Moraceae Tree Diversity, Assemblage, and Density in Disturbed and Less Disturbed Lowland Forests in Mt. Busa-MaKiMa, Sarangani Province, Mindanao

Buay, Bhegie May G.

The mountains of Mindanao Island, particularly its lowland tropical forest, are known for their high diversity, with species in the family Moraceae contributing to this richness. However, as in other areas of the Philippines, lowland forest in Mindanao are facing increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities. While the extent of tree diversity on the island is relatively well-known, the extent to which this group of trees responds to various levels of disturbance remains unknown. The study sought to understand the possible effects of disturbance on tree species by comparing the species richness, assemblage, abundance, and density under the family of i between a less disturbed and disturbed lowland forest categories in Mt. Busa-Makima LCA. Sampling, using 18 plots, was employed to document the two forest categories. A total of 15 Moracea trees were documented, more species were recorded in the less disturbed area, and there was a notable difference in assemblage. For example, eight species including Artocarpus camansi, Ficus ampelos , Ficus balete, Ficus chryolepsis, Ficus odorata, Ficus pseudopalma, Ficus subulata, and Ficus sp. were the less documented only in disturbed forest category, while Artocarpus heterophyllus and Ficus cf. fistulosa were documented only in the disturbed forest category. Abundance and density also differ in the two forest categories, with the less disturbed forest category having a relatively higher overall number of individuals. Results support the finding that even a moderate level of disturbance can lead to a decline in species diversity. This highlights the critical need for conservation initiatives in Mindanao’s lowland forest to preserve taxonomically significant tree groups.