Conservation of Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook.f.): Final report

• Main Authors: Madulid, Domingo A., Agoo, Esperanza Maribel G.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2003
• Subjects: Teak > Philippines; Conservation of natural resources; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12036
• Institution: De La Salle University

The objectives of this paper were: 1) to conduct field surveys to determine the present distribution of the Philippine teak, including areas with previous records and other areas which are likely habitats of the species; 2) to assess and describe the conservation status of the population of species; 3) to determine the current threats to the species; and 4) to come up with activities on how to conserve the species and (4) to involve local people in the conservation of the species.A series of field trips were made from February to October 2022. These were conducted in the municipalities of San Juan and Lobo, Batangas, and in Iling Island, near Mindoro which are the known localities of the species. The survey was extended to other adjoining areas to determine the actual range of species, i.e. Mindoro Island (between Luzon and Iling Islands) and Panay Island (south of Iling Island). The survey showed that there are still remaining populations concentrated mostly along the coastal areas of San Juan and Lobo, Batangas and a much lesser number of trees remaining in Iling Island. The species was found not to occur outside its previously known habitats.An assessment of the vegetation, using standard ecological techniques, was conducted to describe the vegetation, generate estimates of tree densities and tree basal area, and measure ecological diversity. Results of the study showed that in San Juan and in Lobo, Batangas, the species is dominant in areas where they occur, and they are of relatively high density in these forests. Other species associated in the teak forests are also ecologically important because of their volume.Mature fruits were collected from bare branches during the summer time and these were subjected to seed germination experiments. A high percentage of germination was observed by simply placing the fruits in sterile moist environments. It took about 5 to 7 days after soaking when the fruits started to geminate. This simple technique was better than application of hormones to induce germination. The seedlings were then planted in a nursery at the Philippine National Museum. Documentation of off-site experimental propagation plots from cuttings was also made.A reassessment of the conservation of Philippine teak is made based on the information and data gathered from observations of the populations in the field, and in the laboratory, data from available literature, herbarium records and interviews from local people, Based on the 2001 IUCN criteria the species falls in the category of Critically Endangered. A full evaluative report is being prepared on this and will be published soon.