Tree diversity and stand structure of a 2-hectare Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Area (PBMA) in Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, Mindoro Island, Philippines

Pastor Malabrigo; Adriane Tobias; Gerald Eduarte; Luisito Terbio; Jonel Hernandez; Arthur Glenn Umali

Pastor L. Malabrigo, Jr. Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines; Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines; Land Grant Management Office, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Adriane B. Tobias Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines; Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Gerald T. Eduarte Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines; Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Luisito B. Terbio Department of Forestry and Agroforestry, College of Agriculture Systems and Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Pampanga, Philippines
Jonel O. Hernandez College of Agriculture and Forestry, Bicol University, Albay, Philippines
Arthur Glenn A. Umali Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: endemic, protected area, permanent plot, threatened

Abstract

Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park (MIBNP) on the island of Mindoro provides various ecosystem services such as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, especially to the Mangyans, who are highly dependent on these ecosystem services for a living. A Permanent Biodiversity Monitoring Area (PBMA) was established and surveyed to gather information for long-term ecological research that will serve as the basis for the proper management and application of conservation and protection efforts in MIBNP. The 100% inventory inside the MIBNP-PBMA revealed that it is home to 3,643 plant individuals belonging to 54 morpho-species, 45 genera, and 26 families. Ficus septica was the most dominant (1,524 individuals) and the most important species (IV = 146.76). Two hundred sixty-seven individuals with DBH >10 cm were recorded within the 2-ha plot. Tree density was recorded at 1,822 ha–1 or 18 trees per 10 m × 10 m quadrat. About 93% of the total individuals recorded inside the plot were classified as poles and saplings. MIBNP has a very low floral diversity with an overall Shannon-Weiner and Evenness index of 1.913 and 0.125, respectively. Five endemic species were recorded in the area, while nine species were found to be new province records. Information from the survey will serve as baseline data for long-term monitoring and a better understanding of the ecosystem dynamics of MIBNP through analysis of the behavior and changes in plant growth such as phenology, diameter, height, and more importantly, diversity.