Flora biodiversity assessment of Mt. Marami, Maragondon, Cavite

Date of Publication

11-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Subject Categories

Molecular Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Sarah Grace S. Zamudio

Defense Panel Chair

Jody M. Benedicto

Defense Panel Member

Joanna S. Sanchez
Antonio Samuel S. Mamauag

Abstract (English)

Biodiversity, the variation of living organisms in ecosystems, plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem functions. Biodiversity assessments ensure that governments and stakeholders can create evidence-based decisions for effective conservation and natural resource management. Thus, a baseline flora biodiversity assessment was conducted in Mt. Marami to evaluate species distribution across vegetation layers, compute biodiversity and importance value indices, and determine the conservation and floristic status of the identified flora. The study employed a modified belt transect method for the assessment of the forestland following the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring systems (BAMS). Eight nested quadrats were distributed along a two-km transect belt. A total of 61 specimens composed of 22 families with 40 species were determined and evaluated. Fabaceae (26.8%) and Moraceae (21.4%) were the most numerous families in the upper canopy, while Fabaceae (30.5%) and Apocynaceae (23.1%) dominated the understory, and Poaceae (22.2%) for the groundcover. Shannon-Weiner (H′), Simpson’s (D), and Pielou’s Evenness (E) biodiversity indices were utilized to assess overall plant biodiversity. The understory consistently maintained high biodiversity results, indicating a stable, well-balanced ecosystem. The majority of the upper canopy also had high biodiversity as seen in Plot 7 (D=1.609, H’=0.800, E=1.000) while Plot 8 (D=0.000, H’=0.000, E=0.000) notably exhibited significantly reduced biodiversity dominated by Cocos nucifera owing to localized anthropogenic disturbance. Similarly, in the groundcover poor biodiversity results was observed in Plots 5 and 8. Key species, including Ficus congesta and Samanea saman, were identified as vital for habitat complexity and ecosystem stability. Most of the species discovered in Mt. Marami were native species, indicating that the ecosystem retains much of its natural integrity. All in all, this study stands as a baseline flora biodiversity assessment for Mt. Marami, filling a critical gap in ecological knowledge and imploring conservation efforts. Future research should focus on broader long-term biodiversity monitoring, genetic studies, and assessments of taxa currently lacking IUCN conservation status to strengthen ecosystem resilience in the country.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Mahalaga ang papel ng saribuhay, ang pagkakaiba-iba ng mga organismo, sa pagpapanatili ng isang ekosistema. Pinapahintulutan ng pagtatasa ng saribuhay ng pamahalaan at ng mga kasangkot na makagawa ng mga desisyong nakabatay sa ebidensya para sa epektibong pangangalaga at pamamahala ng likas na yaman. Isinagawa ang pag-aaral na ito upang suriin ang distribusyon ng mga species sa iba't ibang lebel ng behetasyon, tuusin ang mga indeks ng saribuhay at importance value, at tukuyin ang conservation status ng mga naitalang halaman. Gumamit ang pag-aaral ng walong Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring systems (BAMS) plots na ipinamahagi sa isang 2-km transect belt. Nakakalap ng 61 specimen na kinabibilangan ng 22 pamilya at 40 species sa pag-aaral. Ipinakita ng pagsusuri na ang Fabaceae (26.8%) at Moraceae (21.4%) ang pinakamaraming pamilya sa upper canopy, habang nangingibabaw ang Fabaceae (30.5%) at Apocynaceae (23.1%) sa understory, at Poaceae (22.2%) naman sa groundcover. Ginamit ang mga indeks na Shannon-Weiner (H’), Simpson’s (D), at Pielou’s Evenness (E) sa pagtatasa ng pangkalahatang saribuhay. Patuloy na nagpakita ng positibong resulta ang understory, na nagpapahiwatig ng isang matatag at balanseng ekosistema. Nagtaglay din ng positibong saribuhay ang karamihan sa upper canopy tulad ng sa Plot 7 (D=1.609,H’=0.800,E=1.000). Gayunpaman, kapansin-pansing nagpakita ang Plot 8 (D=0.000,H’=0.000,E=0.000) ng labis na pagbaba ng saribuhay na pinangungunahan ng Cocos nucifera dulot ng lokal na pagkagambalang antropoheniko. Gayundin, tinukoy ng pagsusuri sa groundcover ang mahinang saribuhay sa Plots 5 at 8. Ang mga species tulad ng Ficus congesta at Samanea saman ay natukoy na mahalaga para sa habitat complexity at pangangalaga ng ekosistema. Karamihan sa mga species na natuklasan sa Bundok Marami ay mga native species, na nagpapahiwatig ng pagpapanatili ng likas nitong integridad. Nagbibigay ang pag-aaral ng dedikadong baseline ng saribuhay ng mga halaman sa Bundok Marami, na pumupuno sa kakulangang ekolohikal at magiging gabay sa konserbasyon. Dapat tutukan ng mga susunod na pag-aaral ang mas malawak at pangmatagalang pagmamanman ng saribuhay, mga pag-aaral sa genetika, at pagtatasa ng mga taxa na walang IUCN conservation status upang palakasin ang katatagan ng mga ekosistema sa bansa.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Biodiversity--Philippines--Cavite; Plants--Philippines--Cavite; Mount Marami (Philippines)

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Embargo Period

12-10-2025

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