Floristic Inventory of The Proposed Site for Tarsier Tourism Center in Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol, Philippines
Abstract: The study assessed
the present vegetation composition of the Proposed Site for the Tarsier Tourism
Center (PTTC) at Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol and performed a comparative
analysis with the existing Tarsier Sanctuary (TS) at Canapnapan, Corella,
Bohol. The basis for comparison was the computed importance values, species
richness, species dominance, and percent distribution of plants according to
self-defined DBH classes. Results showed that both sites had very high species
richness and evenness values. Common overstorey and understorey plant species
found in both areas were katagpo (Psychotria sp.), sagimsim (Syzygium
brevistylum [C. B. Rob]Merr.) and bagauak (Clerodendrum minahassae Teijsm.
& Binn.). Apart from sagimsim (Syzygium brevistylum [C.B.Rob.] Merr.),
selaginella (Selaginella cuppresina Lin.), and lunas (Lunasia amara Blanco)
were also common in the ground vegetation of both areas. Percent distribution
of trees according to self-defined DBH classes revealed that PTTC had 87.55% of
the total recorded plants with DBH measurements of <10 cm. Our data was
found lower by almost 10% from TS. Considerable percentages of trees were also
shared in other DBH classes for PTTC. DBH class range of 10-20 cm had 6.88%,
while 5.58% was computed for DBH class of >20 cm. Percent distribution of
trees on these DBH ranges (especially on DBH class >20 cm) indicated the
presence of medium and large trees. The largest DBH measured in the PTTC was 70
cm while in TS was only 22 cm. The proposed 10-ha site in Villa Aurora, Bilar,
is suited to be utilized as Tarsier Tourism Center. In case the proposed
project is to be pursued, enclosure similar to what has been constructed in
Canapnapan, Corella, Bohol, Philippines should also be established to prevent
stray animals from predating the captive tarsiers.
Author: Tomas D Reyes Jr,
Jeralyn D Abadingo, Shiela G Tabuno, Eunice K L Serino, Joecel B Mabanag,
Rizaldy C Merdacal
Kode Jurnal: jpkehutanangg150013
