Invited Speaker 3:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roger T. Sarmiento
(Caraga State University, Philippines)

Abstract :

The Nauclea, Terminalia, and Tristaniopsis forests: Tree species diversity and distribution patterns of the less-explored peatland habitat types of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines

Roger T. Sarmiento¹ and Rowena P. Varela²

¹Department of Forestry, College of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, 8600 Philippines
²College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries, Caraga State University, Ampayon, Butuan City, 8600 Philippines

Corresponding Author Email: rtsarmiento@carsu.edu.ph
Abstract. The peatland forests of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary are characterized by the dominance of a unique and conspicuous assemblage of tree species across different habitat types. An understanding of the species richness, diversity, structural pattern, and distribution of these types of forests is crucial in maintaining ecosystem stability and for conservation purposes. The study, therefore, describes the three less-explored habitat types dominated by Bangkal (Nauclea orientalisL.), Malabayabas (Tristaniopsis decorticataMerr.), and Lanipau (Terminalia copelandii Elmer) using a purposive random sampling method. Across the three sites, we recorded a total of 22 tree species, belonging to 17 families and 21 genera. Tree density was recorded maximum at the Malabayabas forest (650 individuals ha−1) and the minimum was recorded at the Lanipau forest (367 individuals ha−1). The maximum total basal area (162.93 m2 ha−1) was recorded in Malabayabas forest and the minimum at the Bangkal forest stand (17.3 m2 ha−1). Results of the ANOVA for the stand dbh, tree density, species richness, species diversity, and species evenness are significantly varied among the habitat types. The Malabayabas forests had the highest species richness and diversity of the three sites. All stands exhibited high community dependence on forest resources that may increase the vulnerability of the forest in relation to human interference, thus necessitating immediate attention toward conservation. Site-specific management and conservation measures have been suggested to provide opportunities for sustainable management of the forest stands.