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 the Leyte Cordillera in the Philippines, sampling populations of 18 species of Dipterocarp across topographic habitats and elevation classes. As a young volcanic cordillera, this tropical region is dominated by rugged topography, with slopes as steep as 30 to 60 degrees.
Research goals and methods
To promote native species restoration in a sustainable and cost-effective way, selection of suitable habitat based on observations of natural occurance is necessary. This study takes inventory of distinct habitat distributional patterns (ridges, upper slopes, middle slopes, lower slopes, and undulating plateaus) and elevational ranges (in 100 meter increments) of 18 Dipterocarp species across two plots.
Conclusions and takeaways
The information presented on these species and their habitat distribution provides baseline data to ensure species-site suitability for local reforestation programs. The author also discusses how past and future human impacts must also be considered when evaluation species distributions and suitability, especially in lowland areas, where human presence is greater. Findings included the widest elevation range among Shorea palosapis, which preferred slope habitats and very humid conditions and was not found along ridges, and the most narrow habitat distributional patterns of Shorea astylosa, Dipterocarpus gracilis, and Shorea hopeifolia.
Reference:
Habitat distribution of dipterocarp species in the Leyte Cordillera: an indicator for species – site suitability in local reforestation programs. Annals of Forest Science. 2006;63:149–156. doi:10.1051/forest:2005107.
.Affiliation:
- Institute of Plant Production and Agroecology in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany