Tree Vegetation Diversity, Distribution and Structure across the Elevation Gradients and Habitat Types of Mt. Banahaw de Majayjay, Philippines

Emer C. Gestiada; Alvin S. Gestiada; Manuel L. Castillo; Nathaniel C.  Bantayan; Juancho B. Balatibat; Ecosystems and Development Journal

Emer C. Gestiada Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB, College, Laguna
Alvin S. Gestiada DENR-ERDB, CFNR, Los Baños, College, Laguna
Manuel L. Castillo Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Nathaniel C. Bantayan Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, CFNR, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Juancho B. Balatibat Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Keywords: altitudinal gradient, distribution, diversity, habitat type, structure, vegetation

Abstract

The tree species diversity, distribution, and structure were investigated from the three habitat types located along the altitudinal gradients of the Mt. Banahaw de Majayjay landscape. A total of 31 tree families represented by 92 individuals belonging to 59 species was recorded from the three sampled habitat types (each measuring 300 m2); namely, agroforestry farm zone, riparian zone, and dipterocarp forest. Findings showed a decreasing trend of H’ and E from riparian, to dipterocarp, and agroforestry habitats (3.06 and 0.96; 3.03 and 0.95; and 2.06 and 0.90, respectively). A very low degree of similarity indices was noted from both the habitat types and sampling stations (SI = 8.57% – 19.21% and 2.94% to 25.93%, respectively). Findings showed three new clusters representing three unique habitat types based on the most dominant species: Cluster 1 represented by Dalbergia, Saurauia, Ormosia, Cassia, and Planchonia; Cluster 2 of Erythrina, Osmoxylon, Ficus, Astrocalyx, and Dacryodes; and Cluster 3 of Shorea, Symplocos, Cyathea, Acer, Turpinia, and Eurya. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) also confirmed the significant differences (p <0.01) between and among habitat and sampling stations. Discounting the effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors to tree vegetation, averages of slope and elevation were found to have caused the existing variation.