Mosses and More: Exploring the Bryophyte Flora of Kalikasan Park | InformativeBD

Daile Meek Salvador-Membreve, Erwin N. Baňares, and Jonathan Jaime G. Guerrero, from the institute of Philippines. wrote a Research article about, Mosses and More: Exploring the Bryophyte Flora of Kalikasan Park. Entitled, Bryophyte Flora of Kalikasan Park, Albay, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Bryophytes are nonvascular plants that have ecological and medicinal value. The present study assessed the diversity and ecological status of bryophytes flora in Kalikasan Park, Albay. Sampling plots were established based on the dominant vegetation types in the Park. Collections were made in 20 x 20m in the sampling plots. A total of eight species (8) with five (5) mosses and three (3) species of liverworts were collected in all sampling areas. Microhabitats observed in the study were decayed woods, tree trunks, wet rocks and moist soils. A high index value (2.29) with evenness index of 0.996 was observed in the study area with trees having a much higher index compared to bryophytes found in fern plots. From the species, two (2) species were found to be possibly endangered with one (1) possibly near threatened of IUCN status. Also, three bryophytes found in the area were known to have medicinal value. To date, this is the first record of bryophyte flora in Kalikasan Park.

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Introduction

Bryophytes are small, photosynthetic, nonvascular and spore-bearing plants. They encompass the terrestrial plants which include mosses, liverworts and hornworts. They occupy various environments from polar to arid conditions but are at their greatest abundance and diversity in tropical rainforests (Valente, Porto and Bastos, 2017). They thrive in trees, rocks, soil, logs and even surfaces of the leaf (Vanderpoorten, Papp and Gradstein, 2010). Bryophytes are known to be indicators of environmental conditions. They are indicator species for air and water quality, heavy metal contamination and climate change (Azuela et al., 2016, Carreon, 2016). Also, they provide habitat and food for arthropods and amphibians (Azuela et al., 2016). Bryophytes are therefore significant for ecological balance. Hence, assessment of bryophytes is thus important.

Kalikasan Park is a man-made forest situated at the back of the Bicol University main campus. It has a total area of ten hectares and the border lies on the Sagumayon River. It is characterized by shrubs, ferns and endemic and non-timber forest trees such as bamboo and rattan. Border areas of the Park are lined with human settlements and agricultural lands.

Infrastructure developments are occurring in the area which might pose a threat to population of bryophytes. Hence, this study aimed to document and determine ecological status of the bryophytes in the Park. This is the first account of bryophytes in the said area.

Reference

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Azuelo A, Manual A, Obemio CD, Oconer E, Gubalane R, Lobredo G. Bryophyte flora of Mt. Matutum protected landscape, South Cotabato, Philippines. 2016. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences 9, 1-12.

Azuelo A, Sariana L, Pabualan M. 2010. Diversity and ecological status of bryophytes in Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon. Asian Journal of Biodiversity 1, 49-71. Azuelo A, Sariana L, Pabualan M. 2011. Some medicinal bryophytes: their ethnobotanical uses and morphology. Asian Journal of Biodiversity 2, 49-80.

Benítez Á, Prieto M, Aragón G. 2015. Large trees and dense canopies: key factors for maintaining high epiphytic diversity on trunk bases (bryophytes and lichens) in tropical montane forests. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research 88, 521-527.

Carreon H, Morales N, Cabras A, Medina MN. 2016. Preliminary list of bryophytes in Tagbaobo, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines. University of Mindanao International Multidisciplinary Research Journal 1, 152-157.

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Hipol R, Tolentino D, Fernando E, Dadiz NM. 2007. Life strategies of mosses in Mt. Pulag, Benguet province, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science 136, 11-18.

Kato-Noguchi H, Seki T. 2010. Allelopathy of the moss Rhynchostegium pallidifolium and 3-hydroxy-β-ionone. Plant signaling & behavior 5, 702-704.

