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Mt. Tago Range in Bukidnon has been subjected to deforestation and forest fragmentation due to logging ca. 35-40 years ago or as direct result of land conversion for agriculture, human settlements and wildlife product harvesting. It is currently not a protected area. This study aimed to provide data on the tree species diversity, structure, composi...
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... lower montane forest at ca. 1200-1500 masl was characterized by clay and loam substrate (Table 2), emergent trees (≥31 m tall) (92%), 10-19 cm DBH (54%) and 1.5 m 2 /ha average basal area (BA) ( Table 3). Buttressed trees were rare and woody vines were usually absent. ...Context 2
... stand data across forest habitats (Table 3) suggests that majority of the tree population (n=1,032) fall under diameter class 10-19 cm DBH (53%) and height class 16-30 m (48%). The relatively low percentage (11 and 12%) of the tree population with 30-39 cm and ≥ 40 cm DBH respectively is attributed to environmental conditions and anthropogenic activity. ...Similar publications
This study analyzed the vegetation structure, composition, and dynamics of the beach forest in Kamarian Village, Western Seram Regency, Maluku Province. The research employed a systematic sampling method with continuous measurement plots across three distinct forest blocks, measuring vegetation parameters at four growth stages: trees, poles, saplin...
Citations
... Their presence indicates a healthy forest floor with sufficient light and resources for growth. The coexistence of these climbers and understory species with dominant trees and palms demonstrates a balanced and functioning ecosystem, where diverse layers collectively enhance resilience and biodiversity (Coritico et al. 2020;Deng et al. 2023). In contrast, species with low IVI scores, though less dominant, remain ecologically significant. ...
Raganas AFM, Gamalo LED, Chavez Jr JB, De Cadiz AE. 2025. Native, endemic, and threatened flora species in a swamp forest in Tagum City, Philippines: Implications for species and habitat conservation. Biodiversitas 26: 1189-1201. Endemic and threatened plants are among the most susceptible species, and are considered the most effective surrogates for identifying and evaluating conservation priority areas. This study aimed to provide critical information regarding native, endemic, and threatened flora species within the swampy beach forest ecosystem of Hijo, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, Philippines. A plant survey was conducted using plots along a series of 100 m transect lines within the forest, where all plants were identified, and their distribution and conservation status were assessed. The study focused on native and endemic species, with vegetation analyses examining their influence on forest community structure. The survey identified 117 native and 28 endemic species across 55 families and 116 genera from 239 vascular plant species recorded. Among these, nine species were classified as threatened. Saribus rotundifolius had the highest importance value reflecting its dominance and strong ecological influence within the forest. Threats such as saltwater intrusion and flooding during wet season can potentially endanger regenerating plants. A conservation strategy framework has been developed using ex situ and in situ methods to effectively protect the ecosystem. Furthermore, this study addresses gaps in the insufficient data on beach flora species across the country.
... The largest ethnic groups are the Bisaya, Cebuano, and Ilonggo, respectively (Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], 2023a). Mindanao harbors rich floral diversity (see Amoroso et al., 2012;Polizon and Amoroso, 2014;Lillo et al., 2019;Coritico et al., 2020;Medecilo-Guiang et al., 2021). However, many species on the island group are threatened (see Aribal and Buot, 2009;Lumista et al., 2016;Coritico et al., 2022). ...
Medicinal plants have long been used to treat various diseases in both indigenous and non-indigenous populations of Mindanao, Philippines. Here, we extracted data from ethnobotanical studies to compile a comprehensive list of these medicinal plants and identify how and for what purpose they are most commonly used. We identified 530 verified medicinal plant species across 372 genera in 118 families. The two most frequently cited species were Euphorbia hirta and Psidium guajava. The most represented family was Fabaceae and the most represented genus was Ficus. A total of 28 medicinal plant species are designated as threatened at the national or global level; of these, 11 are endemic to the Philippines. Medicinal plant preparations most commonly use leaves for oral administration to treat various diseases such as digestive issues, including diarrhea. This study underscores the need for further ethnobotanical investigations, particularly in areas lacking records. It also emphasizes the need for conservation of threatened and endemic medicinal plants to ensure sustainable utilization of this valuable resource.
... Similar studies on general mossy forest ecosystems of the Philippines show remarkably high biodiversity indices (Amoroso et al. 2018;Coritico et al. 2020;Paltiyan-Bugtong et al. 2022;Terbio et al. 2022). Mossy forests and tropical rainforests as a whole have unparalleled biodiversity that makes them important gene pools of biodiversity and target for conservation priorities. ...
