Plant Diversity Assessment in the Ecotone Ecosystem of Sitio Bulac, Barangay General Luna, Carranglan,Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the present condition of the ecotone ecosystem of Sitio Bulac, Barangay General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. Specifically, the objectives were to identify the endemic plants and unique plants and to determine the dominance and diversity of plant species in the said ecotone ecosystem. The different plants in the ecotone ecosystem were surveyed, collected, identified, classified, described and photographed. The ecological parameters were determined, computed and analyzed. Determination of the possible sources and level of impacts of environmental degradation as well as the threats and problems of the ecotone ecosystem that could affect the plant's diversity were also conducted. A total of 36 species of plants were identified and classified, and these were grouped into 4 divisions, 6 classes, 20 orders, 27 families and 32 genera. There are 18 endemic plants and nine unique species that were observed in the ecotone ecosystem of Sitio Bulac, Barangay General Luna, Carranglan Nueva Ecija. Grewia philippinensis Perk. earned the lowest biomass of -0.0555 is considered to be the keystone species. The diversity of plants in the ecotone ecosystem of Sitio Bulac, Brgy. General Luna is still high however, different threats in to human activities such as kaingin farming, illegal logging, fires, pollution, mining, charcoal making, wildlife hunting, firewood collection and land conversion were present in the area which could affect the ecotone ecosystem and its biodiversity. Hence, protection and conservation of ecotone ecosystem is very important to prevent biodiversity loss and economic loss.