Faunal diversity and habitat associations in Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, Luzon, Philippines

Authors

  • Gerald M. Salas Pampanga State Agricultural University
  • Christian Apilado Pampanga state Agricultural University
  • Francis Joseph R. Masa Pampanga State Agricultural University
  • Nathaniel B. Supan
  • Jocell D. Calma
  • Kesia Amor M. Valencia
  • Allain James T. Aquino
  • Fernan I. Camara
  • Russell A. Rivera
  • Kyle Emmanuel D. Macalino
  • Dianne D. Arcilla
  • Joanna Marie O. Bagtas
  • Vince Hexel G. Dela Rosa
  • Jefferson P. Aquino
  • Hazel Ann D. Licup

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18223943

Keywords:

Biodiversity, community structure, ecosystem resilience, functional role, protected area

Abstract

Mountain ecosystems support rich biodiversity due to varied terrain, microclimates, and habitats, fostering endemism and specialization. However, these same traits make them vulnerable to human activities and climate change. Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape (MAPL) in Central Luzon, Philippines, features diverse lowland and montane forests. Despite its protected status and ecological importance, comprehensive faunal studies, especially those assessing multiple faunal groups and their ecological roles remain limited. This study conducted a multi-taxa faunal survey in 36 quadrats across the northern and southern slopes of MAPL throughout both wet and dry seasons, focusing on five important groups: detritivores, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. A total of 2,359 individual creatures have been identified. The location has a high species richness, as indicated by a Shannon Index of 4.001 and Simpson's richness Index of 0.972. The prominent and ecologically significant species were Rattus everetti, Diacamma australe, Platymantis mimulus, Lanius cristatus, and Pinoyscincus jagori. The faunal composition was a mix of disturbance-tolerant generalists and habitat-sensitive endemics. Migratory bird species, such as Lanius cristatus and Pericrocotus divaricatus, emphasized MAPL's function as a seasonal stopover. Ants, cockroaches, and termites all played an important role in ecosystem function by cycling nutrients and regulating the forest floor.

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Published

2025-11-12

How to Cite

Salas, G., Apilado, C., Masa, F. J., Supan, N., Calma, J., Valencia, K. A., Aquino, A. J., Camara, F., Rivera, R., Macalino, K. E. ., Arcilla, D., Bagtas, J. M., Dela Rosa, V. H., Aquino, J., & Licup, H. A. (2025). Faunal diversity and habitat associations in Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, Luzon, Philippines. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 9(4), 182–206. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18223943

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

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Original Article

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