International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, Vol. 2, No. 4, August 2011
The Vegetation of Mt. Maculot, Cuenca, Batangas, Philippines
Jethro J. Arsenio, Melanie P. Medecilo, Edna T. Mercado, Esteban T. Salibay, Jr., and Felinore Angelica H. Valera
Although Mt. Maculot is not yet classified as a Protected Abstract—The vegetation type of Mt. Maculot, Cuenca, Area (PA), the forest still had intact vegetation and with high Batangas, Philippines was investigated by determining the tree diversity, worthy to be classified as a PA. There is a dearth of species composition, abundance and dominance using Point research data, such as the physico-chemical and edaphic Center-Quarter Method (PCQM). This study also focused on factors in the area. At present, the vegetation is still intact the ecologically important species necessary for identifying appropriate measures for biodiversity conservation. Five 100-m with high diversity. Hence, there is a need to determine the transect lines were established along the selected areas of the tree species composition, relative abundance and diversity mountain based on altitudinal range at 100-m interval. Trees indices of the forest through vegetation analysis and to were encountered along the transects were tagged, the distance determine the ecologically important species in the areas in from the center and the diameter at breast height (dbh) were order to recommend measures for biodiversity conservation. measured individually. Voucher specimens for each tree were The data obtained from this research will serve as baseline collected for proper identification. The data were then analyzed and the Shannon’s and Simpson’s indices were computed. information in demarcating boundaries of areas for Results showed that 61 species belonging to 51 genera and 28 biodiversity protection and conservation. families were encountered. The tree species with highest importance value index (IVI) were: Canarium asperum Benth (Burseraceae), Diplodiscus paniculatus Turcz. (Malvaceae), II. METHODOLOGY Bischoffia javanica Bl. (Phyllanthaceae), and Palaquium philippinense (Perr.) C.B. Rob. (Sapotaceae). They were also The study was focused on the tree species found within recognized as the dominant species in the area. The area had five transects (100-meter plot) in Mt. Maculot. The selection 22.97% endemicity which is considered high. Based on the data, of transects was based on altitudinal ranges. These plots it is suggested that the mountain should be conserved and were delineated in every 100-m interval starting from 500 up long-term ecological research should be conducted. to 900 masl. The selected sites were analyzed using Point
Center – Quarter Method [1]. Standard ecological formula Index Terms— Biological diversity, endemic species, importance value index. Mt. Maculot, Philippines, vegatation were employed. Voucher specimens for each individual tree analysis. were collected. The specimen were processed in the laboratory and deposited in the DLSU-D herbarium. Preliminary identification was done by examining the I. INTRODUCTION morphological characters of the specimen and was brought to Mt. Maculot situated between 13°55.241’N latitude and Philippine National Herbarium (PNH) Manila, Philippines 121°02.513’E longitude is found in the Southern part of for further verification. The ecological formula in vegetation Luzon and located adjacent to Mt. Makiling and part of studies were used in the computation and analysis. Likewise, Cuenca, Batangas. It has an altitude of 200 to 963 masl. It is Shannon and Simpson’s indices were also used in computing considered as one of the popular mountains in Batangs often diversity indices. visited by mountaineers and even by Catholic devotees.
III. RESULTS
A total of 198 tree individuals were encountered in 5 plots. These tree individuals are further classified into 25 families, Manuscript received July 18, 2011. This work was supported by 51 genera and 61 species. The present study is not Kingdom of Netherlands through Haribon Foundation for Conservation of comparable to Mt. Kinasalapi (1-hectare plot study) having Nature, Incorporated. J. Arsenio was with De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, 43 species [2]. It can still be inferred that the area is still Cavite, Philippines. He is now on-leave from the university. diverse considering that only limited plots are sampled. For a (e-mail: [email protected]). non-permanent plot inventory using 14 plots [3], 96 species M. Medecilo is with Biological Sciences Department, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, 4115 Philippines (e-mail: were encountered in 14 plots which is very high or diverse. [email protected]). E. Mercado is with Mathematics Department, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, 4115 Philippines (e-mail: A. Species Diversity and Endemism [email protected]). E. Salibay and A.F. Valera are with Religious Education Deparmtnet, De Five transects consisting of 198 tree individuals were La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, 4115 Philippines classified into 28 families, 51 genera and 61 species. The data (e-mail: [email protected]). (e-mail: [email protected]). proved higher diversity since in 1-hectare plot in tropical
