Canopy dynamics of typhoon-disturbed mahogany stand in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve, Asean Heritage Park [Philippines]
2018
Agudilla, M.A.R. | Alegre, A.C. | Israel, K.P.R. | Nicmic, J.C. | Reyes, J.N.I. | Soriano, M.S.
The study was carried out to analyze the bio-invasiveness and co-existence of large leaf mahogany (Swietennia macrophylla) with the native species after typhoon disturbance in PFLA3 (Permanent Forest Laboratory Area) in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. The study was conducted by strategically laying five 10 m x 10 m quadrats. Canopy gaps were measured using hemispherical photographs with different exposure settings and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was employed as a prediction model to determine the silvicultural pathways. The 5 plots yielded a total of 293 individuals shared by 23 species of trees. These species represent 21 genera under 15 families. Mahogany is the most dominant (93.4) and the most ecologically important (171.95) species. Seven new species are observed to coexist with Mahogany plantation, namely, Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Amamali (Leea aculeata), Pararubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Lanutan (Mirephora lanotan), Tambalau (Knema glomerata), Kapulusan (Nephelium rambutan-ake), and Magabuyo (Celtis luzonica). Mahogany population structure shows a reverse J-shaped population curve which reveals that the future communities may be sustained. Hemispherical photographs revealed that light can still penetrate because the forest canopy is not totally closed such that understorey layers composed of seedlings and saplings may grow abundantly. Avenga pinnata serve as intermediate sub-canopy. NDVI findings showed a drop on vegetation cover in 2006 and 2014 which can be attributed to typhoons Milenyo and Glenda. Recovery of vegetation after the disturbance is attributed to natural recruitment and regeneration. The study provides scientific understanding of a natural canopy dynamics and silvicultural pathways which may help in forest management and conservation of the mahogany stand.
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