Habitat Distribution of Dipterocarp Species in the Leyte Cordillera: an Indicator for Species – Site Suitability in Local Reforestation Programs

Background

This article presents the results of a vegetation study in primary forest areas of Leyte, in vicinity of the case study site (near Mt. Pangasugan). It provides information on habitat distribution patterns and elevational ranges of dipterocarp species with the purpose of providing baseline data for ensuring species-site suitability for local reforestation programs.

Goals & Methods

The objective of the paper is to promote successful and sustainable application of the dipterocarp species by documenting the locally available species resources of this family as well as their distribution and habitat preferences. The author's analysis is based on vegetation studies conducted from 1996 to 1998. It consits of two data sets, one concerning 36 plots of 100 m2 each located in the primary forest of the western foothills of Mt. Pangasugan and the other concerning 21 plots of 100 m2 each in the southeastern outliers of Mt. Pangasugan. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The article finds that Shorea palosapis preferred slope habitats and very humid conditions and was not found along ridges, while Shorea polysperma preferred the ridge habitat. The distribution of Vatica mangachapui was on the upper slope rather than on the ridge itself. This information about the various species & their habitat distribution can be used to select the right species for a certain type of habitat in order to increase chances for long-term survival. The author also discusses how human impacts must also be considered when evaluation species distributions, especially in lowland areas (where human presence is greater), and the need for additional data to better determin habitat preferences and elevation range of Dipterocarp species in the Leyte Cordillera .