274 International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, Vol. 2, No. 4, August 2011 forest, the number of species would range from 140 to 300 (11.12%), Canarium asperum (10.80%), Rutaceae (7.88%) species [2]. The size of the plot was less than 1-hectare so it and Palaquium philippinense (7.11%). The large basal area can be implied that Mt. Maculot presents a high species contributes to their dominance within the community. High richness. The most represented family was Moraceae importance value index were manifested among Canarium consisting of 7 species belonging to 3 genera. Ficus was the asperum (22.71%), Diplodiscus paniculatus (21.91%), most represented genus with 5 species followed by Bischoffia javanica (20.94%), Palaquium philippinense Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, and (15.72%), and Rutaceae indet. (11.74%). This figure is Sapindaceae with 4 species each (Table 1). comparable with any tropical forest inventories which range Mt. Makiling in Laguna is adjacent to Mt. Maculot. This from 12.5 to 52.4 [2]. The species with the highest IVI was forest reserve is well-studied comprising a large number of Shorea guiso having a value of 12.32% which is lower families, genera and species and includes many interesting compared to our data [3]. vegetational forms. Records revealed that there are 949 The structure of the forest of Mt. Maculot is similar in genera, 2038 species, 19 subspecies, 167 varieties and physiognomy to the forest of Mt. Makiling [6] and Mts. several forms and cultivars of flowering plants and ferns in Palaypalay/Mataas na Gulod [3]. However, it differs from the 225 families [Pancho). The vegetation of Mt. Makiling two in the absence of dipterocarp species in the lower differs from Mt. Maculot by the presence of dipterocarps in elevation thus, classifying it as semi-deciduous forest, lowland elevation. Higher up the mountain of Mt. Maculot midmontane forest and mossy. The absence of dipterocarps the character of the forest changes. As the altitude increases, can be attributed to the agricultural crops planted in the areas, epiphytes become markedly and numerous in number. an evidence of conversion of the mountain into agricultural Epiphytic mosses and liverworts as well as ferns and orchids lands. In addition, Barangay Pinagkaisahan side was observed with human trails for mountaineers and other form dense growth on the trunks of trees indicating that the climbers. mountain is mossy forest. This feature is also similar to Mt. The genera Canarium, Palaquium, Syzygium, Dillenia, Makiling. Diplodiscus, Cordia, and Ficus are usually associated with As to endemism, 14 or 22.95% species are endemic while lowland dipterocarp forest [7] as in the case of other 3 species are vulnerable. The unique feature of the mountain Philippine forest, however, this result suggests that the presents a serious conservation effort to protect the wildlife mountain may have been a dipterocarp forest but because of and plant species in the area. This means that the area should slash and burn farming method the lower portion was be conserved to prevent loss of endemic as well as vulnerable converted to agricultural land. It is observed that at lower species. The endemic species are Aglaia rimosa, Antidesma elevation, (200-400 masl) the forest is classified as pentandrum, Canthium gynocthodes, Caryota rumphiana,, agricultural land. Species of fruit trees, such as coconut Diplodiscus paniculatus, Euphoria didyma, Guioa (Cocos nucifera), mango (Mangifera indica), banana (Musa koelreuteria, Clausena anisum-olens, Homalanthus rotundus, sapientum), lansones (Lansium domesticum), and other root Litchi chinensis, Neotrewia cumingii, Pterospermum crops like gabi (Colocasia esculenta) were evident. An divrsifolium, Semecarpus cuneiformis, and Voacanga interview with local residents revealed that some of them globosa. Three species such as Dillenia philippinensis, converted their lands within the mountain area into agricultural land. Palaquium philippinenses and Wrightia pubescens are At higher elevation 500-600 masl, patches of secondary considered as vulnerable species by the International Union forest can be observed. Species like Antidesma pentandrum, for Conservation Network [4]. Mallotus philippinensis, Murraya sp., Leea guineensis, etc. are abundant in this altitude. The presence of these species B. Important Value Index indicates that the area is a secondary forest.
The density of the plot consists of 198 tree individuals in 5 transects (500 m). The density determines in part and is C. Species Diversity determined by energy flow, resource availability and Shannon Diversity Index is a tool that measures the utilization, physiological stress, dispersal, and productivity diversity of plant species in a particular site in terms of of population [5]. The density of trees can be used in timber species richness as well as its abundance. The Shannon’s management and evaluation of site quality. In the present index ranges from 6.63 to 8.06 which is very high and is not study, tree density was high with 198 individuals indicating acceptable. Shannon-Weiner Index should not exceed 5.0 that the area is diverse. since this is a measure of uncertainty [8]. The larger the value The species with the highest density was Canarium of H’, the greater the uncertainty of the data. In our results the asperum with 16 individuals or 6.66% of all stems. Murraya value is more than five so the uncertainty is also high. The sp. was represented by 15 individuals (4.16%), Aglaia reason for this could be that the sampled sites are less than 10 rimosa had 14 individuals or accounted for 2.93% of all transects. This index should be used only on random samples stems. Diplodiscus paniculatus was represented by 11 drawn from a large community in which the total number of individuals (5.56%), and Neotrewia cumingii had 9 species is known [8]. This index is a function of relative individuals or 4.55% of all individuals. Twenty seven cover species significance and is logarithmically related to species were represented by only 1 individual. the number of species. The most dominant species were Diplodiscus paniculatus with a dominance value of 14.12%, Bischoffia javanica
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TABLE 1. SPECIES COMPOSITION OF MT. MACULOT, CUENCA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES ======
Species Dens. Basal Area Rel. Rel. Rel. IVI (cm2) Dens. Freq. Dom.