The scientific community faces the challenge of measuring progress toward biodiversity targets and indices have been traditionally used. However, recent inventories in secondary tropical mountain forests using traditional biodiversity indices have yielded results that are indistinct with primary ones. This shows the need to develop complementary indices that goes beyond species count but integrates the distribution and conservation status of the species. This study developed endemicity and conservation importance index for tropical forest that incorporated the distribution and conservation status of the species. These indices were applied to Mt. Natoo, a remnant primary mossy forest in Buguias, Benguet, Philippines, that resulted to endemicity index of 81.07 and conservation importance index of 42.90. Comparing these with secondary forest sites with comparable Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Evenness and Margalef’s indices, our endemicity and conservation indices clearly differentiates primary forest (our study site) with higher values from secondary forests with much lower values. Thus, we are proposing these indices for a direct but scientifically-informed identification of specific sites for conservation and protection in tropical forests. Additionally, our study documented a total of 168 vascular plant species (79 endemic and 12 locally threatened species) in Mt. Nato-o. Majority are of tropical elements for both generic and species levels with some temperate elements that could be attributed to the site’s high elevation and semi-temperate climate. These are important baseline information for conservation plans and monitoring of tropical mossy forests.
... After the establishment of the transect and quadrats, the plant survey was carried out. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 10 cm were included in the study, following the DBH cut-off of many tree species inventories undertaken in the Philippines [27,28]. Plant identities were determined in the field using morphological characteristics. ...
... References and databases such as Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines [29] After the establishment of the transect and quadrats, the plant survey was carried out. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 10 cm were included in the study, following the DBH cut-off of many tree species inventories undertaken in the Philippines [27,28]. Plant identities were determined in the field using morphological characteristics. ...
The Sierra Madre Mountain Range (SMMR) is the backbone of the Luzon Islands that contains a high concentration of highly important ecological resources distributed among the 68 protected areas therewith. The present study aimed to assess the composition and diversity of tree species in a secondary forest within the SMMR. A 2.25 km transect with 10 900-m2 plots were established to record tree species with a diameter at breast height of at least 10 cm. The findings revealed 148 individuals of trees from 38 morphospecies, 28 genera, and 20 families. Importance values unveiled the Aurora endemic Macaranga stonei Whitmore as the most important species in terms of the relative values of its abundance, frequency, and dominance. The area was also found to be home to 33 natives, 12 endemics, five IUCN threatened species, and nine Philippine threatened trees. Furthermore, the study site was also found to have considerably high diversity, with a Shannon–Weiner Index value of 3.269 and a relatively even distribution of individuals among species, as supported by the Simpson’s Evenness index value of 0.9453. Significant correlational relationships were also found among species richness, Shannon–Weiner index, and Simpson’s Evenness index, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.881 to 0.934, with all significant at p < 0.001. Lastly, the study was able to produce a distribution map, which is necessary for implementing targeted conservation strategies. These findings provided valuable implications for future research and implementation of targeted and participatory biodiversity conservation and protection strategies.
... After the establishment of the transect and quadrats, the plant survey was done. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 10 cm were included in the study following DBH cut-off of many tree species inventory in the Philippines [25,26]. Plant identities were determined on the field using morphological characteristics. ...
Sierra Madre Mountain Range (SMMR) is the backbone of Luzon Islands that contains high concentration of highly important ecological resources distributed among the 68 protected areas therewith. The present study aimed to assess the tree species composition and diversity in a secondary forest within the SMMR. A 2.25-km transect with 10 900-m2 was established to record tree species with a diameter at breast height of at least 10 cm. The findings revealed 148 individuals of trees from 38 morphospecies, 28 genera, and 20 families. Importance values unveiled the Aurora endemic Macaranga stonei Whitmore as the most important species in terms of the relative values of its abundance, frequency, and dominance. The area was also found to be home for 33 natives, 12 endemics, five IUCN threatened species, and nine Philippine threatened trees. Furthermore, the study site was also found to have a considerably high diversity with Shannon Weiner Index value of 3.269 and a relatively even distribution of individuals among species supported by the Simpson’s Evenness index value of 0.9453. Significant correlational relationships were also found among species richness, Shannon Weinder index, and Simpson’s Evenness index with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.881 to .934 all significant at p < .001. Lastly, the study was able to produce a distribution map necessary in implementing targeted conservation strategies. These findings provided valuable implications for future research and implementation of targeted and participatory biodiversity conservation and protection strategies.
... Malindang Range in Misamis Occidental (Arances et al. 2006), Mt. Tago Range in Bukidnon (Coritico et al. 2020), Mt. Musuan, Bukidnon (Amoroso et al. 2000) and Mt. ...
... Only few river systems were observed encompassing Sitio Lumbatin and Pindunganan of Barangays Pugaan and Tipanoy in the vicinity of the mountain. The vegetation is characterized as lowland secondary growth forest and mixed agroforest ecosystem hosting interesting terrestrial fauna (Mohagan et al. 2020), six species of Sphingidae (Mohagan et al. 2022) and ferns and lycophytes (Coritico et al. 2020). Its highest point is about 520 masl and affords a full view of Iligan City making the site more vulnerable to human disturbances. ...
