Avian inventory and key species of the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar

Abstract

From mid-September 1993 to February 1994 avian species were inventoried at eight sites selected to sample the major biogeographic areas and threatened habitats of Masoala Peninsula of north-eastern Madagascar. The sites ranged from 10 to 1100 m elevation. Three forest types were inventoried: six sites included primary lowland rainforest (0-700 m), one site was characterized as moist montane forest (above 700 m), and one site was classified as littoral forest. Bird species and distribution were sampled using point counts and line transects, tree observations and opportunistic sightings; 85 avian species were detected. Line transects were the most productive technique for number of species detected. Twenty-four detected species were shared by all inventory sites. Six threatened and six near-threatened species were observed with notes on their ecology and behaviour. One endangered species, the Madagascar Serpent-eagle Eutriorchis astur, was first observed along a forest edge and then sighted several times at forest interior sites, suggesting that this secretive endangered raptor is not as rare as previously thought. Another species of indeterminate status, the Madagascar Red Owl Tyto soumagnei, was discovered by two villagers near one inventory site in modified habitat. Several rare and near-threatened species were found to be common throughout Masoala Peninsula: Scaly Ground-roller Brachypteracias squamiger, Short-legged Ground-roller B. leptosomus, Red-breasted Coua Coua serriana, Brown Mesite Mesitornis unicolor, Helmet Vanga Euryceros prevostii, Bernier's Vanga Oriolia bernieri and Rand's Warbler Randia pseudozosterops; the last was only found along pristine riverine habitat. Three species were detected only at the high elevation montane forest: Grey-crowned Greenbul Phyllastrephus cinereiceps, Forest Rock-thrush Pseudocossyphus sharpei and Madagascar Brush-warbler Nesillas typica. Forest degradation from subsistence agriculture, shifting cultivation and fuelwood collecting threatens natural resources and biodiversity but conservation and development efforts can provide alternatives to meet the needs of the local people.