The Cebu Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor) is a small passerine bird. It is endemic to Cebu Island in the Philippines.
The Cebu Flowerpecker is a critically endangered breeding bird. It was feared to have become extinct early in the 20th century after the clearance of most of the island's forests, but was rediscovered in 1992 in a small patch of limestone forest in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and has since been found at three other sites, namely, the Nug-as forest of Alcoy, Mount Lantoy of Argao and the forests of Dalaguete. Other possible sites for this species are in Malabuyoc. The current population is estimated to be between 85 and 105.
The Cebu Flowerpecker is a critically endangered breeding bird. It was feared to have become extinct early in the 20th century after the clearance of most of the island's forests, but was rediscovered in 1992 in a small patch of limestone forest in the Central Cebu Protected Landscape and has since been found at three other sites, namely, the Nug-as forest of Alcoy, Mount Lantoy of Argao and the forests of Dalaguete. Other possible sites for this species are in Malabuyoc. The current population is estimated to be between 85 and 105.
Appearance
Flowerpeckers are tiny birds ranging 8-10 cm in length with short tail and somewhat erratic flight pattern. They are mostly sexually dimorphic, meaning the male and female have different physical appearance. The males are more colourful with yellow, orange, red or blue in their plumage. The females are plainer, mainly olive with some yellow or red patches.
Distribution and Habitat
Many flowerpeckers inhabit the forest but some species venture out into the adjacent cultivation and gardens.
Diet
They are frugivorous and usually observed feeding on berries in the forest margins or mistletoe plants. They also feed on nectar for they have specialized tongue to drink nectar from flowers. In addition, flowerpeckers take some insects and feed on plant sap.
Ecological Roles
Flowerpeckers are important seed dispersal agent for many rainforest plants. They are particularly partial of fruits with numerous tiny seeds like the fruits of Melastome plants. If the fruit is too large, they chew it into small pieces before swallowing them. Some of these pieces may fall to the ground and carried away by ants resulting in secondary dispersal.
Not only flowerpeckers act as seed disperser, but they also play an important role as pollinator. The flowers provide nectar and in turn the bird help spread the pollen. In one species of mistletoe plant, the flower looks similar to its fruit. When a flowerpecker takes a bite to eat it, the flower will explode and release plenty of pollens onto its chest and forehead.
Not only flowerpeckers act as seed disperser, but they also play an important role as pollinator. The flowers provide nectar and in turn the bird help spread the pollen. In one species of mistletoe plant, the flower looks similar to its fruit. When a flowerpecker takes a bite to eat it, the flower will explode and release plenty of pollens onto its chest and forehead.
Distribution and population
Dicaeum quadricolor is endemic to the island of Cebu in thePhilippines (Collar et al. 1999). In the late 1800s it was known from just two localities, where it was considered not uncommon. Early in the 20th century, it was feared to have become extinct because all the island's forest was thought to have been cleared. However, it was rediscovered in 1992 at Tabunan (80 ha, plus another 40 ha of surrounding fragments) where it was seen most recently in 2007 (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt. 2007, 2008). Since 1992 it has been found at three further sites, Nug-As (700+ ha) (L. M. J. Paguntalanin litt. 2005), Dalaguete (80+ ha) (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt.2005) and Mt Lantoy (30+ ha). In 2010, there were at least two sightings of this species by forest wardens in the Alcoy area, including a pair in the vicinity of human habitation (R. S. S. Ybañez in litt. 2010). Three other areas of forest exist, but the species has not yet been reported from them: Caurasan-Mt. Kapayas (100+ ha) (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt.2005); Tuburan (300 ha including exotic plantations) (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt. 2005); and Malabuyoc (30 ha) (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt. 2005). Population declines are now likely to be fairly slow because so little forest remains, and that which does is on areas difficult to cultivate or without water (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt. 2005). The maximum number seen together at any of these four sites is just four birds, and the current population is estimated at c.100 individuals, with 50-60 at Nug-As, 25-30 at Tabunan, and 10-15 at Dalaguete (L. M. J. Paguntalan in litt. 2005).
Saving Species Preventing Extinctions: Cebu Flowerpecker
October 2009 – December 2012
Donor: BirdLife International
2012 Updates:
- Cebu Flowerpecker sightings recorded at Nug-as and Tabunan forests in Cebu. The suspected breeding season is from May to July, coinciding with the fruiting season of the Ficus trees, where they forage.
- Information from the Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (CBCFI) researches on the ecological studies of the Cebu Flowerpecker and other flora and fauna and their conservation status in the Nug-as Forest presented to the local chief executives, DENR, local legislators and their staff during a series of meetings mid-year which generated support for the establishment of a biodiversity conservation management corridor.
- CBCFI and the Tabunan Forest Stewards hosted a tree planting activity in celebration of Earth Day with the Cebu City Government.
- Communications plan based on a stakeholder analysis prepared, and will be used as a guide for implementation of biodiversity conservation in this Key Biodiversity Area.
