Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Grey-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus), locally known as Sawi, is a migratory raptor that pauses for stopover in the country during its trans–equatorial flight across the Pacific. Recent reports showed a gradual decline in the number of bird species as they transverse the Philippine archipelago especially in the northern part of Luzon. In this study, the researchers took into account the biographical information of the Greyface buzzard and its historical significance to the people. Methods/Statistical analysis: The study employed the Historical – Biographical research design and selected informants for interview through purposive sampling technique. Interview protocol was the main tool in gathering the needed data. The study covered the barangays frequented by the Grey-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus) in the municipality of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, Philippines. In particular, these are barangay Callungan, Pukel, Santiago, Marzan, and Dacal, Cagayan, Philippines. There were 80 informants included in the data collection process. Mean and percentage were applied in dealing with the statistical computation of data gathered. Findings: Results showed that the old folks from Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, Philippines know significant biographical and historical information about the Grey-faced buzzard (Butastur indicus) and the most common of which is that there was no distinct difference in the color of a male and female Grey-faced buzzard. The Grey-faced buzzards usually inhabit the dense forest areas in the municipality consuming insects living on trees as their main diet. It was commonly observed by the old folks that these raptors usually arrive in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, Philippines during the months of March and April, and this had been consistent every year hence making Sanchez Mira as one of their frequent stopover sites during their migration periods. Different contributions of the birds such as its role in the pest control management and its potential to attract tourists were highlighted. A gradual decline in the cases of hunting were observed by the interviewees. Novelty/Applications: The locale of the study makes it unique since historical – biographical information of grey-faced buzzard in this area is under studied.

Keywords: Greyfaced buzzard; historical; biographical; conservation; Philippines