Floral assessment in Kayam Forest in Brgy. Pagatpatan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines is considered as one of the megadiverse countries in the world. The country is one of the World biologically richest but has the most threatened ecosystems. For decades, environmentalists and nature enthusiasts go hand-in-hand in conducting studies that would assess and formulate projects which will encourage environmental conservation and preservation, most especially those threatened ecosystems. Local communities have already started their initiatives in monitoring and maintaining the protection of the important ecosystem near them. Barangay Pagatpatan in Butuan City is an example. This study was conducted to determine the species richness and assessment of vascular plants in the “Kayam Forest” Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The study utilized descriptive research design to assess the local area. Transect plot technique/quadrat sampling was employed to assess the floral communities. The forest is dominated by Inocarpus fagifer and habitat of 20 other species belonging to 13 different plant families. The low diversity index of the area suggests that it is noteworthy for protection and conservation, for these Kayam trees are striving only in this area in Butuan City making it very unique ecosystem and therefore the local government and the community efforts for sustaining the area is very vital.