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 Article source : Bryophyte Flora of Kalikasan Park, Albay, Philippines 

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Hidden Herps of Lake Mainit: A First Look at Amphibians and Reptiles | InformativeBD

Meconcepcion Ngilangil- Lansang,  Richie P. Lador, and Romell A. Seronay, from the institute of Philippines. wrote a Research article about, Hidden Herps of Lake Mainit: A First Look at Amphibians and Reptiles. entitled, Preliminary report on the amphibians and reptiles of Lake Mainit watershed, Northeastern Mindanao, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Lake Mainit is honored with plentiful assets in both upland and lake ecosystems and is one of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in the Philippines. A field survey of amphibians and reptiles was conducted in the four municipalities comprising Agusan del Norte portion of Lake Mainit Watershed to determine the species richness, endemicity and conservation status. The methods used were a combination of field observation, reconnaissance survey, pitfall trap method and opportunistic collection. The study found out that 17 species belonging to 13 families, with a total of 69 individuals in the four sampling areas. Polypedates leucomystax recorded the most common species and highest number of individuals followed by Platymantis corrugatus. Highest species diversity index was recorded from Santiago with H’= 1.5. Philippine endemic species were H. pustulatus, P. corrugatus, N. samarensi, M. stejnegeri, H. granducola, P. mindanensis, and S. fasciatus while the two recorded vulnerable species were H. pustulatus and M. Stejnegeri, along these lines, the event of these two species qualifies the area to be protected. In this manner, the low species richness in Lake Mainit watershed could probably go to be archived if the place is completely assessed. Conservation action is still essential to protect and conserve biodiversity in the entire areas.

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Introduction

The Philippine Archipelago is one in all the eighteen megadiversity countries that, along is ten times richer in diversity than the Galapagos Island in South American country, with over twenty thousand species of plants and animals endemic to the biological richness of the country (Heaney & Regalado, 1998; Ong et al, 2002; Diesmos & Brown, 2009; Bucol et al, 2011). It houses a spectacular and numerous assemblage of amphibians and reptiles placed at the interface between the faunal zones of the Orient and Australia, has currently jointly recognized as one of the most vital centers of herpetofaunal diversity in South East Asia, creating it so much richer, the amount of endemicity are a lot of higher and therefore the biological process history is much a lot of complicated than are assumed (Diesmos et al, 2002; Ngilangil et al, 2015).

The Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (Mindanao PAIC) is one giant biogeographically vital sub- province inside the Philippine terra firma (Taylor, 1928; Inger, 1954; Heaney, 1985, 1986; Voris, 2000; Brown & Diesmos, 2009; Sanguila et al, 2016). Mindanao was formed by the accretion of the islandarc associated with the east- central block and also the western continental peninsula block, separated by the Sindangan- Cotabato- Daguma lineament (Yumul et al, 2003; Sanguila et al, 2016). The central part Mindanao has giant isolated mountains that are separated from one another by substantial stretches of low- lying areas that were formed as a result conjointly of collision and geologic process events over the past ten millions years (Hall, 1996, 1998; Yumul et al, 2003, 2009; Sanguila et al, 2016).

This extremely dynamic geologic history suggests the chance of faunal limits to spreading inside early paleoislands, a mechanism which may presumably have contributed to the diversification of the primary amphibian and reptile lineages that inhabited Mindanao (Brown & Alcala, 1970; Brown & Guttman 2002; Evans et al, 2003; Sanguila et al, 2011; 2016; Brown et al, 2013; Barley et al, 2013).

Amphibians and reptiles, cold- full- blooded animals, are regarding one- fourth of all well- known vertebrate species distributed worldwide (Zug et al, 2001; Ali & Bukhari, 2018). They are good biological indicators as a result of they are more sensitive to the environment than other wildlife (Hopkins, 2007; Coritico et al, 2018) and a very important part of healthy scheme as they play a vital role in the food pyramid by maintaining the balance of food cycle thus, they provide an excellent starting point for inventorying and monitoring biodiversity. Moreover, they recycle nutrients between aquatic to terrestrial environments, and removal of those species from any scheme can cause to disturbances in predator- prey dynamics, invertebrate populations, alga communities, leaf litter decompositions, and nutrient cycling, however their population is depleting day by day because of several anthropogenic activities like intensive grazing, forest cutting and burning, mining areas restorations (McLeod & Gates, 1998; Ngilangil et al, 2015) fragmentation, and changes in microclimatic variables through a disturbed gradient within the home ground structure (Ward, 2006; Ngilangil et al, 2015).

Lake Mainit is recognized as the deepest (219.35 meters), fourth biggest (17, 060 ha), one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, flanked by mountain ranges at the north, east and west, with a broad aluvial plain at the south and is circumscribed by eight municipalities that comprise the Lake Mainit Watershed (LMDA, 2005; SFM Program, 2009; LMHGC- ESIA, 2013 and Padilla et al, 2015. Subsequently, Lake Mainit is honored with plentiful assets in both upland and lake ecosystems as appeared in researches and studies conducted by various institutions (Gracia, 1981; Demetillo et al, 2015). However, the forest cover of Lake Mainit has been fragmented and degraded into vast open grassland habitats, while some areas are converted into agricultural lands. Remaining forest cover in the watershed is currently threatened by various unregulated anthropogenic activities such as rural development, cryptic small-scale mining, and illegal logging of the remaining tree stands (LMDA-EMP, 2014 and Padilla et al, 2015).

