Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Amoroso, Victor [1], Rufila, Lilibeth [2], Coritico, Fulgent [2].

Plant Diversity in Mt. Malindang, Southern Philippines: From Research to Development.

Despite the recognized value of Mt. Malindang Natural Park as a major biodiversity refuge, little has been done to conserve and protect its flora. The commercial and social demand for floral resources has resulted in biodiversity loss. Thus, Malindang Natural Park is one of the hotspots in the Philippines needing high priority for protection and conservation. It is therefore important that plants be inventoried and assessed so that strategies for their sustainable use can be effectively implemented. Site selection, establishment of sampling plots and inventory were done with the local researchers. Using TWISPAN analysis, floristic classification, vegetation types and maps were produced and assessed to determine the status of biodiversity. Participatory inventory and assessment of the forest and agroecosystems delineated nine types viz., mossy forest, montane forest, dipterocarp forest, almaciga forest, two types of mixed dipterocarp forest, lowland dipterocarp forest, plantation forest and agroecosystem. Each forest type is characterized by a specific combination of plant species. The forest ecosystems showed a total of 1,284 species: 873 angiosperms, 20 gymnosperms, 280 pteridophytes, 85 bryophytes, and 26 lichen species. It also revealed 56 endangered and locally threatened species. Among the vegetation types, the almaciga forest appeared with the most number of endemic species, followed by the montane forest and the mossy forests. The lowest species richness and endemism were found in the plantation forest. In general, the forest types scored high on species diversity index. It is expected that this species diversity index may increase when forest will be protected and properly managed by the local people inhabiting the park. The forests in Malindang Natural Park are still rich in biodiversity and endemic species. However, threatened species were likewise high due to land conversion and resource utilization. The knowledge gained on plant diversity and conservation status was used by the Subanens to establish their community economic garden and reforest degraded mountains as part of the in situ conservation.

1 - Central Mindanao University, Biology, University Town, Musuan, Bukidnon, N/A, 8710, Philippines
2 - Central Mindanao University, Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), Musuan, Bukidnon, 8710

Keywords:
Inventory
PLANTS
conservation
Philippines.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 36, Conservation Biology
Location: Sundance 1/Omni Hotel
Date: Wednesday, June 28th, 2017
Time: 10:30 AM
Number: 36002
Abstract ID:185
Candidate for Awards:None