Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Amoroso, Victor [1], Mohagan, Alma [2], Acma, Florfe [2], Lumista, Hannah [2], Coritico, Fulgent [2], Rufila, Lilibeth [3], Bautista, Majella [4], Melencion, Merced [2], Leaño, Emmanuel [2], Escarlos, Jose Jr. [5], Baron, Elsa [6], Lithuañas, Chris Rey [2], Patano, Romeo Jr. [2], Mendez, Noe [2], Nobleza, Joevina [2], Tubongbanua, Romeo Jr. [2], Hongco, Aldrin [2].

Saving the Imperiled Marilog Forests in Southern Mindanao, Philippines: Inventory, Assessment and Conservation for Sustainable Community Utilization.

Marilog Forest Reserve is a montane forest found in Davao, Philippines facing evident threats due to anthropogenic activities. To save the endangered biodiversity, this research was undertaken in the five forest patches, viz., Sitio New Calinan and Sitio Maharlika (Site 1), Mt. Malambo (Site 2), Sitio Epol (Site 3), Mt. Ulahingan (Site 4), and Sitio Matigsalug (Site 5) aimed to conduct an inventory of the species composition, determine the diversity indices, assess the conservation status and endemism and conduct capability building activities. Participatory inventory employing repeated transect walks and 105 sampling plots of 20X20 m revealed 582 species of plants representing 5.74% of the total number of Philippine vascular flora, while fauna species comprise 912 species belonging to 204 vertebrates or 85.71% of the total Philippine vertebrate fauna and 708 invertebrates or 3.37% of the total Philippine invertebrate fauna. The highest diversity value for trees and shrubs was Site 3 (H’ = 1.46), for ferns and lycophytes was Site 1 (H’ = 1.85), for angiosperm understory plants was Site 2 (H’ = 1.74), and for vertebrate fauna was Site 4 (H’ = 1.811). Forty-nine threatened and 101 Philippine endemic species of flora and 17 threatened and 94 endemic species of fauna were documented. Research results were used to establish the Community Economic Garden, nursery and Butterfly Garden, and re-introduce seedlings of endangered, endemic and economically-important plants to the forests through Assisted Natural Regeneration efforts. Mt. Malambo was declared as the Local Conservation Area through a barangay resolution. Moreover, 15 scientific articles were published in Scopus-Indexed journals implying high scientific productivity. To enhance awareness on biodiversity and offer livelihood opportunities while preserving the environment, 5 capability building activities were implemented and 16 communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) were distributed to the stakeholders.

1 - Central Mindanao University, Biology, CEBREM, Musuan, BUK, 8710, Philippines
2 - Central Mindanao University, Department of Biology, Department of Biology and Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710, Musuan, 8710, Philippines
3 - Central Mindanao University, CEBREM, Musuan, Bukidnon, 8710, Philippines
4 - University of Southeastern Philippines, Department of Biology, Bo. Obrero, Iñigo St, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur, Davao City, 8000, Philippines
5 - Central Mindanao University, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biology and Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM) Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710, Musuan, 8710, Philippines
6 - San Pedro College, Department of Biology, 12 Guzman St, Obrero, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao City, 8000, Philippines

Keywords:
Biodiversity
Community Economic Garden
Local Conservation Area
Assisted Natural Regeneration
Southern Philippines.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CB3002
Abstract ID:411
Candidate for Awards:None