Flight for Conservation The Birds of Benguet State University Land Reservations, La Trinidad, Benguet

Abstract

The identification and characterization of birds in land reservations are important basis for institutions in identifying strategies in the promotion of its protection and conservation. The study identified, characterized, and photo-documented birds within the Benguet State University (BSU)-La Trinidad Campus and its land reservations. The common, scientific, and family names of these birds are determined together with its eco-class, conservation status, distribution, characteristics, and food. Forty-six species of birds under 27 families are identified within the campus and its land reservations. Forty-four bird species are found to be indigenous and two are exotic. Fifteen of the indigenous bird species are found endemic. Incidentally, these 15 endemic species identified included ranked six and seven of the ten must see birds in the Philippines. Based on the categories under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1 (2001), all the identified birds belong to the conservation status, least concern. Further, on population trend, nine bird species were of unknown status whether their population is increasing or decreasing, 26 were with stable population, eight were decreasing and four were increasing. Forty-one of the species are insect-eating. The presence of the Scale-Feathered Malkoha and Spotted Wood Kingfisher, high endemism, and richness of bird species in the BSU land reservations in La Trinidad, Benguet indicates that there is a need to sustain or heighten the reservations’ protection and conservation.