornithological studies and surveys that occurred are
agenda is to identify potential threatening processes rarely published. The Philippine Eagle Foundation
and their extent. We utilized the IUCN Red List data pioneered the ornithological surveys on the western
for each species recorded in Mt. Hilong-hilong as a side of the mountain and reported 120 species with 51%
rudimentary basis for determining the extent of potential Philippines endemics (The Philippine Eagle Foundation
threats faced by species; IUCN categories are globally 2007). This was followed by an ecological study on the
standardised to provide a useful framework for our effects of vegetation on birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong by
analysis. Overall, endemic and threatened species face a Paz et al. (2013). Forty-six species were observed in San
higher proportion of threats (Fig. 4A). Direct human use Antonio located on the western side of the mountain
and land-use driven threats, such as land conversions are (Hosner 2012). By combining past and current survey
the key potential threat for the majority of the species data from Mt. Hilong-hilong, we found an increase in
(Fig. 4). Threatening processes significantly differed recorded species and higher proportions of endemism,
across conservation status and endemism. Overall as other species were not previously recorded before
threats (Kruskal-Wallis test: χ2= 52.50, df= 4, P< 0.001; were pooled together, supporting the importance of
Land-use drive threats, χ2= 111.29, df= 4, P< 0.001; Mt. Hilong-hilong in conserving important populations
Natural threats, χ2= 27.81, df= 4, P= <0.001) significantly of birds in the KBA zone. Key Biodiversity Areas are
differed across conservation status except for direct identified sites across large scale networks by identifying
human threats (Kruskal-Wallis test: χ2= 6.62, df= 4, P= areas that contain unique, vulnerable, and irreplaceable
0.157) (Fig. 4B,C). When conservation categories were population (Eken et al. 2004). KBA's primarily concerns
compared, threatened species have higher mean threats to aid the conservation and protection of population
(mean= 3.85 ± 0.99) compared to non-threatened viability of highly-threatened species or populations
species (mean= 1.165 ± 1.47) (Fig. 4A). based on global-scale criteria (e.g., the IUCN Red List)
There was a significant difference in the number (Margules & Pressey 2000). Although our analysis
of species threatened by different threats categories showed lower numbers of threatened species (N= 12
within endemism categories (Fig. 4B,C). There were spp., 8%), we found a higher proportion of species with
48% and 47% of threatened by land-use driven threats in declining populations (N= 79 spp., 53%) in Mt. Hilong-
Mindanao and Philippine endemic species, respectively hilong. Likewise, we found high proportions of species
(Kruskal-Wallis test: χ2= 18.02, df= 2, P< 0.001), while with restricted distributions (N= 73 spp., 50% endemism

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J TT Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al.

Figure 3. Distribution of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong across elevational gradient interval based on: A—endemism, | B—conservation status
| C—feeding guilds.

level) and this conforms to the other three criteria based could be associated with relatively intact, denser and
on species irreplaceability (Margules & Pressey 2000). diverse vegetation of native plants within the KBA zone
Key Biodiversity Areas with relatively more intact particularly in the lower to mid-elevation, thus more
vegetation represents an important site for conservation suitable to support wide-suit of bird species and their
safeguarding populations of bird taxa from multiple different life-histories. Tanalgo et al. (2019) compared
threats (Plumptre et al. 2019). The risk of extinction for different habitats in the lowlands of south-central
birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong is higher among Mindanao and Mindanao and found more endemic species in protected
Philippine endemic. Our study found high proportions areas and at reforested sites with better vegetation
of endemic species within Mt. Hilong-hilong, and this structure compared to more homogenised plantations

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Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al. J TT

Figure 4. Species threat index of potential threatening processed based on: A—proportion of overall threats | B—direct human threats | C—
land-use driven threats | D—natural threats, across endemism. Error bars represent the standard deviation.

