The conservation status of the birds of Negros, Philippines

Abstract

SummaryOrnithological surveys were carried out in the remnant forests of the island of Negros, in the central Philippines, over five weeks in the summer of 1991. From this work it is concluded that, without the implementation of immediate conservation measures, the global extinction of four bird species is likely to occur in the near future. These are Negros Fruit-dovePtilinopus arcanus, Negros Bleeding-heartGallicolumba keayi, Writhed-billed HornbillAceros waldeniand White-throated Jungle-flycatcherKhinomyias albi-gularis. Another four species restricted to the lowlands of Negros and the adjacent island of Panay, Visayan Tarictic HornbillPenelopides panini, White-winged Cuckoo-shrikeCora-cina ostenta, Flame-templed BabblerStachyris speciosaand Visayan FlowerpeckerDicaeum (australe) haematostictum, must be considered under extreme threat, and the endemic Negros Striped-babblerStachyris nigrorumis under considerable pressure. A further twelve species listed as globally threatened are also in serious danger of extinction on Negros. This paper details the results of fieldwork and presents our conclusions and suggestions for conservation, which must include the direct preservation of the last fragments of lowland forest on the island.