Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) is regarded as one of the most important areas in terms of biodiversity in the island of Samar and within the greater Mindanao faunal region. Five priority watersheds within the SINP were surveyed for the post biological assessment. These were the watersheds of Taft, Can-avid, Basey, Suribao and Catubig. Standard faunal survey methods such as transect survey, mist netting, and trapping were used during the entire duration of the study. The methods were augmented with ocular observations and ethnobiological interviews.Of the 182 species of terrestrial vertebrates recorded from SINP, 121 species were birds, 20 were mammals, 18 amphibians and 23 reptiles. The overall endemism is 40%. The 121 species of birds belong to 15 orders and 45 families. Of these, 26% are endemic to the Philippines and 12% are endemic to the greater Mindanao faunal region. Among avian species, thirteen (11%) are considered threatened or at risk.Of the 11 mammals, which belong to 6 orders and 9 families, 45% are endemic to the country and 15% are endemic to the greater Mindanao faunal region. Seven (35%) of these species are considered threatened or at risk.Of the 18 species of amphibians recorded, 2 are introduced and the rest are native to the Philippines. Of the 23 reptiles, 39% are endemic to the country and 3% are endemic to the greater Mindanao faunal region. Among herpetofauna, only one species is considered threatened or at risk.Samar holds high diversity and high endemism and contains a remarkable number of threatened species being recognized by the international arena in biological diversity conservation, most of which have strong affinity to the Mindanao faunal region. The existing data are sufficient to further highlight the need to establish SINP as conservation priority site in the region.
This study reflects the present status of Tacloban City mangrove vegetation and would be useful for mangrove restoration program. Surveys of mangrove forests in Tacloban City were conducted from October to November 2017 in 12 selected sites. Quadrat method was used to assess the species composition and stand structure of the canopy layer, representing seaward, middle and landward zones. The mangrove forests in Tacloban City contain 23 mangrove species belonging to 12 families and 15 genera. Rhizophoraceae and Acanthaceae are the most dominating families. As per IUCN report, among the 23 species, 4 were recognized as threatened. These include the Endangered Camptostemon philippinensis, the Vulnerable Avicennia rumpiana and the Near Threatened Aegiceras floridum and Ceriops decandra. Rhizophora Apiculata is the most abundant species, followed by Sonneratia alba. Other abundant species are Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata. The least abundant are Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Camptostemon philippinensis and Xylocarpus granatum. The canopy layer is composed of small-sized trees with an average tree density of 1,678 per ha and stem density of 3,133 per ha. The average height and diameter are 6.15m and 8.95cm, respectively. Mangrove diversity is generally low. Shannon index of diversity value ranges from 0.762 to 1.132, with an average value of 0.914. Understory is characterized by few species of regenerants, low density and low species diversity.
Agricultural Production systems inside protected areas are shifting from subsistence to cash economy. Along this shift, farming systems are also significantly changing from low to high intensity cropping, characterized by continuous cultivation and heavy application of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides. Based on the main crops grown, spatial arrangement and cropping intensities, the different crop production systems were identified such as traditional mosaic, low-input mosaic, low-input abaca-based intercrop, low input staples, and high input vegetables. Crop diversity at the farm level is generally low. Perennial crops are integrated into the farming system but are limited to few species of fruit crops and exotic forest trees. Farm level species diversity is positvely realted to age, number of years with livelihood projects. Livelihood module must be implemented and institutinal support be strengthened to lessen dependence of inhabitants of protected areas on these less sustainable production systems.
Mt. Pangasugan contains one of the few remaining intact lowland dipterocarp forests in Leyte which is home to many threatened avain species including the Kalaw. The study aimed to understand the spatial distribution and temporal activities of kalaw to provide information to support conservation progrom. The preferred habitat of kalaw was characterized by the dominance of species belonging to family Dipterocarpaceae and gap species of Araliaceae and Moraceae. Kalaw occurred in stands where there were large trees with natural cavities which could be used for nesting and fig trees and other fruit bearing gap species as source of food. Specific perches were big tall trees which comprise the canopy and emergent layers. The result of the study suggest strengthening protection of the remaingin secondary forest as habitat of kalaw and put a stop to current activities that may have affected the biological clock of Kalaw
Bulosao Watershed Forest Reserve is regarded as one of the most important areas in terms of biodiversity in the island of Samar and within the greater Mindanao faunal region. Four study sites representing different habitat types, elevation range and degree of human disturbance were surveyed for their faunal composition. Standard faunal survey methods such as transect survey was used during the entire duration of the study. The methods were augmented with observations and ethnobiological interviews. A total of 41 species of birds belonging to 12 orders, 25 families and 35 genera were recorded. Of these, twelve (29%) are endemic to the Philippines and one to the greater Mindanao faunal region. Among avian species, sixteen (40%) are considered threatened or at risk. Major threats birds and other wildlife populations in the reserve include hunting and habitat alteration. Hunting among the local community is not only for subsistence but also for commercial purposes. Major activities leading to habitat destruction include conversion of logged-over areas into cultivation, illegal logging and indiscriminate collection of other forest products.
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