Biodiversity assessment in Kinabuhayan forest, Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon (Philippines) [Terminal Report]

The Biodiversity Assessment in Kinabuhayan Forest, Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon project was implemented by Southern Luzon State University from February 2009 to February 2010 under CHED Grants-In-Aid Program. It focuses on determining trees and faunal composition of Mt. Banahaw de Dolores and aimed to generate a baseline data and in the process strengthen database of Mt. Banahaw. Different sampling techniques were conducted to gather information on trees, wildlife and insects after reconnaissance. Forest inventory was conducted following a systematic sampling to collect information on trees composition and forest community structures. Similarly, wildlife inventory was carried-out thru ocular observation. Mist Netting and Transect method. Berlese funnel extraction, D-net, Surber sampler and net sweeping methods were used to determine insect species. All specimens, including leaf samples, trapped insects and wildlife, were identified thru consulting experts and/or by using books or manuals. These were also taken as herbarium specimens. Wildlife specimens such as bats and birds were stuffed and displayed at Mt. Banahaw Biodiversity Unit in SLSU College of Agriculture including preserved specimens of small invertebrates and insects. Collected information was analyzed for diversity, species richness, dominance and eveness using indices. After the project, important findings were as follow: Mt. Banahaw de Dolores is inhabited by different species of trees, wildlife including birds, bats and frogs and insects representing various orders and families. The area has high species richness and diversity with no particular species of tree, wildlife or insect considerably dominating the area and species are equally represented as indicated by high overall eveness and low dominance values. Species diversity is still high at different sampling basis (per Puestos in insects, per transect in birds, and per elevation range in trees). Forest community structures in higher altitudes also differ from that of lower elevations such that trees in higher altitudes exhibits stunted growth characterized by small diameter, height and less stratified canopy.