Rapid biodiversity assessment in the buffer zone of Bataan National Park, Luzon Island, Philippines

Abstract

Rapid biodiversity assessment using communities of flora and fauna was conducted in the buffer zone areas of Bataan National Park. Seventeen stations were designated for the documentation of floral and faunal species. Samples were documented through sight viewing and based from interviews to local communities. Biodiversity indices were also estimated for the floral communities. The 8-month survey recorded 3,850 plant individuals, belonging to at least 118 species, five of which were classified as endemic. Nine angiosperms comprised the 50% of the total mean abundance, eight of which has agricultural significance. Banana (Musa x paradisiaca) and mango (Mangifera indica) were present in all sampling sites. The top five plant species with the highest Important Value Index were M. paradisiaca, M. indica, Cocos nucifer, Gliricidia sepium, and Anacardium occidentale. Shannon diversity indices and evenness values are high in all sampling stations with a mean of no less than 1.70, and 0.6, respectively. Recorded faunal species had a total of 34 species including eight mammals, six reptiles, and 20 birds. In this survey, seven avian species were classified as endemic, two in reptile, and one in mammal. This study also attempted to document various anthropogenic activities and land use pattern that can cause the biodiversity loss in the buffer areas.