The Potentials of Kabugan Cave for Ecotourism and Sustainable Resource Management

Abstract

Caves are valued for their scientific, economic, educational, cultural, historical and aesthetic importance. Because of this, the Philippine government has continuously implemented numerous initiatives for the protection and preservation of caves. To this end, many groups and agencies are conducting an assessment on the potential of caves for ecotourism purposes. This study was done to assess the Kabugan Cave in Brgy. Tagukon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to assess the biophysical condition of the cave, determine the faunal and floral species composition, the threats and the present use of the cave, and cave viability for ecotourism destination. The cave was 430.0 meter away from the main road and accessible by all means of land transportation. The surface was vegetated with different endemic and exotic plant species. Three vertebrate such as bats “Ptenochirus jagori”, birds “Aeodramus fuciphagus” frog “Platymantis species” and one invertebrate like Tailless whip scorpions “Amblypygi” that considered few. The cave is used as playing ground and resting area of the farmers. Source of drinking water was observed within the vicinity of the cave. Anthropogenic activities such as vandalism, graffiti, and hole digging inside the cave were drastically observed. The cave got an average assessment score of 0.62 and is classified as Class 3. This means that the cave is potential for ecotourism and safe to cater visitors for exploration, educational tour, research and other forms of documentation. It is recommended that Kabugan Cave should include in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as a potential for ecotourism.