Abstract: Biodiversity data are necessary to support conservation efforts of diverse non-wood forest natural resources like bamboos. There is estimated 1,200 bamboo species worldwide and 62 species are identified in the Philippines. This study determined the biodiversity of bamboo species found in Lubuagan, Kalinga of Northern Philippines. The randomized complete block design with sub- block sampling was adopted in this study. The following diversity indices were determined; population density, index of similarity, species richness, diversity and evenness. Results showed that the study sites harbored ten (10) bamboo species belonging to four (4) genera. Of these species, six (6) are introduced and four (4) are indigenous of which one (1) is an unknown species (Byila-ay) belonging to the genus Schizostachyum. Results show that bamboo species diversity, richness, and evenness increase as altitude increases, while population density decreases as altitude increases. The east and south aspects harbor higher number of species that have low species evenness. This study indicates that natural forest ecosystems have higher diversity indices than man-made ecosystems such as farm and residential areas. Some endemic bamboo species were found to be restricted to certain altitudinal range and habitats while some were commonly distributed. The 53.33 to 66.67% index of similarity between the study sites reflects the presence of both endemic and introduced bamboo species. The forest and farm habitats with rich in bamboo plants should be conserved as green cover and carbon sinks to mitigate the threats of climate change.
Keywords: diversity indices, population density, natural forest ecosystem, endemism.
Title: Diversity of Bamboo Species in Lubuagan, Kalinga, North Luzon, Philippines
Author: Maria Cyrila C. Bawer
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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