... This mountain is home to many endemic birds such as Halcyon gularis, Centropus viridis, Phapitreron brevirostris, Rhipidura nigritorquis, Dicaeum australe and an endemic pygmy grasshopper, Diotarus verrucifer (Mohagan et al., 2020). The only botanical study focused on ferns and lycophytes (Coritico et. al, 2020) accounting for 10% of the total pteridophyte species on Mindanao Island. No study has been made on the tree flora in Mt. Agad-Agad, thus, this study aimed to document and assess the ecological and conservation status of its tree species. The results will serve as baseline information to declare Mt. Agad-Agad as a Local Conservation Area ...
Iligan City has an estimated 30,000 ha forest cover that is still declining up to this day. Trees are an important part of the vegetation that play a fundamental role for stability, provide services in the forest ecosystem and resources for human consumption. Tree species diversity in Mt. Agad-Agad, Iligan City has not been studied, hence an inventory of trees was conducted to assess their conservation and ecological status including their economic uses. A series of transect walks along the trails were employed. Voucher specimens were collected, processed, and identified. Results revealed a total of 127 species of trees distributed into 40 families and 97 genera. The most represented families were Moraceae with 15 species, Arecaceae and Fabaceae with 9 species each, Euphorbiaceae with 8 species, Burseraceae with 7 species, Rubiaceae and Rutaceae with 6 species each and Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae and Myrtaceae with 5 species each. Of these tree species, 18 are Philippine endemics, 2 threatened. Most of the trees were economically important as food, medicine, timber, handicrafts, building materials and ornamentals. Numerous anthropogenic threats included introduction of non-native tree species for forest rehabilitation, conversion of forest to agricultural land and improper garbage disposal. Results of this study will provide information as bases in the ecotourism program and proposal for Mt. Agad-Agad as Local Conservation Area (LCA) and future directions and implication for restoration and conservation of the remaining forest.
Mount Katayagan, the highest peak in the Agoo Mountain Range, La Union, Philippines, is a vital but understudied natural resource. This research addresses the biodiversity gap in non-protected areas like Mt. Katayagan, emphasizing its role as a watershed, supplying water for irrigation, households, and providing essential commodities. Despite its ecological and economic significance, there is a lack of research on Mt. Katayagan's biodiversity. The study utilized a quantitative descriptive methodology, following the Terrestrial Ecosystem Biodiversity and Assessment Monitoring Manual. Data collection involved desktop research, community engagement, reconnaissance survey, forest land assessment, visual documentation, flora identification, and determination of endemism and conservation status. The research documented 102 plant species from 40 families and 92 genera, revealing a Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index of 4.032, signifying very high diversity. Noteworthy findings include 48 native species, 31 La Union endemics, and the identification of four threatened species per the IUCN Red List and five according to DAO No. 2017-11.
Labajo-Villantes Y, Cootes J, Luo Y-B, Nuneza OM. 2024. Orchid diversity across different forest types on Mt. Malindang, Philippines. Biodiversitas 25: 605-615. Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is one of the most significant biodiversity and conservation areas and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. There have been many biodiversity studies on Mt. Malindang, but information on orchid taxonomy and distribution is limited. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive inventory of orchids using an exploratory method. Samplings were conducted in different forest types: montane, mossy, dipterocarp, mixed dipterocarp, and almaciga. A total of 114 orchid species with 55 endemics were recorded. Three of these (Phalaenopsis x intermedia Lindl., Paphiopedilum hennisianum (M.W.Wood) Fowlie, and Paphiopedilum haynaldianum (Rchb.f.) Stein) were under Appendix I (can only be exported under specific circumstances). At the same time, 78 were under the Appendix II (follow controlled trades) categories of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. P. hennisianum and P. haynaldianum, listed as endangered species globally, were observed in montane and mossy forests, respectively. Among the six sampling sites, the montane forest was the most species-rich, with the most endemics, followed by the mossy forest. Almaciga and mixed dipterocarp forests were closely related with 100% similarity. The results of this study are valuable to Mt. Malindang's ecological profile for more effective protection and conservation plans.
Vaccinium carmesinum is described as a new species of Ericaceae from Mt. Tago Range, Mindanao Island, Philippines. It is
similar to V. platyphyllum Merrill and V. luzoniense S.Vidal but is distinct from the former by longer and wider leaves, longer
racemes, longer bracts, glabrous corollas, and glabrescent fruits, and from the latter by longer petioles, leaf glands distributed
along the blade margin, glabrous rachis, and lanate filaments. Vaccinium carmesinum bears the widest leaves among Philippine
Vaccinium. Its discovery increases the number of Vaccinium species recognized in the Philippines to 37.
