Diversity and conservation status of indigenous fruit trees in selected mountains of CALABARZON, Philippines

Eljohn Dulay; Analyn Codilan; Marco Galang; Cristino Tiburan Jr.; Giorjia Mae Veran; Bernadeth Balonga; Dennis Marvin Santiago; Pastor Malabrigo Jr.

Eljohn D. Dulay Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Analyn L. Codilan Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Marco A. Galang Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Cristino L. Tiburan Jr. Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Giorjia Mae L. Veran Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Bernadeth P. Balonga Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Dennis Marvin O. Santiago Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Pastor L. Malabrigo Jr. Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: biodiversity assessment, purposive sampling, threatened species

Abstract

As a mega-diverse country, the Philippines is home to many diverse biological resources, including indigenous fruit trees (IFTs). These edible fruit trees are crucial in achieving food security and alleviating poverty, especially in forest-dependent communities. More than 300 species of edible fruit-bearing trees can be found in the country, of which more than half are endemic and indigenous. However, despite the potential of IFTs to contribute to the food sustenance and security of local communities, only a few IFTs are cultivated and utilized economically. This could result to a rapid decline in the IFTS population, which presents grave concern as it can lead to significant risks, such as impaired food security, loss of cultural heritage, ecological imbalance, and environmental degradation. The study was conducted in 14 selected mountainous areas within the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (CALABARZON), Philippines. A purposive sampling method targeted the indigenous fruit-bearing tree species near the sites. Results revealed 140 morpho-species belonging to 43 genera within 25 families across the designated study sites. Of these, 42 are endemic, and 27 species were classified as threatened. The findings of this study provide valuable baseline information in developing management and conservation plans for indigenous fruit-bearing tree species found in the region.