Community Structure of Road Associated Avifauna along theUrban Gradient in Mintal, Davao City, Southern Philippines

Abstract

The community structure of avifauna along the urbanization gradient in Mintal, Davao Citywas surveyed and analyzed. A total of 4,210 individuals from 34 species belonging to 23 fam-ilies were recorded. Seven species are Philippine endemics and five are introduced species.Correlation and regression analysis showed a positive relationship between increasing vegeta-tion cover with species richness and a negative relationship with abundance. Oppositely, in-creasing urbanization (increase built-up cover, pedestrian and traffic rate) were observed tohave positive relationship to abundance but negative relationship to species richness. Thus, the avian community in the urbanization gradient of Mintal, Davao City follows the general ac-cepted trend that in heavily disturbed areas, species richness is at its lowest while total birdabundance is at its peak. This study also suggests the importance of green spaces with lessertraffic rate in urban landscapes that could support higher avian diversity which includes Philip-pine endemic species.