Philippine E-Journals

The Forest Types in Aborlan Guba System, Palawan Island, Philippines

Lita B. Sopsop | Inocencio E. Buot Jr.

 

Abstract:

A floral survey was conducted in Aborlan Guba System, Aborlan, Palawan following the quadrat technique of vegetation analysis by Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg (1974) and Pacardo et al. (2000) to determine the forest zonation therein and the environmental variables that influenced the vegetation pattern. Sixty-six quadrats, each for trees (10m x 10m) and saplings (2m x 2m) and seedlings and herbaceous vegetations (1m x 1m), were established throughout the study area. Four vegetation associations were distinguished from cluster analysis. Results of multivariate regression analysis reveal that elevation, air temperature, moisture content, water holding capacity, pH and potassium level of the soil, and human disturbance significantly influenced the spatial distribution of tree species. Human impact was inversely proportional to species richness (r2= 0.968). Since the area is encroached by the locals, the whole area must be categorized as a Core Zone for its immediate protection. Declaring it as a Protected Area under the NIPAS law ensures the long-term protection of the system.