Published May 11, 2021 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Floristic composition and community structure along the elevational gradient of Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines

  • 1. Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bohol Island State University, Bohol, Philippines|Program on Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation, Research and Development Office, Bohol Island State University, Bohol, Philippines
  • 2. Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
  • 3. Program on Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation, Research and Development Office, Bohol Island State University, Bohol, Philippines
  • 4. Philippine National Herbarium, Botany and National Herbarium Division, National Museum of Natural History, T.M. Kalaw St., Manila, Philippines|Biodiversity Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan

Description

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) is one of the protected areas on the Island of Negros Oriental which is enormously rich in biodiversity due to different Lowland types formed along its elevation gradient. This study was conducted to better understand the composition and diversity of plant species in the natural park to improve conservation and management efforts of these remaining forests which are currently under threat from eco-tourism and other anthropomorphic influences. Within the 18 randomly distributed nested plots, a total of 351 species of plants were recorded. Of these, 183 species were trees, 54 herbs, 51 shrubs, 41 pteridophytes and 22 vines. The result of hierarchical cluster analysis showed differences in plant composition along the elevation gradient. There were 30 (9%) threatened species (vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered) and most of which were found in the submontane Lowland. Furthermore, the species diversity increases from lowland to sub-montane and eventually decreases towards montane Lowland. These results not only indicate the importance of BTLNP, but also highlights the submontane as a special area of concern due to the higher concentration of threatened and endemic species.

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