and urbanised areas. Previous studies also showed that (Bujoczek et al. 2020; Hatfield et al. 2020; Tchoumbou
the density and richness of endemic bird species are et al. 2020). Declining strict forest-dwelling species
strongly correlated with the vegetation intactness and at a regional scale is widely associated with human
structure (Mills et al. 1991; Daniels et al. 1992; Mejías disruption to habitats that reduce the space occupied by
& Nol 2020). Although the majority of avian species in and affect the foraging grounds of a diverse set of species
Mt. Hilong-hilong are considered least threatened, yet (Brooks et al. 1999; Renjifo 2001). Global meta-analyses
large proportions are facing threats from direct-human showed that bird species richness and abundance
threats such as hunting, albeit there is no clear evidence were particularly susceptible to decline in areas with
detailing the extent of this threat for birds and other low structural heterogeneity such as plantations and
wildlife in the KBA. Whereas land-use driven threats farmland conversions (Bohada‐Murillo et al. 2020). The
such as deforestation and agricultural expansion remain continuous conversion within or near intact habitats
a key threat to 49% of species particularly those forest- for agricultural expansions during the last decades has
dwelling species with narrow distributions. In contrast driven high biodiversity loss in many hotspot regions
with other threats, deforestation and agricultural including the Philippines (Brooks et al. 2002). Apart from
expansions led to habitat fragmentation that may the high diversity of forest-dwelling birds in Mt. Hilong-
immediately influence the alterations of diversity and hilong, we recorded at least 16 migratory species. Intact
composition of native species present in these systems areas (e.g., protected areas and key biodiversity areas)

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J TT Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al.

as interconnected networks of conserved and protected the intactness of forest, in which species responded
sites are crucial for migratory birds serving as routes negatively to disturbance gradient, for example,
supporting the full annual cycle of at least 9% of global omnivores, insectivores and frugivores were lowest in
migratory birds (N= 1,451 spp.) (Runge et al. 2015). numbers in areas with selective logging and plantation
We found more endemic and threatened species in conversions within a tropical rainforest (Tchoumbou et
the lower elevation (0–100 m) and mid-elevations (100– al. 2020). The intactness of KBAs strongly relies on the
500 m) of Mt. Hilong-hilong, but this should be taken physical features (e.g., landscape structure), presence
with prudence as the sampling effort or the employed of threats, and changes in land-use (Rayner et al. 2014).
techniques per elevation may vary. This diversity To circumvent these threats, protected areas and other
pattern (i.e., species richness) may be explained by the forms of designated sites serve as a chief tool optimising
vegetation structure in relationship to elevation in the the conservation and protection of many species
KBA. In a previous study in Mt. Hilong-hilong, Paz et (Butchart et al. 2015). Conservation initiatives such as
al. (2013) showed that vegetation and elevation were the establishments of KBAs allows the identification of
key drivers affecting endemic species distribution in important areas for protection (i.e., the establishment
the KBA. Vegetation is a key determinant of increased of protected areas) from human alteration. Yet, the
species richness and diversity (Canterbury et al. 2000; identification of KBAs alone is not sufficient to ensure
Tchoumbou et al. 2020) and the effect of elevation may the protection of its ecosystems and important taxa; it
negatively affect vegetation and consequently species requires effective monitoring of its biodiversity and the
diversity and richness across many animal taxa including extent of the potential threatening process (Beresford
birds (Kattan & Franco 2004; McCain 2009). In a study et al. 2020). To optimise the role of KBA to safeguard
in the Rwandan mountains, elevation was found to critical habitats and their biodiversity it should be
have inverse effects and vegetation structure positively primarily protected first by the statutory policy.
influenced bird diversity (Derhé et al. 2020). Similarly, In conclusion, our synthesis demonstrated the
this pattern was observed in the eastern Himalaya; presence of high diversity of endemic and threatened bird
Acharya et al. (2011) demonstrated that intermediate species in Mt. Hilong-hilong harbour, and the vital role of
elevations had the highest bird species richness, where the KBA as an important habitat for bird conservation and
primary productivity was at the optimal peak. protection. Our study exhibited that local biodiversity
In terms of feeding groups, the majority of the could be effectively understood by integrating findings
species recorded in Mt. Hilong-hilong are insectivorous, from multiple datasets, particularly those from rapid
frugivorous, and carnivorous. Elevation has been surveys and assessments (Fig. 5) (Tanalgo et al. 2019).
shown to affect the distribution of functional groups, Here, we acknowledge that our findings were based on
for example, elevation strongly influences insectivorous the synthesis of the different dataset that employed
birds but not on frugivorous birds in tropical forest varying sampling methods and approach (e.g., intensity
landscapes as influenced by their varying foraging and effort, taxonomic identification) that may have affect
strategies across different vegetation (i.e., more insect the robustness of data (Manu & Cresswell 2007) thus,
biomass) and climate strata (Jankowski et al. 2013; careful interpretation is required. Yet these caveats
Santillán et al. 2020). Although there was no significant warrant more intensive efforts and opportunities to
relationship found between feeding groups and produce robust data across elevational and vegetation
elevation, species that were recorded strictly or specific gradient to fully elucidate their relationship to species
in an elevation may represent an important indicator to diversity and other ecological indicator groups.
future monitoring of bird response to habitat system The rapidly changing environment and the growing
within Mt. Hilong-hilong. Species feeding guild can development outside and the lowlands of KBA where
indicate habitat structure or quality for species to habitat change is likely to occur and could pose
persist. A study comparing a protected area with an important attention and concerns for conservation.
agricultural area in Serengeti showed that at least 50% For instance, from 2002–2019 at least 4.66Kha of
of insectivorous and granivorous birds found in forests humid primary forest was lost within the KBA zone,
were absent in agriculture, suggesting that more intact which most likely caused by deforestation and shifting
ecosystems can safeguard a large proportion of specialist agriculture (Global Forest Watch 2020). In addition to
species (O’Connell et al. 2000; Sinclair et al. 2002). In land-use changes, direct human impacts to birds such
a similar study, bird functional diversity depended as hunting in the KBA may pose another threat to many
on the overall habitat types (Tanalgo et al. 2019), and populations. These threatening processes will likely

