Trail-Based Occurrence, Abundance, and Distribution of Lindsaea hamiguitanensis (Lindsaeaceae) in the Core Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines

Amy G. Ponce; Lorjie B. Bation; Jonathan S. Cabrera; Joanna E. Victoriano

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v5i6.198

Authors

Amy G. Ponce Davao Oriental State University
Lorjie B. Bation Davao Oriental State University
Jonathan S. Cabrera Davao Oriental State University
Joanna E. Victoriano Davao Oriental State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i6.198

Keywords:

Hamiguitan lindsaea fern, Philippine endemic, trail survey, UNESCO heritage site, protected area

Abstract

Baseline data are needed to support conservation monitoring of narrow endemic ferns in protected mountain ecosystems. This study documented the trail-based occurrence, abundance, colony distribution, and mapped distribution of Lindsaea hamiguitanensis in the core zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines. A non-destructive opportunistic survey was conducted along five accessible segments of the San Isidro Trail from 28 March to 1 April 2024 using GPS recording, photography, and descriptive abundance summaries. The survey recorded 3,412 mature individuals, 105 field-observed colonies, and 162 GPS occurrence points. Mature individuals were highest in the 901–1050 m mossy forest band, whereas colonies were highest in the 1051–1300 m mossy-pygmy forest band. Findings provide baseline information for conservation monitoring and trail management.

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