Floristic and faunal (amphibians, reptiles, and bats) assessment to inform developmental plans of the proposed La Salle botanical garden in Porac, Pampanga

• Main Authors: Babaan, Jeremiah Kendrick F., Morga, Maynard N., Sarmiento, John Paolo S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Flowers > Philippines; Vegetative propagation > Philippines; Plants > Philippines; Biodiversity > Philippines; La Salle Botanical Garden (LSBG)
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/7727
• Institution: De La Salle University

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 was considered as one the significant volcanic eruptions that occurred in the 20th century. An extensive range of vegetation was destroyed, and many surrounding communities were displaced. After nearly 28 years, only few studies were conducted on the status of the biodiversity in the area. This study aims to assess the current status of vegetation and faunal communities in the proposed La Salle Botanical Garden (LSBG), located in Porac, Pampanga. Existing vegetation and populations of amphibians, reptiles and bats were censused using standardized methods. Only amphibians, reptiles and bats were included in the assessment because they are known good environmental indicators due to their sensitivity to habitat disturbance. Soil was also analyzed to determine its current condition and its relation to existing vegetation types since the eruption covered the area with volcanic materials thus changing the soil composition and affecting the plants. The site was visited twice, in October 2017 and May 2018. Distribution mapping of species was also performed using Quantum Geographic Information System. Potential impacts of LBSG development were also discussed. The survey yielded a total of 22 species of flora, 3 amphibians, 3 reptiles and 1 bat. Many of the species in the area were common and widespread, currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with exception of the Near Threatened frog species Limnonectes macrocephalus. Vegetation assessment revealed that the area is composed mostly of grassland, cultivation and emerging secondary growth forest. The soil type is mainly white sand, mixed with loam soil and its condition is relatively dry and lacking some nutrients (e.g., Phosphorus). Distribution mapping indicates that most species are found in the northern and western portion of the area. Therefore, the overall results suggest that most species observed do not require an immediate conservation action and the area is still in the process of recovery after the eruption. Activities foreseen to have a negative impact on vegetation and faunal communities are clearing of existing vegetation and introduction of non-endemic species.