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Birds of Mt. Hilong-hilong, Philippines Gracia Jr. et al. J TT

Figure 5. Schematic diagram showing the key importance of collaborative efforts for conservation such as the biodiversity data sharing and
integration from different fieldwork and research to develop synthesis for clearer understanding of biodiversity patterns to inform better or
complement existing conservation efforts. This figure was generated using the free version of clipart from https://logomakr.com/

affect many species particularly larger species (e.g., and Management 22(2): 6–12.
Amoroso, V.B., A.B. Mohagan, F.P. Coritico, N.E. Lagunday, A.P.
large-fruit doves) and those with narrow distributions Yorong, R.D. Colong & R.G. Ponce (2018). Avifaunal assemblage in
(Tanalgo 2017). Thus future studies must aim to the expansion sites of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary,
understand and explore the extent and impacts of Mindanao, Philippines. Nature Conservation Research 3: 103–109.
https://doi.org/10.24189/ncr.2018.069
these threats to species in Mt. Hilong-hilong. Future Beresford, A.E., P.F., Donald & G.M. Buchanan (2020). Repeatable
conservation priorities should advocate more protection and standardised monitoring of threats to Key Biodiversity Areas in
of endemic species which more tends to be threatened Africa using Google Earth Engine. Ecological Indicators 109: 105763.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105763
in Mt. Hilong-hilong. Furthermore, we demonstrate Bohada‐Murillo, M., G.J. Castaño‐Villa & F.E. Fontúrbel (2020). The
here that collaborative efforts may promote effectual effects of forestry and agroforestry plantations on bird diversity: A
conservation by combining different data from different global synthesis. Land Degradation & Development 31(5): 646–654.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.3478
survey efforts that often remain in grey literature, enable Brooks, T.M., R.A. Mittermeier, C.G. Mittermeier, G.A.B.D. Fonseca,
biodiversity synthesis by increasing relevant information A.B. Rylands, W.R. Konstant, P. Flick, J. Pilgrom, S. Oldfield, G.
to better understand species diversity (Tanalgo et al. Magin & C. Hilton‐Taylor (2002). Habitat Loss and Extinction in
the Hotspots of Biodiversity. Conservation Biology 16(4): 909–923.
2019). Bolstering efforts promoting transparent and https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1739.2002.00530.x
collaborative science-based conservation intervention Brooks, T.M., S.L. Pimm, V. Kapos & C. Ravilious (1999). Threat
from deforestation to montane and lowland birds and mammals
is central to better complement and sustain existing
in insular South-east Asia. Journal of Animal Ecology 68(6): 1061–
conservation management not only in Mt. Hilong-hilong 1078. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2656.1999.00353.x
(Mohagan et al. 2015; Amoroso et al. 2018) but across Bujoczek, M., J. Rybicka & L. Bujoczek (2020). Effects of disturbances
in a subalpine forest on its structural indicators and bird diversity.
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https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.7 Author details: AGG is a field biologist
Posa, M.R.C., A.C. Diesmos, N.S. Sodhi & T.M. Brooks (2008). Hope for Threatened Tropical Biodiversity: working on terrestrial vertebrates
Lessons from the Philippines. BioScience 58(3): 231–240. https://doi.org/10.1641/B580309 including birds. He is a university
instructor. ABM is a Professor and head
Posa, M.R.C. & N.S. Sodhi (2006). Effects of anthropogenic land use on forest birds and butterflies in Subic
of CMU museum. Her research interests
Bay, Philippines. Biological Conservation 129(2): 256–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2005.10.041 are focused on monitoring terrestrial
Rayner, L., D.B. Lindenmayer, J.T. Wood, P. Gibbons & A.D. Manning (2014). Are protected areas maintaining fauna in different forest ecosystems of
bird diversity? Ecography 37(1): 43–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.00388.x the Philippines. FMA is a Professor. She
Renjifo, L.M. (2001). Effect of Natural and Anthropogenic Landscape Matrices on the Abundance is currently the director of the Center
of Subandean Bird Species. Ecological Applications 11(1): 14–31. https://doi.org/10.1890/1051- for Biodiversity Research and Extension
0761(2001)011[0014:EONAAL]2.0.CO 2 in Mindanao (CEBREM). Her research
focuses on the conservation of wildlife
Runge, C.A., J.E.M. Watson, S.H.M. Butchart, J.O. Hanson, H.P. Possingham & R.A. Fuller. (2015).
flora and fauna in the Philippines. HPL
Protected areas and global conservation of migratory birds. Science 350(6265): 1255–1258. https://doi. is a Professor and the curator of the
