LISTS OF NOMCARRD RESEARCHES 1993-2002

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Diversity, Status and Ecology of Pteridophytes in Three Forests in Mindanao

Victor B. Amoroso & Florife M. Acma
CMU

Abstract:

The forests present a very crucial factor in the lives of the Pteridophytes since they provide shelter and support for these plants.  The occurrence of a rich flora in Mindanao is due to the orests in the area and the relatively high elevation of the place.  However, with the alarming rate by which our forests are being denuded and destroyed, many species of pteridophytes become rare, endangered, threatened and depleted.

Field collection trips were conducted to the different forests of Mt. Kitanglad, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Mt. Apulang, Imbayao, Malaybalay, Bukidnon and Marilog Forests, Bo. Baganihan, Davao.  From each forest area, pteridophytes species were collected, identified and described.  Likewise, ecological data were gathered such as temperature, altitude, monthly rainfall, soil pH and organic matter content.

The results showed that Mt. Kitanglad had the highest pteridophyte species diversity with 275 species, followed by Mt. Apulang with 231 species and Marilog Forest with only 165 species.  Furthermore, the status of the pteridophytes was determined and asswessed based on the IUCN's definition.  It was found out that there were 65 economically important, 82 endemic, 31 rare, 8 depleted and 1 endangered species growing in these three forest areas.  Likewise, it was observed that Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apulang had endangered pteridophyte, Tmesipteris lanceolata Dang, and they contain many rare and endemic species as compared to Marilog Forests.

The ecological data revealed that Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apulang has more acidic soils and high (%) organic matter content than in Marilog Forest.  It was also noted that Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apulang had lower day and night temperatures than in Marilog Forest.  In Marilog Forest, the temperature has increased every year, from 1991 to 1993 which may be attributed to the cutting of trees and shifting cultivation practiced in the area.  The rainfall data showed that Mt. Kitanglad had the highest amount of rainfall followed by Mt. Apulang and least amount was recorded in Marilog Forest.  It was also noted that Mt. Kitanglad had the highest altitude which is 2,700 m. asl. at its peak; Mt. Apulang is 2,350 m. asl. while Marilog Forest is 1,290 m. asl.

High pteridophyte species diversity in Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apulang would be attributed to some favorable conditions such as high altitude, high soil organic matter, low temperature and high amount of rainfall.  However, with the expanding camping sites at the mid-montane forest portion of Mt. Kitanglad and the on-going shifting cultivation in Mt. Apulang put these diverse pteridophytes put to a constant threat which might reduce species diversity.  Moreover, there is an urgent need to conserve the pteridophyte flora and their habitats or else these species will become extinct.