Species diversity of skinks (Family: Scincidae) as influenced by land use systems in Southern Leyte, Philippines
Paper Details
Species diversity of skinks (Family: Scincidae) as influenced by land use systems in Southern Leyte, Philippines
Abstract
To determine the species composition, distribution and diversity of skinks in the different land use systems, three 10 m x 20 m sampling plots were randomly laid out equidistant from each other in the agroforestry, exotic tree plantation, native tree plantation, and secondary forest sites in Brgy. Lunas, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. Sampling and collection of specimens were done at different times of the day in each sampling plot. Specimens were identified down to the species level by referring to photo-documentations of published journal articles, thesis manuscript, monograph, and Dr. Rafe Brown. A total of 6 species of skinks in 4 genera with 66 individuals were recorded including Sphenomorphus acutus Peters, S. fasciatus Gray, Eutropis multicarinata Gray, E. multifasciata Kuhl, Brachymeles orientalis Brown and Pinoyscincus jagori Peters. Among the scincid lizards, E. multifasciata was the widely distributed and most abundant skink species while Sphenomorphus fasciatus was encountered solely in the exotic tree plantation dominated by mahogany [Swietenia macrophylla (L.) Jacq.)]. In terms of species diversity, exotic tree plantation and secondary forest had relatively comparable diversity indices (H’=0.4736; H’=0.4662) and species richness (R₂=0.3077; R₂=0.3750) while agroforestry had the lowest diversity index (H’= 0.1446) and species richness (R₂=0.0811). Further, exotic tree plantation, native tree plantation and secondary forest also had comparable evenness indices (Es=0.7866; Es=0.7619; Es=0.7743). Surprisingly, the results showed that exotic tree plantations could also exhibit certain levels of species diversity, particularly on scincid lizards, and should be included in any wildlife conservation programs.
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Rolibel S Timon, Litlen P Dapar (2020), Species diversity of skinks (Family: Scincidae) as influenced by land use systems in Southern Leyte, Philippines; JBES, V16, N4, April, P97-105
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