org/10.1126/science.aac9180 Botany section of CMU museum. Her
Sánchez-González, L.A. & R.G. Moyle (2011). Molecular systematics and species limits in the Philippine research interest deals on taxonomy
fantails (Aves: Rhipidura). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 61(2): 290–299. https://doi. and ecology of flora and fauna. JM is a
org/10.1016/j.ympev.2011.06.013 STEM Teacher at the Purisima Diocesan
Sanguila, M.B., K.A. Cobb, C.D. Siler, A.C. Diesmos, A.C. Alcala & R.M. Brown (2016). The amphibians School Inc. Her research interest is
about the integration of education
and reptiles of Mindanao Island, southern Philippines, II: the herpetofauna of northeast Mindanao and
towards conservation. JB is a biological
adjacent islands. ZooKeys (624): 1–132. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.624.9814 science educator practitioner. Her
Santillán, V., M. Quitián, B.A. Tinoco, E. Zárate, M. Schleuning, K. Böhning-Gaese & E.L. Neuschulz (2020). research interest is on the taxonomy
Direct and indirect effects of elevation, climate and vegetation structure on bird communities on a of birds. WY is a biological science
tropical mountain. Acta Oecologica 102: 103500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2019.103500 educator practitioner. His research
Segan, D.B., K.A. Murray & J.E.M. Watson (2016). A global assessment of current and future biodiversity interest is about the taxonomy of
vulnerability to habitat loss–climate change interactions. Global Ecology and Conservation 5: 12–21. birds. RC is a biological science
educator practitioner. Her research
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2015.11.002
interest is on the taxonomy of birds.
Sekercioglu, C.H. (2012). Bird functional diversity and ecosystem services in tropical forests, agroforests and KCT is an early-career conservation
agricultural areas. Journal of Ornithology 153(Suppl. 1): 153–161. biologist working on developing tools
Sekercioglu, Ç.H., D.G. Wenny & C.J. Whelan (2016). Why Birds Matter: Avian Ecological Function and for conservation prioritisation and a
Ecosystem Services. University of Chicago Press, 398pp. doctoral candidate at the Center for
Sinclair, A.R.E., S.A.R. Mduma & P. Arcese (2002). Protected Areas as Biodiversity Benchmarks for Human Integrative Conservation of Chinese
Impact: Agriculture and the Serengeti Avifauna. Proceedings: Biological Sciences 269(1508): 2401–2405. Academy of Science’s Xishuangbanna
Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan,
Tanalgo, K.C. (2017). Wildlife hunting by indigenous people in a Philippine protected area: a perspective
China.
from Mt. Apo National Park, Mindanao Island. Journal of Threatened Taxa 9(6): 10307–10313. https://
doi.org/10.11609/jott.2967.9.6.10307-10313 Author contribution: AGG, ABM, FMA,
Tanalgo, K.C., M.J.M.M. Achondo & A.C. Hughes (2019). Small Things Matter: The Value of Rapid Biodiversity and HPL conceptualised the project.
Surveys to Understanding Local Bird Diversity Patterns in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines. Tropical AGG, JM, JB, WYJ, and RC carried out
Conservation Science 12: 1940082919869482. https://doi.org/10.1177/1940082919869482 the fieldwork. AGG and KCT performed
Tanalgo, K.C. & A.C. Hughes (2019). Priority-setting for Philippine bats using practical approach to guide data curation and analyses. KCT
performed the visualisation. KCT led
effective species conservation and policy-making in the Anthropocene. Hystrix, the Italian Journal of
the manuscript writing. All authors
Mammalogy 30(1): 74–83. https://doi.org/10.4404/hystrix-00172-2019 reviewed, edited, and approved the
Tanalgo, K.C., J.A.F. Pineda, M.E. Agravante & Z.M. Amerol (2015). Bird Diversity and Structure in Different submission of the final version of the
Land-use Types in Lowland South-Central Mindanao, Philippines. Tropical Life Sciences Research 26(2): manuscript.
85–103.
Tchoumbou, M.A., E.F.N. Malange, C.T. Tiku, B. Tibab, J. Fru-Cho, T. Tchuinkam, J. Awah-Ndukum, D.A.
Nota & R.N.M. Sehgal (2020). Response of Understory Bird Feeding Groups to Deforestation Gradient in
a Tropical Rainforest of Cameroon. Tropical Conservation Science 13: 1940082920906970. https://doi.
org/10.1177/1940082920906970
The Jamovi Project (2020). Jamovi (Version 1.2) (Version 1.2)
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (2007). Eastern Mindanao Corridor Biodiversity Archiving and Assessment
Project Report. A technical report.
Trindade-Filho, J., F.L. Sobral, M.V. Cianciaruso & R.D. Loyola (2012). Using indicator groups to represent
bird phylogenetic and functional diversity. Biological Conservation 146(1): 155–162. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.biocon.2011.12.004

