Diversity, characteristics, and altitudinal distribution of pteridophytes in Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL), Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Philippines
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Date
2026-02
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Prince of Songkla University
Abstract
The Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL) was included among protected areas under the NIPAS Act of 1992. It covers 12% of the forestlands of Mangatarem, Pangasinan, which harbors some endemic unique and threatened species of plants and animals, including ecologically important Pteridophyte species. The undisputed ecological and economic contributions of the pteridophytes at the global and local scale were the basis for the conduct of this study. It aimed to identify the different Pteridophyte species present in selected forest sites of MSPL; to prepare voucher herbarium specimens as inventorymaterials for future conservation purposes; to determine Pteridophyte zones based on different altitudinal zones; and to assess and compare the species richness, evenness, and diversity of the different sites at MSPL. Fourteen fern species under seven (7) genera and five (5) families were collected, identified, and classified, constituting 1.35% species richness, 4.86% genera richness, and 12.82% familial richness compared to the total Pteridophyte richness in the Philippines. The biodiversity and species richness were relatively low due to several dominant Pteridophyte species in the different study sites and the classification of Manleluag as a secondary forest by the Haribon Foundation. Pteridophyte zones were also observed. Some families dominated low altitudes, some preferred mid-altitudes, and others favored high altitudes. The researchers highly recommend intensified implementation of the Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL) management plan and continuous monitoring of the diversity and abundance of different Pteridophyte species.
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Keywords
Ferns, Pteridophyta, England--Farne Islands, Ferns--Anatomy, Forests and forestry--Study and teaching (Secondary), Forest ecology--Study and teaching (Secondary), Pteridophyta
Citation
Aban, J. L., Fajardo, W. T., Maddumba, H. A, & Bawingan, P. A. (2026).Diversity, characteristics, and altitudinal distribution of pteridophytes in Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL), Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Philippines. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology. Prince of Songkla University.