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Abstract. Lillo EP, Malaki AB, Alcazar SMT, Rosales R, Redoblado BR, Pantinople E, Nuevo RU, Cutillar RC, Almirante A, Buot IE Jr. 2020. Diversity and distribution of ferns in forest over limestone in Cebu Island Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 413-421. Three forest areas of Cebu Island, Philippines were recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) by Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR], Philippines based on the criteria of vulnerability and irreplaceability, namely Nug-as of Alcoy, Palinpinon Range of Dalaguete, and Mt. Lantoy of Argao. The study aimed to assess the composition, diversity, and distribution of ferns in the aforementioned KBA's. Quadrat at 20 m x 20 m was established within the 2000 m transect line at an interval of 200 m. Result showed a total of 50 species, categorized into 15 families and 29 genera for 30 quadrats. Twelve species were considered as new records on Cebu. Thirteen species were recorded in both Mt. Lantoy and Nug-as forest KBA’s, but absent in Palinpinon range. While 6 species were recorded as unique to Nug-as forest. Nug-as forest and Mt. Lantoy showed a relative value of very high species diversity. Nug-as forest and Mt. Lantoy KBA forming into one cluster and Palinpinon range proved to have a distinct fern species composition, and form another cluster. Local government units (LGU) in every KBA need to recognize the necessity of biodiversity information in their localities that would facilitate information sharing and awareness, hence enhancing protection and conservation of unique biodiversity, since they are at the forefront of local action.

Abstract. Lillo EP, Malaki AB, Alcazar SMT, Redoblando BR, Diaz JLB, Pinote JP, Rosales R, Buot IE Jr. 2020. Native trees in Nug-as forest Key Biodiversity Area, Cebu, Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 4162-4167. Threatened species, by definition, have a high probability of extinction, and so each of their populations significantly contributes to their survival. This paper presents a list of threatened Native trees in Nug-as forest of the Municipality of Alcoy, Cebu. A list of indicators was used to identify the conservation status of the Native trees at the local level. A total of 135 native trees from 48 families and 105 genera were recorded. Most species belong to the families of Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Moraceae, Clusiaceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Fabaceae, and Rutaceae. In this study, 62 species were categorized as threatened, and 72 species as Least Concern, while in IUCN classification 19 threatened species were recorded, and 111 taxa considered as Least Concern respectively. Using the DENR method of classification 15 threatened species were recorded, and 115 taxa considered as Not Evaluated. The Nug-as forest was degraded by illegal cutting, kaingin, hunting and charcoal making. Based from Beynen and Townsend analysis, Nug-as forest was categorized as moderately disturbed. While DENR and IUCN declaration on the status of the Philippine native trees take a very long time, threatened plant species would be gone before we know it, considering the destruction rate in the Philippines.

Abstract. Lillo EP, Malaki AB, Alcazar SMT, Rosales R, Redoblado BR, Diaz JLB, Pantinople EM, Buot Jr. IE. 2021. Inventory of native and mother trees in Key Biodiversity Areas of Cebu Island, Philippines for species selection in local reforestation programs. Biodiversitas 22: 4740-4749. Forest restoration is the counterforce of deforestation and forest degradation. Yet, despite promoting natural recovery after forest harvest, afforestation and reforestation efforts, tropical forest ecosystems still experience a poor ratio of forest loss to forest gain. The study assessed the native tree species and potential mother trees in different Cebu Island Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) as well as their distribution and habitat preferences which can be used in local reforestation programs. A vegetation survey was conducted in three KBAs in Cebu Island, namely Nug-as forest, Mount Lantoy and Mount Capayas to inventory all native species. Assessment based on the phenotypic characteristics of adult trees was also conducted for indicating mother trees. This study in Cebu Island KBAs recorded a total of 292 species, categorized into 125 families and 203 genera, which can be classified into native trees (210), vines and lianas (18), shrub (37), and herbs (27). Out of the 292 species, 214 were recorded in Nug-as forest, 172 in Mount Lantoy, and 145 in Mount Capayas. Of the 210 native tree species, Nug-as forest had 145 species, Mount Lantoy 131 species, and Mount Capayas 109 species. A total of 241 mother trees were identified in the three KBAs, corresponding to 77 species in which Nug-as forest had 143 trees correspond to 52 species, Mount Lantoy had 68 trees correspond to 29 species, and Mount Capayas had 31 trees correspond to 6 species. Such native tree species are recommended for reforestation programs as planting materials that could reduce the risks of failure due to its high adaptability to the environment.