Threatened Taxa

Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 April 2021 | 13(5): 18110–18121 18121

 The Journal of Threatened Taxa (JoTT) is dedicated to building evidence for conservation globally by
OPEN ACCESS publishing peer-reviewed articles online every month at a reasonably rapid rate at www.threatenedtaxa.org. 
All articles published in JoTT are registered under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
unless otherwise mentioned. JoTT allows allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of articles
in any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of publication.

ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)

April 2021 | Vol. 13 | No. 5 | Pages: 18099–18410

Date of Publication: 26 April 2021 (Online & Print)
www.threatenedtaxa.org DOI: 10.11609/jott.2021.13.5.18099-18410
Articles Legumes (Angiosperms: Fabaceae) of Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India
– Jagdish Dalavi, Ramesh Pujar, Sharad Kambale, Varsha Jadhav-Rathod & Shrirang Yadav, Pp.
Spatiotemporal movement pattern of Asian Elephants Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 in 18283–18296
Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India
– Milind Digambar Patil, Vinayak Krishna Patil & Ninad Avinash Mungi, Pp. 18099–18109 Indigenous knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants by the Assamese community in Dibrugarh
District, Assam, India
Conservation ecology of birds in Mt. Hilong-hilong, a Key Biodiversity Area on Mindanao – Pranati Gogoi & Namita Nath, Pp. 18297–18312
Island, the Philippines
– Arturo G. Gracia Jr., Alma B. Mohagan, Janezel C. Burlat, Welfredo L. Yu Jr., Janine Mondalo, Short Communications
Florfe M. Acma, Hannah P. Lumista, Riah Calising & Krizler Cejuela Tanalgo, Pp. 18110–18121
Marine mammal strandings in the northern Palk Bay from 2009 to 2020
Nesting and hatching behaviour of Olive Ridley Turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, – Vedharajan Balaji & Veeramuthu Sekar, Pp. 18313–18318
1829) (Reptilia: Cryptodira: Cheloniidae) on Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, India
– P. Poornima, Pp. 18122–18131 First distribution record of the Asiatic Toad Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842 from India —
Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh
Communications – Sahil Nijhawan, Jayanta Kumar Roy, Iho Mitapo, Gata Miwu, Jibi Pulu & M. Firoz Ahmed, Pp.
18319–18323
Feeding ecology of Walia Ibex Capra walie (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Simien
Mountains National Park, Ethiopia A checklist of fishes of Telangana State, India
– D. Ejigu, A. Bekele & L. Powell, Pp. 18132–18140 – Kante Krishna Prasad & Chelmala Srinivasulu, Pp. 18324–18343

