Tree community assessment in a forest fragment in San Mateo, Rizal.

Abstract

The largest and most protected forest area in the Philippines is the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It contains a large portion of Philippine forests and supports high plant diversity (Conservation International, 2014). In spite of this, the area is still considered as one of the most threatened areas due to anthropogenic activities that lead to deforestation and land conversions. Located in the foothills of San Mateo, Rizal, its proximity to developing rural areas has an impact to the diversity and classification of forest patches in the area. In this study, a tree community survey was done, to assess, classify and obtain the floristic composition of the tree community in this region. Plant lists were obtained and trees sampled were classified into either being native, non-native or exotic, endemic and if it occurs in primary growth or secondary growth forests. The results of the study concluded that the species Ficus septica is the most important species in the overall study site. Certain factors such as the elevation of the study site, the mode of seed dispersal and pollination, and presence of water heavily influenced the dominance of this species. Moreover, the study site was classified as a secondary growth forest, because majority of the species found in the area occurs in secondary growth forests, and also, disturbances and anthropogenic activities were observed on and near the area. Even though the site is a secondary forest, only 22.22% of the total species sampled were non – native, this implies that even if disturbances occurred in the area, non – native species are seldom introduced, that pioneer species were replaced by secondary growing species that is found locally. Understanding the floristic composition and nature of the area can be helpful in determining approaches in conservation efforts.