Philippine E-Journals

Status of Plant Biodiversity in Mt. Malarayat

Christie Victoria S. Arcega | Bernardo C. Lunar

Discipline: Bio-Diversity

 

Abstract:

The study determined the vegetative structure, assessed the current status of plant biodiversity in Mt. Malepunyo, one of its peaks. Herbarium of its floristic composition served as the baseline for future monitoring and scientific undertakings in the area. The quadrat technique was used to determine the vegetative structure and ecological dynamics of the forest of Mt. Malarayat- Malepunyo. The size of the quadrat was 100 square meters each (10x10 m). A total of 20 quadrats used were situated more or less along the trail to the peak. The study recorded a total of at least 104 species under 60 families; of which 46 species are indigenous or native to the Philippines; 27 species are introduced; 23 species endemic to Mt. Malarayat; while 9 species were unclassified. Eleven (11) were threatened species included in the conservation priority areas. The flora is composed of 67% trees, mostly from families Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Meliaceae and Rubiaceae. The undergrowth layer includes shrubs (13%), vines (11%) herbs (5%) and ferns (4%). Its potential threats and anthropogenic disturbances include presence of invasive species, impacts of unregulated tourism activities, small scale timber poaching, hunting and land conversion.