Apocynaceae Ervatamia pandacaqui (Poir.) Pich 1 394.98 0.83 0.94 0.41 2.179 Voacanga globosa (Blco.) Merr . 1 247.55 0.83 1.03 0.11 1.970 Wrightia pubescens R. Br. 1 702.19 0.83 1.03 0.32 2.175 Annonaceae Annonaceae indet. 1 1267.93 2.5 2.94 1.82 7.26 Araliaceae Schefflera sp. 2 5074.45 0..833 1.02 5.15 6.999 Boraginaceae Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. 5 192.12 1.403 1.40 0.95 3.748 Burseraceae Canarium asperum Benth 16 1051.28 6.67 5.25 10.80 22.708 Cornaceae Alangium chinense (Lour.) Harms 1 4118.71 1.38 2.74 0.45 3.201 Dilleniaceae Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe 1 274.29 0.876 1.06 0.20 2.135 Euphorbiaceae Macaranga sp. 1 1963.44 1.752 1.06 2.87 5.683 Mallotus paniculatus (Lam.) Muell.-Arg. 1 428.59 0.44 0.94 0.44 2.231 Mallotus philippinensis (Lam.) Muell.-Arg. 8 386.955 1.343 1.63 1.343 3.404 Neotrewia cumingii (Muell-Arg.) Pax & K. Hoffm. 2 560.19 3.93 0.64 1.87 9.43 Fabaceae Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. 1 198.18 0.83 1.03 0.09 1.948 Flacourtiaceae Homalium sp. 1 617.16 0.83 1.03 0.28 2.137 Icacinaceae Icacinaceae indet. 2 167.49 0.83 0.99 0.08 1.904 Lauraceae Lauraceae indet. 1 1547.19 0.83 1.09 0.76 2.561 Litsea perrottetii (Bl.) F.-Vill. 6 1216.30 2.50 1.90 1.22 5.619 Litsea sp. 4 834.28 3.51 2.11 2.44 8.063 Machilus philippinensis Merr. 2 1915.43 1.67 1.87 0.01 3.543 Leeaceae Leea guineensis G. Don 2 348.87 1.25 1.61 0.39 3.249 Malvaceae Diplodiscus paniculatus Turcz. 11 3311.00 4.58 3.21 14.12 21.91 Grewia multiflora Juss. 1 1327.59 0.88 1.06 0.97 2.90 Pterospermum diversifolium Bl. 4 1390.76 1.67 0.99 1.35 3.892 Pterospermum obliquum Blco. 1 274.29 0.83 1.09 0.21 2.139 Meliaceae Aglaia rimosa (Blco.) Merr. 14 532.73 2.94 2.56 1.5 2.937 Dysoxylum arborescens (Bl.) Miq. 1 1124.78 0.83 0.94 1.16 2.934 Guioa koelreuteria (Blco.) Merr. 1 394.98 0.83 1.03 0.18 2.036 Harpullia arborea (Blco.) Radlk. 1 680.42 0.83 1.03 0.32 2.175 Moraceae Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk. 1 331.90 0.83 1.03 0.15 2.008 Ficus gul Laut. & K. Schum 1 428.59 1.67 2.19 0.43 4.284 Ficus pubinervis Bl. 1 1297.59 0.83 1.09 1.01 2.939 Ficus septica var. septica Burm. f. 2 1235.70 0.83 1.03 0.88 2.73 Ficus variegata Bl. 2 3642.03 1.67 1.93 3.60 7.192 Ficus sp. 1 6 325.67 4.10 4.68 2.02 11.70 Streblus asper Lour. 6 483.36 1.67 1.99 0.81 4.459 Myrsinaceae Maesa sp. 1 724.31 0.88 1.06 0.54 2.472 Myrtaceae Syzygium sp. 1 518.59 0.83 0.94 0.54 2.307 Palmae Caryota rumphiana Mart. 7 1271.04 1.18 1.40 1.21 3.783 Phyllanthaceae Antidesma pentandrum (Blco.) Merr. 2 706.05 0.83 0.96 0.63 2.42 Bischoffia javanica Bl. 6 3750.04 4.98 4.82 11.12 20.94 Rosaceae Prunus grisea (C. Muell.) Kalkm. 2 2794.03 0.86 1.07 2.10 4.031
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Prunus grisea (C. Muell.) Kalkm. 2 2794.03 0.86 1.07 2.10 4.031
Rubiaceae Canthium gynocthodes Baill 1 247.55 0.83 0.94 0.26 2.026 Neonauclea merrillii 1 107.15 0.88 1.06 0.08 2.013 Psychotria sp. 1 651.79 0.83 0.95 0.45 2.231 Rutaceae Clausena anisum-olens (Blco.) Merr. 1 481.56 0.83 0.94 0.50 2.268 Murraya sp. 15 450.77 4.16 3.74 1.31 9.221 Rutaceae indet. 2 5383.03 1.75 2.11 7.88 11.742 Sapindaceae Arytera littoralis Bl. 4 420.17 1.25 1.06 0.36 2.666 Euphoria didyma 6 632.33 4.98 4.10 1.71 10.803 Litchi chinensis subsp. philippinensis Sonn. 2 197.58 1.67 2.05 0.18 3.892 Mischocarpus pentapetalous (Roxb.) Radlk. 1 1547.19 0.83 1.03 0.70 2.556 Sapotaceae Palaquium philippinense (Perr.) C.B. Rob 2 1944.44 4.38 4.23 7.11 15.723 Pouteria duclitan (Blco.) Baehni 1 1714.34 0.88 1.06 1.25 3.189 Urticaceae Leucosyke capitellata (Poir.) Wedd. 1 288.44 0.83 0.99 0.14 1.964 Villibrunea trinervis Wedd. 7 333.222 3.05 3.19 0.86 7.095 Unknown1 1 2306.82 0.83 0.96 1.14 2.936 Unknown2 2 913.17 0.83 1.09 0.71 2.639 Unknown3 3 107.15 0.83 1.09 0.21 2.139 ______TOTAL 198 69212.76 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 ======
