population density and distribution of black shama (Copsychus cebuensis steere) in MT. LANTOY key biodiversity areas in Argao, Cebu, Philippines

Distance sampling point transect method was used to determine the population density of Copsychuscebuensis among the selected forest patches in Mt. Lantoy Key Biodiversity Areas in Argao−an area of high conservation importance in Cebu. Distance 6 Release 2 software was also used in estimating the population density of the target species in three sampling sites namely Barangays Tabayag, Cansuje, and Canbantug. Results have shown that brgy. Tabayag has 26 individuals per hectare for mixed and pure forest strata with coefficient of variation (CV) at 18.29%, brgy. Cansuje has 49 individuals per hectare with CV of 14.53% both for mixed and pure strata, and brgy. Canbantug has 36 individuals per hectare with CV of 59.23% for mixed and 31 individuals per hectare with CV of 59.37% for pure strata respectively. The higher CV obtained at brgy. Canbantug is may be attributed to the lesser number of samples (n=36) since Distance 6 Release 2 software requires at least 60-80 samples and the least is 40 to have more precise results. C. cebuensis were also widely distributed along median to lower elevation especially at valley bottom on areas with higher canopy cover and higher relative humidity. Though the target species is globally endangered yet at the local level especially on forest patches being sampled they are still widely distributed due to its tolerance across all habitat type be it mixed, pure and plantation forest.