Be that as it may, the information was generated quite a long while prior, which right now needs assessment and validation. Thus, this study aims to determine species distribution, abundance, endemism and conservation status of amphibians and reptiles within the sampling sites of the Lake Mainit watershed area.

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Article source : Preliminary report on the amphibians and reptiles of Lake Mainit watershed, Northeastern Mindanao,Philippines  

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Winged Residents of the Mangroves: Understanding Avifauna Diversity in Misamis Oriental | InformativeBD

Joly Bee A. Olila, and Richel E. Relox, from the different institute of Philippines. wrote a Reseach Article about, Woody Allies: How Chagga Home Gardens Sustain Insect Pollinators in Northern Tanzania. Entitled, Factors affecting avifauna diversity in selected mangrove areas of Misamis Oriental, Philippines: Basis for conservation and management. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher. 

Abstract

Ecological and anthropogenic factors may influence the distribution and diversity of birds. This study assessed the avifauna and mangrove species composition, abundance, and diversity as well as the socio-economic and institutional conditions in three coastal ecosystems of Molugan, El Salvador City; Baybay, Alubijid and Tubajon, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Point count and mist-netting methods were used to survey birds, quadrat method to survey mangroves, household survey to 212 respondents and Geographic Information System (GIS) in mapping birds, mangroves and human activities. Results showed a total of nine (9) Orders, 19 Families, 22 species and 1,168 individuals were documented in three selected areas. Baybay had the highest diversity index (2.46), followed by Molugan (1.96) and Tubajon got the lowest (1.70). As for the mangroves, five (5) species were recorded namely: Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Avicennia alba, Avicennia rumphiana and Rhizophora apiculata. However, continuing threats such as growing human population, land-use changes and weak management in the coastal ecosystems led to its unsustainability. Thus, the diversity of birds is highly dependent on the mangrove species and zonation and human activities in the coastal areas. Hence, regular monitoring of programs and policies by stakeholders to ensure sustainability and conservation of birds and mangroves species is recommended.

Read more : Woody Allies: How Chagga Home Gardens Sustain Insect Pollinators in Northern Tanzania IInformativeBD

Introduction

The Philippine archipelago which is composed of 7,100 distinct islands (Ambal et al., 2012) is recognized as one of the 17 mega diverse countries which contain two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and about 70-80% of the world’s flora and fauna species. Avifauna refers to a group of birds that are found almost everywhere on the planet which shows great diversity by their habitat and geographical conditions (Tandan et al., 2015). Birds are valuable indicators of global patterns in biodiversity conservation (Mallari et al., 2011). Avifauna provides several ecological functions such as pest control, pollination, seed dispersal, and plant reproduction in thousands of economically and culturally important plant species through its consumption of several terrestrial, marine, and aerial resources (Whelan et al., 2015). The bird population is a sign of environmental changes as they respond fast to threats and changing environmental conditions (Mallari et al., 2011). However, few are aware of the importance of birds and are greatly affected by human development which leads to the loss of its species. Mangroves belong to a higher group of plants which may exist as trees, shrub, palm, herb, or fern (Primavera et al., 2004). It is a habitat of different avifauna species where they can hatch their eggs (Duke et al., 2007). Mangrove is the one that lessens the impact of tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclonic storms on human lives, properties and helps to prevents flooding and it is the one who catches the waste generated by humans (Danielsen et al., 2005). The mangrove habitat loss caused by deforestation, urbanization, salt production, conversion into paddy fields and aquaculture ponds, over-harvesting of timber and fuel wood, pollution, dumping of domestic sewage and crude oil exploration (Giri, 2011), and degradation has posed major threats to a wide array of fauna bringing them among the ranks of endangered and extinct species (Sandilyan et al., 2010). Thus, there is an urgent demand to examine the avifauna diversity inhabiting mangrove habitats to know the impact of disturbance for future conservation and management.