- Support from the local school system (both Tabunan and Cebu Technical University) generated and will be the springboard for the preparation of biodiversity conservation teaching guides that are species specific and ecosystems oriented.
- Forest wardens mobilized by CBCFI in establishing 60 hectares (rainforestation scheme) under the USAID-supported Upscaling Forest Restoration Project implemented by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment as CBCFI partner.
- Biodiversity conservation and rainforestation trainings and exposure trip to Bohol Biodiversity Conservation Center conducted to forest wardens and Tabuan forest stewards.
Central Cebu Protected Landscape
The Central Cebu Protected Landscape, (CCPL) is a protected area located in the mountains and drainage basins of central Cebu in the Philippines.
The CCPL covers what used to be known as the Central Cebu National Park, Buhisan Dam, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusuran Watershed Forest Reserve, and the Sudlon National Park. The protected area spans 29,062 hectares (71,810 acres) of adjoining forestlands and watersheds located in the middle of the province. The CCPL houses many of Cebu's endemic and indigenous species.The CCPL is also home to several threatened species, such as the Cebu Flowerpecker, Black Shama, the Cebu Cinnamon tree(Cinnamomum cebuense), a rare new kind of orchid, the Streak-breasted Bulbul, the Rufous-lored Kingfisher, and the Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bat among others. It is in this area where the critically endangered Cebu flowerpecker was rediscovered in 1992. The area is also home to the newly opened Kan-irag Nature Park.
The CCPL covers what used to be known as the Central Cebu National Park, Buhisan Dam, Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve, Kotkot-Lusuran Watershed Forest Reserve, and the Sudlon National Park. The protected area spans 29,062 hectares (71,810 acres) of adjoining forestlands and watersheds located in the middle of the province. The CCPL houses many of Cebu's endemic and indigenous species.The CCPL is also home to several threatened species, such as the Cebu Flowerpecker, Black Shama, the Cebu Cinnamon tree(Cinnamomum cebuense), a rare new kind of orchid, the Streak-breasted Bulbul, the Rufous-lored Kingfisher, and the Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bat among others. It is in this area where the critically endangered Cebu flowerpecker was rediscovered in 1992. The area is also home to the newly opened Kan-irag Nature Park.
Our almost-forgotten natural treasures
By Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos
Tabunan Forest is part of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). The CCPL was formally established as one protected area under Republic Act No. 9486, known as The Central Cebu Protected Landscape Act of 2007. A protected area is defined by this law as “identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation.”
The CCPL was created pursuant to the state policy “to secure the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, particularly its role as a watershed for water generation and supply purposes; its associated biological diversity, other natural, ecological and physical processes and values; its communities, their culture and way of life insofar as these are in harmony with nature and the biophysical and ecological systems of the area.”
On our second visit to Tabunan, a week after, we saw part of the challenges, which included the wanton littering of plastic and candy wrappers and evidence of illegal exploitation of our natural resources, both prohibited acts under RA 9486, RA 9003, the NIPAs Act and other laws. We also are aware that there is no updated inventory of the species of flora and fauna in Tabunan as well as in other protected areas.
Facing the issues up close, the Tabunan visit definitely strengthened the resolve to help in finding solutions to the continuing threats facing our protected areas like the CCPL. The faithful implementation of our environmental laws goes a long way in instilling the mindset of ecological stewardship among the constituents. Support for people ‘s organizations protecting the forests is strongly recommended. A closer collaboration among the government, private sector and civil society is definitely urgently needed.
The CCPL was created pursuant to the state policy “to secure the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, particularly its role as a watershed for water generation and supply purposes; its associated biological diversity, other natural, ecological and physical processes and values; its communities, their culture and way of life insofar as these are in harmony with nature and the biophysical and ecological systems of the area.”
On our second visit to Tabunan, a week after, we saw part of the challenges, which included the wanton littering of plastic and candy wrappers and evidence of illegal exploitation of our natural resources, both prohibited acts under RA 9486, RA 9003, the NIPAs Act and other laws. We also are aware that there is no updated inventory of the species of flora and fauna in Tabunan as well as in other protected areas.
Facing the issues up close, the Tabunan visit definitely strengthened the resolve to help in finding solutions to the continuing threats facing our protected areas like the CCPL. The faithful implementation of our environmental laws goes a long way in instilling the mindset of ecological stewardship among the constituents. Support for people ‘s organizations protecting the forests is strongly recommended. A closer collaboration among the government, private sector and civil society is definitely urgently needed.
Sources
http://dumaka.hubpages.com/hub/Tiny-Beauties-Flowerpeckers
http://www.haribon.org.ph/index.php/saving-species/44-preventing-extinctions-cebu-flowerpecker
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=8203&m=1
^ BirdLife International (2012). "Dicaeum quadricolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
Jump up^ BirdLife Species FactsheetAtty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos
http://www.haribon.org.ph/index.php/saving-species/44-preventing-extinctions-cebu-flowerpecker
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=8203&m=1
^ BirdLife International (2012). "Dicaeum quadricolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
Jump up^ BirdLife Species FactsheetAtty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos