Hyperaccumulators are rare ability of plants to accumulate excessive concentration of elements on roots and shoot tissues without any evidence of physiological stress. However, less research has been conducted in different environmental habitats. Hence, this study was conducted in Mount Magdiwata and Peatland Forest of La Paz, Philippines. The objectives of this research were to identify hyperaccumulator plants as well as analyze soil and plant elemental accumulations. Sampling stations were designated in stratified habitats. Collected soil and plant specimens were analyzed in the laboratory and data were interpreted using SPSS software. Cratoxylum sumatranum (Jack ) Blume, Syngramma alismifolia ( C. Presl ) J.Sm., Mitragyna speciosa Korth, Pneumatopteris laevis ( Mett ) Holtta and Pneumatopteris glabra ( Cope ) Holtt were species that shown hyperaccumulation criterion and had significant accumulation capacity in respective habitats. Manganese had accumulation capacity in the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa Korth above the thresholds level for heavy metal concentrations at 22393 mg/kg−1. Soil element Mg has higher accumulation in the leaves at 5257 mg/kg−1and Fe at 4298 mg/kg−1 both major soil elements had shown significant results. The accumulation capability of this identified species were prospective sources of hyperaccumulator plants onwards to phytoremediation technology to cleanse environmental toxicity.

Abstract.Habitat fragmentation results to displacement of inhabiting floral and faunal species. The resulting geographic isolation of various species affect regeneration, genetic flows and recruitment. Hence, a study was conducted in a forested area of Mt. Malindawag in Naawan, Misamis Oriental. Sampling stations were designated at the agro-forest, mid-forest and upper-forest habitat types. Species characterizations were based on DAO 2007-01 and IUCN Red List for conservation status. Results showed highest diversity index of flora at mid-forest while lowest diversity was observed in the agro-forest area. A tree species Canarium racemosum obtained highest Species Importance Value (SIV) at 38.6%, 42% and 30.8%, respectively in the three habitat types. The highest endemicity of flora was at mid-forest with 24% per DAO 2007-01 and 26% per IUCN conservation status. Majority of faunal species were birds that were mostly resident and common and were usually observed at upper-forest habitat. The relatively low diversity and endemicity of flora and fauna species could be due to the influx of human population. Various activities undertaken were threatening the inhabiting biodiversity, and therefore, demand immediate protection and conservation measures from formulating policies to increasing awareness of various stakeholders. Future related studies were recommended to increase scientific understanding on the interrelationships of socio-economic and ecological interactions of biodiversity to the inhabiting human population.

Habitat fragmentation results to displacement of inhabiting floral and faunal species. The resulting geographic isolation of various species affect regeneration, genetic flows and recruitment. Hence, a study was conducted in a forested area of Mt. Malindawag in Naawan, Misamis Oriental. Sampling stations were designated at the agro-forest, mid-forest and upper-forest habitat types. Species characterizations were based on DAO 2007-01 and IUCN Red List for conservation status. Results showed highest diversity index of flora at mid-forest while lowest diversity was observed in the agro-forest area. A tree species Canariumracemosum obtained highest Species Importance Value (SIV) at 38.6%, 42% and 30.8%, respectively in the three habitat types. The highest endemicity of flora was at mid-forest with 24% per DAO 2007-01 and 26% per IUCN conservation status. Majority of faunal species were birds that were mostly resident and common and were usually observed at upper-forest habitat. The relatively low diversity and endemicity of flora and fauna species could be due to the influx of human population. Various activities undertaken were threatening the inhabiting biodiversity, and therefore, demand immediate protection and conservation measures from formulating policies to increasing awareness of various stakeholders. Future related studies were recommended to increase scientific understanding on the interrelationships of socio-economic and ecological interactions of biodiversity to the inhabiting human population.