Anthropogenic activities affecting the growth and survival of Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. in the grasslands of Nueva Ecija, Philippines
2014
Guevarra, D.M. | Florece, L.M. | Balatibat, J.B.
The study assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities on the regenerative capacity of 'Alibangbang' (Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.), a pioneer species with known fire-resistant and excellent coppicing qualities, in the remnant forest and grass-dominated watersheds of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija [Philippines]. The various uses and potentials of alibangbang as a local resource was determined through interviews, direct observations, and analysis of secondary information. Results of the study revealed that the low regeneration of alibangbang could be attributed to upland farming, pasture and grazing, and the gathering of alibangbang shoots and leaves, cogon grass, charcoal, and fuelwood in the area. High preference for alibangbang fuelwood and charcoal put pressure on the survival and growth of remaining patches in the area. Local people prefer to use the shoots of alibangbang as a food flavouring resulting in over harvesting and pruning that disturb the tree's photosynthetic activity and inhibits growth. Escape fires from land clearning and kaingin as well as regular browsing and trampling of grazing animals further affected the species capacity for natural succession resulting in slow colonization, despite the abundance of good mother alibangbang trees in the watershed.
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