A project implemented by the Central Mindanao University (CMU) attempted to save the biodiversity at risk at Marilog Forest Reserve, which is identified by the Conservation International as a priority area for biodiversity conservation.
Marilog Forest Reserve is located in the Marilog District, an upland area in Davao City with over 11,102 hectares of forest cover. The continuous development of the area, including logging activities, conversion of the land into agricultural use, and development of residences and mountain resorts, among others, have reduced and placed the biodiversity of the forest at risk.
The project, which was detailed in the paper, “Saving the Imperiled Marilog Forests in Southern Mindanao, Philippines: Inventory, Assessment and Conservation for Sustainable Community Utilization” was awarded first place in the Best R&D Paper - Research Category of the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).
NSAARRD recognizes outstanding contributions in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector in the country. It is spearheaded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
To save the remaining biodiversity of the Marilog Forest Reserve, the project conducted participatory inventory, determined diversity indices, assessed conservation status and endemism, and conducted capability activities. It was conducted in five sites in Marilog Forest Reserve - New Calinan, Mt. Malambo, Epol, Mt. Ulahingan, and Matigsalug.
The participatory inventory yielded 582 flora species from 255 genera placed in 103 families. Ninety-one species are trees and shrubs, 317 are ferns and lycophytes, and 174 are angiosperm understory plants.
Two new plants - Mitrastemon yamamotoi Makino and Plagiostachys albiflora Ridl., were recorded for the first time in the Philippines in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Another plant, Astrocalyx calycina (S. Vidal) Merr., was recorded for the first time in the area.
A total of 912 fauna species belonging to 204 vertebrates and 708 invertebrates were recorded.
Moreover, 101 endemic flora species and 49 threatened flora endemic species were recorded, while 94 endemic fauna species and 17 threatened and endemic fauna species were documented.
Of the inventory, Mt. Malambo had the highest species composition among the four other sites in Marilog Forest Reserve. Thus, it was declared as the Local Conservation Area (LCA) through a Barangay Proclamation No. 37, s. 2019.
Based on these results, a Community Economic Garden and nursery for assisted natural regeneration (ANR) and LCA were established to re-introduce the seedlings of endangered, endemic, and economically-important plants to the forests.
The LCA and ANR were established at Mt. Malambo in Brgy. Datu Salumay, while the nursery was established at Brgy. Datu Salumay. A butterfly house was constructed in Brgy. Baganihan.
The project was funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) (Rose Anne M. Aya, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services).