Diversity and endemism in mossy/montane forests of Central Cordillera Region, Northern Philippines

Abstract

Cloud forests characterised by persistent low‐level cloud cover often have an abundance of mosses that cover the ground and vegetation. These forests are referred to as mossy forests. The remaining patches of mossy forests in the Central Cordillera of Northern Philippines harbour diverse unknown endemic floral species that sustain the headwaters of the major rivers on the region. Stunted or bonsai‐type plants cover the highest ridges. Different species of moss, herb and grass blanket the exposed peaks. Various tree species dominate the emergent layer, usually with wide canopies, while varied shrub, bush and fern species occupy the understories. Epiphytic species cover crooked tree trunks, branches and twigs. Varied ground mosses and wild seedlings carpet the moist forest floors. The biodiversity of mossy tree species is considered in terms of population density, species richness, species diversity and index of similarity. The lower elevation of the mossy mountain range was found to have higher tree diversity indices in terms of species diversity, richness and evenness than the high elevation. An index of similarity of 57.14% between the two sampling blocks indicated that some tree species were restricted by altitudinal gradient, resulting in a decrease in species richness as altitude increases and an increase in population density. Anthropogenic disturbances at the accessible part of the lower mountain range include burning, logging, clearing for bird entrapment and commercial farming in the many arable areas of the mountain range. The Central Cordillera mossy forest harbours diverse flora, as indicated by the initial identification of 37 tree species representing 20 genera and 17 families in 6400 m2 sampling plots.