Publication: Plant diversity, endemism and conservation status across elevation gradient in Mt. Mugong, Philippines
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus
Abstract
Mt. Mugong, the highest peak in La Union, Philippines, is an important but
understudied area for biodiversity. This research helps address the gap in knowledge about plant diversity in non-protected areas like Mt. Mugong. Despite its economic and ecological significance, Mt. Mugong's biodiversity remains under-researched. The study used descriptive statistics; data included desktop research, community involvement, initial surveys, forest land assessment, photo documentation, plant identification, and checking for endemism and conservation status. The research recorded 100 plant species from 55 families. The study covered low, medium, and high elevations. In terms of endemism, 68% of the recorded species are native, 24% are not evaluated, 6% are naturalized, 1% are cultivated, and 1% are naturalized species. For conservation status, 59% are classified as Least Concern, 33% are not evaluated, 4% are Near Threatened, 3% are Vulnerable, and 1% fall under other threatened species. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index showed values of 3.47 in low elevation, 3.38 in mid elevation, and 3.30 in high elevation, all indicating high diversity. For Simpson’s Index, both low and high elevations recorded 0.97, while the medium elevation had 0.99, also showing high diversity. The results show that Mt. Mugong has a rich and diverse plant community. The overall Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) was calculated at 4.30, indicating very high diversity, and Simpson’s Diversity Index obtained 0.98, also indicating high diversity.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Eugenio, K. B., Babda-a, F. P. (2025). Plant diversity, endemism and conservation status across elevation gradient in Mt. Mugong, Philippines. [Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis]. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - North La Union Campus, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union. Lakasa ti Sirib, DMMMSU Institutional Repository.