Author(s)

Jersam C. Calago^1,2*, Annie G. Diola²

¹Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines.
²Misamis University Community Extension Program (MUCEP), Misamis University, Mindanao, Philippines.

Dipterocarps tree species are the key species in most tropical forests because of their economic and ecological value in nature. The present study was carried out to determine the population structure and spatial pattern distribution of critically endangered dipterocarps trees in Mt. Malindang. A total of 638 individuals belonging to 86 species among the 62 genera were recorded at all sites. The highest diversity index was recorded in the elevation range of 700 - 900 masl (3.53). Dipterocarpaceae family had the highest importance value (157.66) among the families recorded in this study. Seven dipterocarp tree species were recorded in this study. Shorea negrosensis Foxw, Shorea polysperma (Blanco) Merr., and Shorea contorta S.Vidal, Shorea squamata (Turcz.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex DC. are listed as critically endangered and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Blanco) Blanco as Vulnerable. Soil moisture has a great influence on Anisoptera thurifera (Blanco) Blume, whereas light is positively correlated with Shorea polysperma and negatively correlated with elevation. Diameter-class distribution of critically endangered dipterocarps tree species showed an interrupted growth pattern and because a fewer number of seedlings or saplings were found in each species, this suggested that regeneration is not good. However, threats and disturbances such as illegal poaching, slash and burn, roads, and land conversion to agricultural crops and settlements contribute to the declining population of critically endangered dipterocarps species. Thus, conservation, protection and prioritization management activities in Mt. Malindang are needed.

Critically Endangered, Diameter-Class, Dipterocarps, Distribution, Regeneration

Calago, J. and Diola, A. (2022) Population Structure and Spatial Pattern of Critically Endangered Dipterocarpaceae Tree Species in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Mindanao, Philippines. Open Journal of Ecology, 12, 407-433. doi: 10.4236/oje.2022.127024.