The present threat in the park is garbages dumped by irresponsible climbers. Garbages can harm the wildlife as ACKNOWLEDGMENT well as the plant species found in the area. Thousands of The authors wish to acknowledge the Biodiversity people climb the mountain especially during Holy Week as Conservation Coordinating Unit (BCCU) part of their religious activities. As a result small business DLSU-Dasmarinas, Cavite Philippines for the endorsement center were also built in the midland area of Mt. Maculot. of this Project for external grant. We also would like to Materials used in camping were left and thrown everywhere thanks the Office of the Mayor, Municipality of Cuenca in the area. This may lead to suffocation of small animals and Batangas and the local communities. herb species such as grasses, zingibers, ferns, and terrestrial orchids that were observed to be abundant in the area. Illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and deforestation REFERENCES were not observed in the park. The local government of
Cuenca, Batangas fully supports the government program to [1] P. Sajise and V. Cuevas. Manual on vegetational analysis for conserve Mt. Maculot. The people are also aware on the grassland and forest ecosystem. Philippine Council for Agriculture, effects if they will disturb the forest. During the conduct of Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, DOST, the study, the researchers saw people carrying harvested logs Los Baños, Laguna, 1995. [2] J. Pipoly and D. Madulid. The vegetation of a submontanne moist coming from the forest for post purposes but in very small forest on Mt. Kinasalapi, Kitanglad Range, Mindanao, Philippines. In: quantity. This is not an alarming scenario but if this activity Plant Diversity in Malesia III. J. Dransfield, M.J.E. Coode and D.A. will continue, this will also harm other species that are Simpson (Eds.), U.K. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1994. [3] Luyon, H. and M. Medecilo. The Lowland Evergreen Dipterocarp dependent on the species that they are harvesting. In Brgy. Forest of Mts. Palay-palay/Mataas Na Gulod National Park, Luzon Don Juan side, the lower portion of the forest was cleared for Island, Philippines. SINAG Vol 2, May 2006. planting with agricultural crops. [4] International Union for Conservation Network (IUCN) Red List. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN Council, Switzerland, Inventories of animals and other organisms aside from 1994. trees may also be investigated to establish plant and animal [5] R. Smith.and T. Smith. Elements of ecology 4th ed. USA: relationship and other plant types such as herbs and shrubs. Addison-Wesley Longman, Inc, 2002. Information regarding the biodiversity of the mountain [6] W. Brown. Vegetation of the Philippine mountains. The relation between the environment and physical types at different altitudes. should be disseminated to the locals. Complete plant and Manila, Bureau of Printing. 19191. animal inventory should be conducted to establish a set of [7] E. de Guzman and E. Fernando. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna, baseline information and to propose mechanisms for the IV: Dipterocarps and Non-dipterocarps. NMRC and University of the conservation of the species with economic, scientific, and Philippines Press. 1995. [8] C. Krebs, Ecological Methodology, 2nd ed. CA: ition, , C. (1999). ecological importance. Ecological methodology 2nd ed. CA, Addison-Welsey Foundation Publishers, Inc., 1999, pp. 60-65.
