Sites - Important Bird Areas (IBAs)

Ornithological information Many of the threatened and restricted-range species of the Mindanao and Eastern Visayas Endemic Bird Area have been recorded in or near to the Anonang-Lobi range. These include all three species endemic to the Eastern Visayas, Samar Hornbill, Visayan Broadbill and Yellow-breasted Tailorbird. Many of these birds were collected there during expeditions in the 1960s, but there is little recent information on their status. There is clearly a need for more survey work, in particular to determine the importance of the forests on the Anonang-Lobi range and elsewhere on Leyte as part of the network of sites required for the conservation of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.

Site description The Anonang-Lobi mountain range runs from north to south through western Leyte, and includes Mt Lobi, Mt Burauen Graben and Mt Camaiyak. The highest peak, Mt Lobi, rises to 1,346 m. A large block of old growth forest was shown there on recent forest cover maps, but this forest is actually mostly secondary growth in the lowlands which covers c.38% of the area and mossy forest which covers c.16%. Agricultural areas cover c.46%.

Populations of IBA trigger species

Habitats

Other biodiversity The Philippine Deer Cervus mariannus, Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippensis and Philippine Tarsier Tarsius syrichta are also found here.

Management considerations There is presumably some pressure on the forests in this IBA from agricultural encroachment and illegal logging, but the level of threat is unclear. The Anonang-Lobi range is enclosed within the Philippine National Oil Company’s (PNOC) Geothermal Reservation, which was declared by Proclamation No. 1412 in April 1975, covering 107,625 ha. The PNOC maintains geothermal structures and conducts drilling operations, and is also mandated to protect the forest, but it has opened roads which are allowing logging and kaingin.

Protection status Not officially protected.

Conservation response The Anonang-Lobi range is enclosed within the Philippine National Oil Company’s (PNOC) Geothermal Reservation, which was declared by Proclamation No. 1412 in April 1975, covering 107,625 ha. The PNOC maintains geothermal structures and conducts drilling operations, and is also mandated to protect the forest, but it has opened roads which are allowing logging and kaingin. Surveys are required in this IBA, to investigate both the extent and quality of the remaining habitats, and whether it supports important populations of threatened and restricted-range birds and other biodiversity.

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Recommended citation  BirdLife International (2013) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Anonang-Lobi Range. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 24/05/2013

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