By: Ricky C. Barcelete Jr, Eva Mae F. Palmero, Bhegie May G. Buay, Cyril B. Apares, Lanny R. Dominoto, Harold Lipae, Ma. Luisa N. Cabrera, Mark Anthony J. Torres, Elani A. Requieron
- Science Department, Mindanao State University, General Santos, Philippines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mindanao State University, Iligan, Philippines
Mangrove ecosystems are known for being the rainforest of the sea. Philippines is bestowed with this naturally rich mangrove ecosystem with diverse floral and faunal species. Despite this natural abundance, mangrove ecosystems are subjected to natural and human induced degradations specifically conversion to fish shrimp ponds that resulted in diminution aside from its effect on terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling and could also affect its important role in terms of terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycling.
This study is conducted to determine the mangrove diversity, distribution and the above-ground biomass and C-stocks in Glan and Malapatan, Sarangani Province.
Purposive sampling is implemented in establishing the plots on both sites. Results show eight (8) mangrove species belonging to four (4) families are observed in both areas.Data also reveal that the mangrove ecosystem in Glan Padidu, Glan is undisturbed. Rhizophora apiculata and Sonneratia alba are found to be dominant on the two sites. Because of the large tree girths and high density of species observed on the studied areas, both forests have the potential to sequester and store large amount of atmospheric carbon. Thus, this study quantifies mangrove tree biomass in view of carbon trading as significant in lessening the effects of global warming.
Source of the Articles: Species Diversity and Above-ground Carbon Stock Assessments in Selected Mangrove Forests of Malapatan and Glan, Sarangani Province, Philippines