Reference

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Article source : Factors affecting avifauna diversity in selected mangrove areas of Misamis Oriental, Philippines:Basis for conservation and management

 

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Population Size and Conservation Strategies for Rose-Ringed Parakeet in Maroua, Northern Cameroon | InformativeBD

Ghislain Noé Kougoum Piebeng, from the institute of  Cameroon,  Madi Namissa , from the institute of  Cameroon. Simon Awafor Tamungang , from the institute of  Cameroon. Daksala Wansang , from the institute of  Cameroon.  Leonce Syntcha Djakam, from the institute of  Cameroon . Sandra Ateufack Nguekeng, from the institute of  Cameroon and Alexis Teguia, from the institute of  Cameroon. wrote a research article about, Population Size and Conservation Strategies for Rose-Ringed Parakeet in Maroua, Northern Cameroon. entitled, Population size and conservation management of the rose-ringed parakeet (Alexandrinus krameri) in the town of Maroua, far north Cameroon. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES).  an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher. 

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the town of Maroua, Far North Region of Cameroon with the main objective of contributing to the knowledge of the population status of the Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) with a view to its sustainable management. The Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) inventory was carried out using the linear strip transect method. The counts were made from 27 July to 20 September 2023 for the rainy season and from 15 November 2023 to 2 February 2024, all between 6 a.m.-9:30 a.m. for the morning and 4 p.m.-6 p.m. for the evening on all sites. The information collected in the field was processed and analysed using Distance 6.0, PAST 4.03 and QGIS.3.22 software. It appears from this analysis that the population of RRP is estimated at 47,391 individuals in the study site with an average density of 20.6 individuals per hectare. In the rainy season, the surface density was estimated at 12,488 individuals/ha for a total of 28,723 individuals while in the dry season, the density was 7.1815 individuals/ha for a total of 16,517 individuals. Depending on the type of habitat, the abundance of parakeets was higher in mixed zones composed of housing and plantations compared to other habitats. RRP are found everywhere in the territory of the city of Maroua. Modelling the spatial distribution using the IDW interpolation method using QGIS software shows that RRP in general and in the rainy season are more abundant in the Maroua 1 subdivision, and this distribution was dependent on the availability of food resources. Les principales activités humaines rencontrés sont le pâturage et l’exploitation forestière. The main human activities encountered were pasture and logging. Although RRPs are still encountered in large numbers in Maroua, conservation should be done as a priority in the districts of Maroua 1 and Maroua 3.

Read more: Innovative Approaches to Atherosclerosis Treatment: Nanomedicine and Herbal Remedies | InformativeBD

Introduction

Birds represent the animal group most used for environmental monitoring, ahead of large mammals (Ricard et al., 2017). They play a role in crop protection by controlling populations of harmful insects. They enable the development of tourist activities through their various forms (Kouzi, 2012). Birds are a source not only of aesthetic pleasure, sound and color to our existence, but also a source of economic growth, providing income and motivation for conservation through ecotourism (Jaquemet, 2010). They also provide a wide variety of ecosystem services. Rose-ringed parakeets (RRP), for their part, are involved in the pollination of plants and can disperse seeds over long distances through their excrement (Blanco et al., 2018). The potentially ubiquitous ecological role of the parakeet may contribute to the resilience of ecosystems against overgrazing and forest degradation, particularly through their dependence on declining basal tree species (Ellison et al., 2005). 

The RRP, despite its ecological and socioeconomic importance, is one of the most successful invasive birds in the world (Menchetti and Mori, 2014; Le Gros et al., 2016), with exotic populations established in more than 35 countries (Menchetti et al., 2016). The rose-ringed parakeet often occurs around human habitation (Grandi et al. 2018; Mentil et al. 2018). It is a social species and is native to parts of eastern and southern Asia and from eastern to central Africa (Parr and Juniper, 2010). Humans have been responsible for translocating this species across the globe as part of the pet trade, and many are purchased for companionship (Menchetti et al., 2016; Vall-llosera et al., 2017). The RRP with its shrill cry is a granivore-frugivore which exploits both local and exotic species (buds, fruits, seeds). It is also considered a major pest in India, its native area, where it attacks fruit and cereal trees (Clergeau et al., 2015). It nests very early in tree cavities and seems to compete in certain regions with other cavity-dwelling species such as the Nuthatch, Sitta europaea (Strubbe and Matthysen, 2009). Studies also show potential impacts on Stock Doves, Columba oenas or bats (Hernandez-Brito et al., 2014) or on the feeding of small passerines (Peck et al., 2014) and during the breeding period, it displays aggressive behaviour towards other birds that fly around its nests (Clergeau et al., 2015).

