Abstract
A camera trap survey was conducted in the recently protected Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines from February to May 2015 at 39 camera trap sites. A bait of common pig’s blood was used at 36 sites, while the three remaining sites were surveyed without a bait and monitored a stream with a latrine site or mud bath with tracks. Seven native species were detected and three of these species were endemic to the island province. Species included: Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus philippinensis, Palawan Porcupine Hystrix pumila, Collared Mongoose Urva semitorquata, Palawan Stink Badger Mydaus marchei, Palawan Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis heaneyi, Asian Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus, and Malay Civet Viverra tangalunga. Analysis of the activity patterns of the three most commonly captured species revealed predominantly nocturnal activity for the Common Palm Civet, Palawan Porcupine, and Palawan Stink Badger. The Philippine Palm Civet showed occasional diurnal activity. The seven photo-captured species appeared most common, or were at the least recorded, below 750m. Five species (the Philippine Palm Civet, Palawan Porcupine, Collared Mongoose, Palawan Stink Badger, and Palawan Leopard Cat) were also recorded above 1000m. The CNCH supports two threatened species, the Palawan Porcupine and the Asian Small-clawed Otter, which are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, and the Collared Mongoose is listed as Near Threatened. The Palawan Leopard Cat is considered Vulnerable within the Philippines, although it has yet to be assessed by the IUCN. This documentation highlights the biodiversity significance within the newly protected critical habitat and the need to support ongoing conservation efforts within the critical habitat. 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.