Relative Abundance of the Philippine Scops-Owl Otus megalotis megalotis (Walden) in Marinduque and Mt. Makiling, Philippines

Abstract

A total of 128 survey broadcast points in each site were conducted in the municipality of Gasan, Marinduque and in the Makiling Forest Reserve that determined the species abundance, detection rate and response time to playback calls. Higher abundance and detection rate of the Philippine Scops Owls were found in Marinduque (t=5, P=0.0007, 30.46%). The species detection rate decreased as the distance from the playback station increased. Distance and response time were affected by terrain and vegetation in both areas. Availability of suitable habitat is probably the major factor that determines species’ population status.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v10i1.7768