AVIFAUNA DIVERSITY IN THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN OF THE TAGBANUA TRIBE IN ABORLAN, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

The human activities in the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua tribe in Aborlan, Palawan, may adversely affect the avifaunal diversity. Thus, it is crucial to understand its current status and provide baseline data for management and monitoring. Avifaunal community attributes in an ancestral domain of the Tagbanua tribe in this area was surveyed in August 2020 using a standard transect count method. This study described the bird assemblage in terms of index of diversity, species richness, abundance, evenness, level of endemism, and presence of conservation priority species. A total of 61 species of birds from 29 families were recorded. The ancestral domain, particularly in the forest area supports high avifaunal diversity as manifested by the high species richness, abundance, diversity index, and evenness values. The high avifaunal diversity and the presence of many endemic and conservation priority bird species accentuate the need to protect and conserve the forest in the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua. It also supports many forest-dependent endemic birds and threatened species that are priority for conservation. The data suggest that the forest ecosystem in the ancestral domain is still in good condition and emphasizing that the degree of resource extraction and utilization by the tribe in the area remain sustainable. Although, a sustainable, science-based, and culture-sensitive community-based management plan must be crafted by multisector oversee committee to guide the local managers in the management and utilization of the forest resource.