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Marion John Michael M. Achondo

  • Biodiversity Journal, 16 (4): 623-636

    Marion John Michael M. Achondo, Jayson C. Ibañez & Maria Victoria O. Espaldon
    Community and Ecological Attributes of Birds in a privately owned agroforestry farm in Mindanao, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2025.16.4.623.636

    ABSTRACT
    Managed and privately owned agroforestry systems play a vital role in conserving biodiversity within tropical landscapes increasingly threatened by monoculture expansion. This study assessed bird diversity, endemicity, conservation status, and ecological traits in the Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF), a 30-year-old managed system on the lower slopes of Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park, Philippines. A total of 49 bird species were recorded, including 24 endemics and two nationally and globally threatened taxa, Gorsachius goisagi (Temminck, 1835) (Japanese Night Heron) and Loriculus philippensis (Müller, 1776) (Philippine Hanging Parrot). Forest-dwelling, insessorial, and insectivorous birds predominated, reflecting the capacity of structurally complex and vegetation-rich agroforests to support species with diverse ecological needs. The occurrence of mixed-species flocks among insectivores indicates dynamic interspecific interactions within the farm. These findings highlight that well-managed agroforestry systems can complement protected areas by sustaining native biodiversity, improving habitat connectivity, and maintaining ecological functions while enabling agricultural production. As agricultural expansion continues to threaten tropical biodiversity, ecologically managed agroforestry offers a scalable, nature-based approach to harmonize biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods in human-modified environments.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (3): 771-780

    Christian Yancy A. Yurong, Aileen Grace D. Delima, Leo Manuel B. Estaña, Lief Erikson D. Gamalo & Marion John Michael M. Achondo
    Community Structure of Road Associated Avifauna along the Urban Gradient in Mintal, Davao City, Southern Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.3.771.780

    ABSTRACT
    The community structure of avifauna along the urbanization gradient in Mintal, Davao City was surveyed and analyzed. A total of 4,210 individuals from 34 species belonging to 23 families were recorded. Seven species are Philippine endemics and five are introduced species. Correlation and regression analysis showed a positive relationship between increasing vegetation cover with species richness and a negative relationship with abundance. Oppositely, increasing urbanization (increase built-up cover, pedestrian and traffic rate) were observed to have 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 accepted trend that in heavily disturbed areas, species richness is at its lowest while total bird abundance is at its peak. This study also suggests the importance of green spaces with lesser traffic rate in urban landscapes that could support higher avian diversity which includes Philippine endemic species.