Population density and distribution of the Endangered Black Shama Kittacincla cebuensis

Abstract

Summary The Endangered Black Shama Kittacincla cebuensis is endemic to the island of Cebu, Philippines. We surveyed 11 forest patches from February 2018 to March 2020 to determine current distribution, habitat requirements, and population density of the Black Shama. A total of 111 point count stations was surveyed resulting in 93 Black Shama detections. Using point count Distance sampling, the population density was estimated at 313 individuals/km2 for a total population of 11,839 individuals (9,160–15,415). The largest sub-population (10,470) was in Alcoy, followed by Argao (711), and Dalaguete (325). Our total population estimate and sub-population estimates were higher than the estimate of 6,650 individuals made by BirdLife International for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The species was found to survive in a variety of habitats in at least 20 localities covering roughly 37 km2 of karst forest. We did not encounter the bird in seven areas of its former range. Protection of the remaining forests of Cebu and the establishment of plantations of native tree species in between forest patches are crucial to the survival of the species.