Species richness and diversity of pteridophytes along the vicinity of Mt. Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

Abstract

Bukidnon being in a tropical country is composed of the richest and most diverse ecosystems. Mt. Kibuwa, the location of this study exhibits this diversity through its vast vegetation of pteridophytes or ferns along its area. Ferns are important ecological indicators since they can live in different niches and they have a variety of commercial uses—thus, there is a need for these species to be conserved. This study assessed the species richness and diversity of ferns along the vicinity of Mt. Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon to heighten up ecological conservation efforts within the area. In this study, Mt. Kibuwa was divided in to ten (10) sampling quadrats measuring 10m by 10m. The researchers collected seven (7) fern species and were confirmed and identified by the Central Mindanao University- Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CMU-CEBREM) as: Sphenomeris chusana, Pteridium aquilinum, Pityrogramma calomelanos, Culcita sp., Cyathea dregei, Nephroliphios exaltata, and Dricanopteris linearis. Using Menhinnick’s index of species richness and Shannon-Weinner species diversity index, results show that the species richness in all the sampling sites are closely similar with Pteridium aquilinum being the richest species and Site 1 on the lower elevation being the richest site. In terms of species diversity, this research concludes that Mt. Kibuwa has a good diversity of fern species and can be promoted for high ecological conservation and protection.