Significant records of birds on Puerco Island, Roxas, Palawan, Philippines

Abstract

We documented a total of 53 species of birds on Puerco Island from May 2016 to December 2019 using a combination of modified area search method and photo-documentation. The number of birds increased from only 15 species in 2014 to 53 in December 2019. Records included two endangered species, 18 migratory and 28 native birds. Monthly monitoring of Barred Rail Hypotaenidia torquata, Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis and Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris showed varying levels of abundance. Nest monitoring of the Nearthreatened Philippine Scrubfowl Megapodius cumingii cumingii, locally called “tabon”, using close circuit television cameras, showed a significant increase from only three nests reported in 2012 to 154 in September 2019. The changes in the species composition and the increase in the breeding population of Philippine Scrubfowl are attributed to the integration of conservation management strategies on Puerco Island.