A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract. Batuyong MAR, Calaramo MA, Alejandro GJD. 2020. A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 3969-3981. The Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve (MINWFR) is among the remaining intact limestone formations and a critical protected area in Northwestern Luzon. There have been few published floristic studies despite its undeniable rich biological importance. Therefore, this paper primarily aims to provide a preliminary checklist of vascular plants in MINWFR and their conservation status. Consequent field visits and surveys were made from April 2019 to March 2020. Results revealed a total of 173 species distributed in 140 genera belonging to 59 families. The most represented families are Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Orchidaceae, and Malvaceae. This forest supports 49% or 28.65 % local endemics, five of which are narrow endemics, namely Cyanometra warburgii, Pyrostria triflora, Syzygium ilocanum, Thrixspermum nicolasiorum, and Antirhea microphylla. The latter, however, extends up to Ilocos Sur. Based on IUCN criteria and DENR records, a total of 18 species are threatened, one species is recorded as critically endangered, five endangered, nine vulnerable, three other threatened, two near threatened, 55 as least concern, and the rest are not evaluated. Other noteworthy species present in the area are the two dominant endangered species, Podocarpus costalis, and Podocarpus polystachyus. An interesting spinescent Rubiaceae species were recorded and currently under examination to establish its identity. This checklist serves as a basis to effectively manage this vulnerable area surrounded by human-induced disturbances and threats.

Terrestrial vertebrate fauna in a multifunctional landscape in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

“…The result of biodiversity studies in multifunctional landscapes is a key component in identifying habitat types that require spatial prioritization, i.e., the identification of priority areas for conservation action, that is needed for decision-making at various levels (Klimek et al 2014;Gonzalez-Maya et al 2016;Kujala et al 2017). For instance, information on the occurrence of species, in particular endemic and threatened species in an area, had been instrumental in identifying critical conservation areas in Ilocos Norte in Luzon (Batuyong et al 2020); Palawan in the Western Philippines (Supsup et al 2023), and Cotabato in Central Mindanao (Tabora et al 2023).…”

Diversity of Rubiaceae in Ilocos Norte, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines: A Preliminary Checklist, Their Distribution, and Conservation Status

“…Lammin. The MINWFR (Figures 1 and 2D), on the other hand, is considered one of the remaining important limestone areas found on the island of Luzon (Batuyong et al 2020). Initially, it is established as a component by the NIPAS through Presidential Proclamation No.…”

Inventory of Annonaceae in Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area, Camarines Norte, Bicol, Philippines

“…Very few studies were made after Merrill, particularly on Annonaceae. Floristic studies accross the country are available (De Guzman et al 2014;Castañares et al 2017;Malabrigo et al 2017;Lillo et al 2018;Ordas et al 2019;Suba et al 2019;Paclibar and Tadiosa 2020;Moran et al 2020;Batuyong et al 2020;Biag and Alejandro 2021;Batuyong et al 2021;Biag and Alejandro 2021;Cordero and Alejandro 2021). Results of these inventories were general listings of different plant families, their distribution, ecology and conservation status.…”