Conservation assessment and predictive distribution of Philippine Cycas L. based on herbarium and citizen science records

Date of Publication

11-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

John Paul S. Domingo

Defense Panel Chair

Dennis A. Dolojan

Defense Panel Member

Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo
Shad Natthew S. Arce

Abstract (English)

The genus Cycas under the family Cycadaceae is a dioecious plant with origins dating back to the Carboniferous period. Widely distributed across Southeast Asia and Australia, the Philippines hosts 13 endemic species, 12 of which are classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List. Previous studies indicate restricted distribution, making these species highly vulnerable to habitat destruction. This study assessed the natural localities of each Philippine Cycas using actual and virtual herbarium specimens and citizen science records through QGIS. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) were calculated using GeoCAT. Predictive habitat suitability was modeled with MaxEnt based on 21 environmental variables derived from WorldClim and FAO-UNESCO Soil Map. The resulting maps were compared against existing protected areas from NIPAS and WDPA to evaluate conservation coverage. Species occurrence mapping confirmed the species’ high endemicity to their localities. GeoCAT analysis revealed that seven species are critically endangered and six are vulnerable. MaxEnt results showed that several highly suitable habitats overlap with protected zones, while a few fall outside, highlighting existing gaps in current conservation management. These findings emphasize the need for protection, validation through fieldwork, and strengthened conservation strategies for future conservation planning for the Philippine Cycas.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Ang genus na Cycas sa ilalim ng pamilyang Cycadaceae ay isang dioecious na halaman na nagmula pa noong panahong Carboniferous. Makikita itong nakakalat sa Timog-Silangang Asya at Australia, at mayroong 13 endemikong species ang matatagpuan sa Pilipinas, kung saan 12 rito ay nakalista bilang nanganganib sa IUCN Red List. Inulat ng mga nakaraang pag-aaral na limitado ang distribusyon ng mga halaman na ito dulot ng pagkasira ng tirahan. Sinuri ng pag-aaral na ito ang natural na lokalidad ng bawat Philippine Cycas gamit ang aktwal at birtwal na mga specimen mula sa mga herbaryo at citizen science sa pamamagitan ng QGIS. Ang Extent of Occurrence (EOO) at Area of Occupancy (AOO) ay kinalkula gamit ang GeoCAT. Ang prediktong pagmodelo ng kanilang tirahan ay inimodelo sa MaxENT gamit ang 21 pangkapaligirang baryabol mula sa WorldClim at FAO-UNESCO Soil Map. Ang mga nabuong mapa ay kinumpara sa mga protektadong lugar mula sa NIPAS at WDPA upang malaman ang saklaw ng konserbasyon. Ipinakita ng GeoCAT na pitong species ay critically endangered, at anim ang endangered. Ang resulta ng MaxEnt ay nagpakita na karamihan ng mga prediktong modelo ay tugma sa protektadong lugar, ngunit may iilan na hindi sakop, na nagpapakita ng mga puwang sa kasalukuyang konserbasyon. Binibigyang-diin ng mga natuklasang ito ang pangangailangan para sa proteksyon, pagpapatunay sa pamamagitan ng fieldwork, at pinalakas na mga estratehiya sa konserbasyon para sa pagpaplano ng konserbasyon sa hinaharap para sa Philippine Cycas.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Cycas--Philippines; Plant conservation--Philippines; Biogeography--Philippines

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Embargo Period

12-6-2025

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