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Jethro J. Arsenio is a member of Philippine Office. She is one of the authors of a published book College Algebra (work Association for the Advancement of Science text), National Bookstore, Manila, Philippines, 2004. She has a research (Phil.AAS). He was born in September 4, 1967 in publication entitled College Entrance Test Results of Feeder High schools of Cotabato, Philippines. He finished his Bachelor of DLSU- Dasmariñas SY 2004-2005 to 2006-2007, Journal of Science and Science of Biology in Ateneo de Davao University, Technology DLSU-D, 2010. Her major field of study is mathematics. Davao City, Philippines in 1988. Pursued Master of Dr. Mercado is also a member of Mathematics Teachers Association of Science in Biological Sciences In University of Santo the Philippines (MTAP), Research and Education Development Training Tomas, España, Manila, Philippines in 1996. He Institute (REDTI), and Philippine Association for Graduate Education obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Biological (PAGE) region IV-A. Sciences in the same institution in 2010. His field of specialization is ethnobotany. He has been the DIRECTOR of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Esteban T. Salibay, is a member of the Philippine Environmental Resource Management Center and a FULL TIME Association for Graduate Education (PAGE) Region FACULTY of the Biological Sciences Department in the same university. IV-A. He was born in Tondo Manila, Philippines on Dr. Arsenio is a member of Wildlife Conservation of the Philippines January 22, 1965. She obtained his Bachelor of (WCSP) and Philippine Society of Microbiologists (PSM). He was a CUM Science in Philosophy in Dominican House of Studies, LAUDE for Master of Science in Biological Sciences and awarded as the Quezon City, Philippines in 1988. Obtained his Master Most Outstanding Faculty of the Year 2001. of Arts in Educational Management in De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines in 1996. He holds a doctorate degree in Education major Melanie P. Medecilo became a member of the in Religious Education and Values Education at De La Salle Association Asia Pacific Chemical, Biological and University- Manila, Philippines in 2008. His field of specialization is Environment Engineering Society (APCBEES). This bioethics and foundation of Christian faith. author born in Ilog, Negros Occidental, Philippines on He is a FULL TIME FACULTY of Professional Education Department, December 6, 1970. Her tertiary education was obtained and a PROJECT COORDINATOR of the Jubilee Office, De La Salle in Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon, University-Dasmariñas City, Cavite, Philippines. He was the NATIONAL Philippines on 1991 with a degree Bachelor of Science DIRECTOR of La Sallian Animation and Formation and REGIONAL in Biology and pursued her Master of Science in COORDINATOR of Lasallian Animation and Formation Team. His Biology from De La Salle University, Manila, published books are Sacraments, Marriage and Family Life. National Philippines in 2000. She finished her PhD Biology in the same institution in Bookstore, Inc. Manila Philippines, 2000, and Our Christian Home 5, Diwa 2010 with plant systematics, biodiversity/conservation and ethnobotany as Publications, Philippines, 2008. He has journal publication, Assessing her special field of specialization. Values Integration in Sacraments, Marriage and Family Life Course, GSEAS She is currently a FULL TIME FACULTY MEMBER of the Biological Graduate Journal, 2005. His field of specialization is values education. Sciences Department , De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Cavite, Dr. Salibay is also a member of Research and Education Development Philippines. Before joining teaching, she was an ADMINISTRATIVE Training Institute (REDTI), and DLSU-D Spiritual Formation Committee. ASSISTANT/ RESEARCHER in the Flora of the Philippines Project – a collaborative project between Philippine National Museum and Botanical Research Institute of Texas. She was also a RESEARCH ASSISTANT in the Felinore Angelica H. Valera, is a member of the Biodiversity Information Center – Plants Unit Project funded by the John D. Philippine Association for Graduate Education and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, U.S.A. Among the papers she (PAGE) region IV-A. She was born in Nasugbu, published are: Alocasia atropurpurea. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Batangas on September 30, 1961. She obtained her Threatened Species. Version 2009.1.
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