Floral assessment and conservation prioritization in Dugo Watershed, Mountain Province, Northern Philippines

Abstract

Forests play a key role in biodiversity conservation supporting local livelihoods. These ecosystems face threats from agricultural expansion, forest fires, and unsustainable land use practices. This study focused on assessing woody species diversity, their conservation status, biogeography, and local use values, and established a geospatial database in Dugo Watershed in Tadian, Mountain Province. The goal was to provide baseline data for conservation planning of the watershed. Nineteen plots recorded 81 woody species from 60 genera and 36 families. Dominant species included Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon and Ficus benguetensis Merr. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index measured 2.84, indicating moderate species diversity in the area. There are 14 species classified as threatened woody species consisting of: three endangered, four near threatened, two other threatened, and five vulnerable. High-priority species such as endangered Guioa acuminata Radlk. and vulnerable Saurauia bontocensis Merr. are endemic with specific habitat requirements, making them highly sensitive to disturbance. The presence of several endemic species further underscores the watershed’s conservation value. Documented species use range from ecological functions to economic and cultural purposes, indicating strong potential for community-based stewardship. Geographic Information System (GIS) showed the distribution of species to support monitoring and management. The findings emphasize the need for community-based conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and regular monitoring to strengthen the watershed’s biodiversity and ecological resilience.