Year: 2023
Title of Research: Coastal Resources of Davao del Norte as Basis for GIS Based Assessment and Monitoring Phase II (Study 1: Species Diversity, Abundance, and Geographic Distribution of Mangroves Species in Davao del Norte)
Name of Researcher: Rosie Lynn Tejada, Ann Cherry Cereno, Joan Cristin Alipoyo
Abstract:
The study was conducted to determine the species composition, density, diversity, and relative abundance of mangroves. The physico-chemical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, and soil composition) were determined during sampling. A uniform transect-plot method was employed in the study. Eleven species of mangroves (Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera parviflora, Ceriops decandra, Sonneratia alba, Sonneratia caseolaris, Lumnitzera racemosa, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Xylocarpus moluccensis) were found in Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City, and seven species (Avicennia marina, Rhizaphora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronate, Sonneratia alba, Sonneratia caseolaris, Lumnitzera racemosa, and Avicenncia rumphiana) were present in Barangay La Paz, Carmen, Davao del Norte. Six species were common in both areas. Five mangrove associates were identified in Barangay J.P. Laurel and three mangrove associates were found in La Paz. The two sampling areas (Barangay J.P Laurel and Barangay La Paz) are less diverse (0.36 and 0.19) since it is dominated by A. marina. of family Avicenniaceae. Mangroves had s density of 4,577.78 ind/ha in Barangay J.P Laurel and 2,077.78 ind/ha. In Barangay La Paz. ANOVA result showed that there is a significant difference in mangrove density between the two areas. Barangay J.P Laurel had a mangroves Stand BA of 26.64m2/ha and Barangay La Paz had a mangroves stand BA of 10.402/ha. A. marina obtained the highest Stand BA in both areas with an average of 18.52m2/ha. The physico-chemical parameters in the two areas are suitable for the survival of the mangroves. It is recommended to conduct regular monitoring of mangroves in the area and also assess the newly planted mangroves until such time they become fully grown.