Assessing the plant resources and people empowerment activities for the conservation of Mt. Hamiguitan Range [wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental, Philippines]

With a total surface area of 6,834 ha, the Mt. Hamiguitan range was characterized by five vegetation types namely the agroecosystem, dipterocarp, montane, typical mossy, and mossy-pygony forests. Among these, the montane forest has the highest species richness of 462. Next was the dipterocarp forest with 418 species while the mossy and agroecosystems forests had the lowest species richness of 246. The montane forest also has the highest species diversity (H=1.70) followed by the dipterocarp forest (H=1.60) as the mossy forest had the lowest species diversity (1.27). As for species importance value (SIV), the montane forest has the highest average number of species, (27.17). Compared with the dipterocarp and mossy forests, it likewise has the highest average number of individuals and species density, dominance, and frequency with 84.17, 0.21, 0.041, and 9.278, respectively. Inventory of the plants in different vegetation types showed a total of 878 species with 343 genera, and 136 families. Of these, 698 were angiosperms, 25 were gymnosperms, and 141 were fern allies. Of the 878 species recorded, 477 species were identified. Meanwhile, assessment of the conservation status of the 477 identified species revealed that 163 species (18.56%) were endemic, 35 (3.99%) threatened, 33 (3.75%) were rare, and 204 species (23.23%) were economically important. Of the 204 economically important species, 92 (46.46%) were considered ornamental, 66 species (33.33%) for lumber, 31 (15.66%) edible, 17 (8.59%) medicinal, 12 (6.06%) as food for animals, and 5 (2.52%) as raw materials for handicraft. Based on the sample plots, the endemic species were found in the montane forest while the least number was observed in the agroecosystem forest with 44 (30.06%). On the other hand, out of the 35 species considered threatened, majority or 22 (62%) species were found in the dipterocarp forest, which was significantly higher, compared to one nine species (25.71%) found in the pygmy forest. Most the rare species could be found from the montane forest going up to the mossy-pygmy forest with 22-23 species (66.67-69.70%) of plants. Although the least number of rare species was also observed in the agroecosystem forest, majority of the economically important species were found in this area. Another significant finding was the discovery of new record of plants in the country, which included Elaeocarpus argenteus, Nephenthes mira, Elaeocarpus verticillatus, Petersonia lowii, Astronia lagunensis, Nepenthes argentii, Schizaea inopinata, and Schizaea malaccana. The ex situ conservation of Hoya, Medinilla, and Paphipedelum species revealed that wildings of Medinilla cumingil planted in garden soil showed a higher percentage of survival compared to stem cuttings. Likewise, the stem cuttings of Medinilla apoensis showed a low percent survival. Majority of the Hoya species planted in various potting media specifically coconut husk + mosses, Cyathea roots + mosses, and Cyathea roots alone had a 100% survival, which indicated that the species can be easily propagated outside of their natural habitat given that the right conditions are provided. However, some of the Hoya species, which produced flowers failed to develop fruits. Similarly, the Paphipedelum plants exhibited 100% survival although only a few plants produced new buds that developed into shoots while moderate anthracnose infection of P. ciliolare plants further impaired the slow growth of the species. Among the empowerment activities conducted for the people was the empowerment of the 'Bantay Gubat' which served as forest guards. Aside from having hands-on training on biodiversity monitoring tools such as transect walk, photo documentation, field diary, and focused group discussion, they also learned inventory techniques, floral classifications, grouping plant habits, and taxonomic grouping. Moreover, collaborations with academic institutions such as the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology were formed to assist in the conservation of the range through continued research, long-term monitoring, and generation of community-based conservation technology with the local communities. In addition, IEC materials containing scientific names, local names, and status of the endemic, endangered, rare, and economically important species of flora and fauna were distributed to the community and local researchers to raise awareness on the conservation and protection of these important species.