Several works have already been carried out on the RRP all over the world and in Africa. In this context, we will cite for example the study on the introduction and nesting of the RRP in Algeria (Amina et al., 2005), and the study on the establishment of the RRP Psittacula krameri (syn: Alexandrinus parakeet) in Algeria and first data on its trophic ecology in this region (Bendjoudi et al., 2005). On the other hand, in Cameroon, no previous study has been carried out on RRP. This work was initiated with the overall objective of contributing to knowledge of the state of the RRP population with a view to its sustainable management in the city of Maroua. Specifically, it is: estimate the abundance and density of the Roseringed parakeet in the town of Maroua, map the spatial distribution of RRP; identify and assess the impact of different threats on this bird species.

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Source : Population size and conservation management of the rose-ringed parakeet (Alexandrinus krameri) inthe town of Maroua, far north Cameroon  

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Conservation Status of Tree Species in Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati, Karak, Pakistan | InformativeBD

Musharaf Khan,  Farrukh Hussain , and  Shahana Musharaf, from the different institute of the Pakistan. wrote a research article about, Conservation Status of Tree Species in Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati, Karak, Pakistan. entitled, Conservation Status of Tree species in Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati, Karak Pakistan.This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences(JBES). an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | NNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract 

The present study documents the conservation status of 21 trees belonging to 14 families on small scale in Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati, Karak through field surveys, frequently conducted in spring, summer and winter 2009-2010. Among these 9 species were found to be rare, vulnerable (6 species), Infrequent (3 species), endangered (one specie) and dominant (2 species). The conservation status of plants is determined according to IUCN 2001, Red Data List Categories and Criteria. After two years extensive field studies on the basis of questioner including availability of plant, collection of plant, growth of plant, plant parts, population size, geographic range and habitat we have concluded that Salvadora oleoides is endangered (EN) specie.

Read more : Seed StorageImpact on Germination and Survival of Syzygium polycephaloides | InformativeBD

Introduction

The conservation status of organisms indicates whether the group is still extant or not and if yes, how likely the group is to become extant in the near future. Conservation status of a species depends upon many factors like grazing, fuel demand, agriculture land, deforestation, breeding success rates and known threats (Khan, et al., 2011). Based on the sample of species that have been evaluated through 2006, the percentage of endangered species as 40 percent of all organisms has calculated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Anon., 2008). Habitat loss and degradation, introduction of alien species, pollution and diseases, over-exploitation and climate change are some threats facing by plants which are an integral part of our ecosystem because native plants are key components of the global biological diversity (Sudhersan et al., 2003). It is estimated that some 270,000-425,000 vascular plant species are already known (Govaerts, 2001) with perhaps a further 10- 20% still to be discovered and described (Hawksworth & Kalin-Arroyo, 1995). Pakistan’s scenario is not different from the rest of the world. Plant biodiversity is also under tremendous pressure due to its population explosion, unplanned urbanization, deforestation and over-exploitation of natural resources. Unfortunately, very little work has been done on threatened plants of Pakistan and extremely limited information is available on this subject (Alam & Ali, 2009). According to Nasir (1991) 580-650 flowering plant species (i.e. 12%) are expected to be threatened. Chaudhri & Qureshi (1991) reported 709 taxa as threatened plants from Pakistan. However, both these studies are manly based on field observation and literature without any support of quantitative data. In contrast, the recent red list of IUCN (Anon., 2008) only 19 flowering plants species has been listed from Pakistan. Regarding Pakistan previous workers have classified the plant species as threatened or rare on the basis of literature or herbarium specimen. No work has been done according to IUCN red list categories or criteria (Anon., 2001) except Alam & Ali (2009), who classified Astragalus gilgitensis as a Critically Endangered (CR).

The Tehsil Takht-e- Nasrati is situated at o to 33.280 North and 70.300 to 71.300 East. The research area is bounded by Tehsil Karak on the North East, District Mianwali on the East, District Lakki Marwat on the South West and Tribal area Adjoining District Bannu on the West (Fig. 1). The total area of Tehsil is about 613.66 Sq. kilometers. Majority of the area consists of rigged dry hills and rough fields areas i.e. 323.97 Sq. kilometers and agriculture land is about 289.7 Sq. kilometers. The area is situated at 340 m above the sea level. The major problem of the area is shortage of drinking water and over grazing (Fig.2). The people bring drinking water from the remote area (Fig.3). In the year 2001 - 2010, 121.6mm of rainfall per 10 year recorded. The area is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. June and July are the hottest months, whereas December and January are the coldest months. In the year 2001 - 2010 the mean maximum temperature was 39.5o C, in the month of the June, where as the mean minimum temperature was as low as 4.26o C, in the month of January (Table.1). Write down the aim and necessity of your study here.

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Source: Conservation Status of Tree species in Tehsil Takht-e-Nasrati, Karak Pakistan

 

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