Abundance and Tree Species Diversity in Selected Mining Areas of Licuan, Baay, Abra, Philippines

Abstract

Biodiversity is the greatest treasure in the world. Protecting it means we are protecting the future of our children. The research study was conducted in Licuan-Baay, Abra, in the Philippines. It evaluated the abundance, endemism, species diversity index, and conservation status of trees within the interior and exterior areas of the selected mining site. Due to few studies on the biodiversity of its flora and fauna, this study was timely and necessary.

Data were gathered using the belt transect method. The study revealed 34 species across 18 families, with Moraceae having the most number, with seven species and four genera. Based on the Shannon diversity index result, the mining areas have relatively little diversity. Additionally, endangered tree species are at 2.9 percent, while those that are vulnerable are at 11.76 percent. The tree species classified as least concerned were at 32.35 percent, and tree species that were data deficient were 52.94 percent based on the conservation classification under the IUCN 3.1 and DAO 2017. On endemism, there is 41 percent that is endemic, while 59 percent is not endemic in the Philippines.