Suitability assessment of Kalantas (Toona calantas Merr.  & Rolfe) and Supa (Sindora supa Merr.) in the Quezon  Protected Landscape using weighted overlay analysis

Giorjia Mae Veran; Romnick Baliton; Marco Galang

Giorjia Mae L. Veran Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Romnick S. Baliton 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

Keywords: Integrated analytic hierarchy process, reforestation, species-site matching

Abstract

One of the most cited reasons behind the failure of reforestation activities in the country is the lack of species-site matching, especially for Philippine native tree species. This, among other reasons, resulted in the extensive use of exotics for local forest rehabilitation activities, which may pose a serious threat to the country’s native biodiversity if not appropriately addressed. This study provides future reforestation programs with information regarding the suitable areas for two threatened native tree species, namely Kalantas (Toona calantas Merr. & Rolfe) and Supa (Sindora supa Merr.), within the Quezon Protected Landscape (QPL). Brush/shrub lands, grasslands, and open forests within the QPL were identified as potential reforestation sites. The silvical requirements of the species from secondary sources were matched with the characteristics of the identified reforestation sites using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) indices developed by Dolores et al. (2020). The study revealed that both T. calantas and S. supa are highly suitable for all the identified potential reforestation sites within the QPL. The identified potential reforestation sites cover 864 ha (8.64 km²) or approximately 92% of the landscape. Therefore, the present study's findings are useful for future reforestation programs in the QPL and the utilization of T. calantas and S. supa for such forestation initiatives.