Assessment of crop and property damage caused by Semnopithecus vetulus nestor Report on the stingless bees of Bhutan (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
(Bennett, 1833) (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae) in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka – Tshering Nidup, Pp. 18344–18348
– Sunil Wijethilaka, Lakshani S. Weerasekara, Saumya Bandara & Kithsiri B. Ranawana, Pp.
18141–18147 New records of six termite (Blattodea: Termitidae) species from Kerala, India
– Poovoli Amina & K. Rajmohana, Pp. 18349–18354
Habitat preference of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata inhabiting Margalla Hills
National Park, Islamabad, Pakistan Status, abundance, and seasonality of butterfly fauna at Kuvempu University Campus,
– Tariq Mahmood, Shaista Andleeb & Faraz Akrim, Pp. 18148–18155 Karnataka, India
– M.N. Harisha & B.B. Hosetti, Pp. 18355–18363
The endangered Himalayan Red Panda: first photographic evidence from its westernmost
distribution range Observations on butterflies of non-protected areas of Titabar, Assam, India
– Saroj Shrestha, Sony Lama, Ang Phuri Sherpa, Sonam Tashi Lama & Dinesh Ghale, Pp. – Abhijit Konwar & Manashi Bortamuly, Pp. 18364–18377
18156–18163
Three new distribution records of Conidae (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda: Conoidea) from
Ecological niche modelling predicts significant impacts of future climate change on two the Andaman Islands, India
endemic rodents in eastern Africa – Jayaseelan Benjamin Franklin & Deepak Arun Apte, Pp. 18378–18384
– Aditya Srinivasulu, Alembrhan Assefa & Chelmala Srinivasulu, Pp. 18164–18176
A new record of an endangered and endemic rare Rein Orchid Habenaria rariflora from
Avian diversity in a fragmented landscape of central Indian forests (Bhopal Forest Circle) Gujarat, India
– Amit Kumar, Yogesh Dubey & Advait Edgaonkar, Pp. 18177–18188 – Mital R. Bhatt, Pp. 18385–18389

Nest tree preference shown by Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) in Glimpse of climber diversity in Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh, India
northern districts of Tamil Nadu, India – Lalita Saini, Archasvi Tyagi, Inam Mohammad & Vijai Malik, Pp. 18390–18397
– M. Pandian, Pp. 18189–18199
First report of the fleshy mushroom Trichaleurina javanica (Rehm) M. Carbone et al.
Two new species of Euphaea Selys, 1840 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Euphaeidae) from northern (Ascomycota: Pezizales: Chorioactidaceae) from southern India
Western Ghats, India – Munuswamy Kumar, Sekar Nithya & Antony Agnes Kayalvizhi, Pp. 18398–18402
– Shriram Dinkar Bhakare, Vinayan P Nair, Pratima Ashok Pawar, Sunil Hanmant Bhoite &
Kalesh Sadasivan, Pp. 18200–18214 Notes

Two new light attracted rove beetle species of Astenus Dejean, 1833 (Coleoptera: Photographic record of Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii (Gray, 1831) (Aves:
Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from Kerala, India Galliformes: Phasianidae) from eastern Bhutan: an evidence of its westward range
– P. Sreevidhya, S.V. Akhil & C.D. Sebastian, Pp. 18215–18226 expansion
– Tshering Dorji, Kinley Kinley, Letro Letro, Dawa Tshering & Prem Nanda Maidali, Pp.
A new distribution record of mason wasp Pison punctifrons Shuckard, 1838 (Hymenoptera: 18403–18405
Sphecidae: Larrinae) from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
– Rajiv K. Singh Bais & Aakash Singh Bais, Pp. 18227–18236 The Malay Cardamom Meistera aculeata (Roxb.) Škorničk. & M.F. Newman (Zingiberaceae:
Alpinioideae) from the Palghat gap: a new record to Kerala, India
Diversity of freshwater molluscs from the upper Brahmaputra Basin, – Vadakkeveedu Jagadesh Aswani, Manjakulam Khadhersha Jabeena & Maya
Assam, India Chandrashekaran Nair, Pp. 18406–18410
– Jyotish Sonowal, Munmi Puzari & Devid Kardong, Pp. 18237–18246

Diversity of understory flowering plants in the forest patches of Marilog District,

Philippines
– Florfe M. Acma, Noe P. Mendez, Noel E. Lagunday & Victor B. Amoroso, Pp. 18247–18256 Publisher & Host
Legumes of Kerala, India: a checklist
– Anoop P. Balan & S.V. Predeep, Pp. 18257–18282

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