Conservation biology of selected forest species in the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve [Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines]

In the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR) are found 48 plant species of commercial and ecological importance, which are declared threatened by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative. Order 2007-1 and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), (1994, 2006 and 2008). Eight of these plants are in the endangered and 15 in the critically endangered category. The conservation biology of these species particularly the aspects of ecophysiology, geographic distribution and regeneration, population genetics and anthropology (socioeconomic use) are presented and discussed in the light of the need for these species to be successfully conserved for sustainable utilization. Several recommendations for the conservation and sustainable development in the forest resource of specific species were drawn. Particular focus is given to Parashorea malaanonan. The conservation biology data and information presented in the lecture have not only elucidated issues of concern for biodiversity conservation in the MFR but for conservation of tropical, rainforest species in general. In the MFR, conservation especially of the critically endangered species is less problematic than in other forests in the country. This is because the ecological functioning of the forest reserve, as indicated by diversity indices at different levels of biodiversity, is supportive of the needs for regeneration and survival of the species. The protected area status of the MFR is important in the conservation of these species as man-made threats to the species can be pro-actively controlled. The best option identified to achieve successful conservation of these species is to protect the MFR-the habitat where these species were found to grow abundantly. Among the four subwatersheds of the forest reserve, the Molawin-Dampalit [Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines] should be given more attention as this supports 42 of the 48 plant species in the threatened category found in the MFR and is the most open to possible threats by visitors.