Abstract. Dapar MLG, Lagumbay AJD, Parcon J, Tubongbanua Jr. RM, Amoroso VB. 2021. Assessment of fish species richness and physicochemical parameters of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary river systems in Mindanao, Philippines. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 11: 58-68. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) is an exceptional area of diverse flora and fauna with conservation concerns. MHRWS river systems provide significant spawning and nursery grounds for freshwater fishes. However, anthropogenic activities may result in the degradation of fish habitats which calls for conservation. This study provides an updated assessment of the fish diversity of selected MHRWS river systems and recommends policies for the proper management of the rivers and riparian ecosystems. An inventory of fish species and an assessment of the physicochemical parameters were conducted in the three river systems of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. A series of line transect of 100 m were established along the banks of the three rivers in three sampling stations (upstream, midstream, and downstream). Results showed that Dumagooc River has the highest number of fish species compared to Maug and Banahaw River. Generally, the species richness increased from upstream to downstream. The high species richness observed upstream and midstream is due to the presence of an intact forest with areas far from human disturbances. A total of 31 species in 11 families comprising 121 individuals were collected and identified. Of these, one endemic species, 29 native species and two introduced species were identified, representing 4.16% of 48 species recorded in the country. As to the physicochemical characteristics of the three river systems, the results showed that the temperature, pH, NTU and DO values of the sampling sites are within the minimum acceptable limit to be considered as within the standards for class AA, A, and B rivers.
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