Status of mangroves and faunistic components in Vanishing Island, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the status of the mangrove ecosystem in Island Garden City of Samal, specifically in Vanishing Island or is also known as Sanipaan Marine Park, through species composition assessment. It also aimed to discover the density, diversity, associated faunal species, and number of mangrove trees, saplings, and seedlings of different species as well as abiotic factors such as pH level and salinity. After analysis of the results, it was found that the mangrove species abundance is low; moreover, mangroves also have a very low classification of diversity, which implied that there is slim variation of species. Furthermore, the very low diversity of the faunal species also meant that there is food and habitat loss. The number of mangrove trees, saplings, and seedlings is also connected to the diversity and density, resulting in low population count. Lastly, abiotic factors also reflect to others results as the pH level is strong alkaline; salinity is of standard level that can be tolerated by trees but not by mangrove saplings and seedlings. Therefore, the mangrove ecosystem in Sanipaan Marine Park is unhealthy despite it being a marine protected area. It is recommended to plant different mangrove seedlings, periodic monitoring of these seedlings and strict implementation of city ordinances.