Conservation Status of Selected Plants of Mount Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape, Quezon Province, Philippines

Abstract

This paper assessed the conservation status of forest tree species found in Mount Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL) specifically on Mount Banahaw de Dolores in Kinabuhayan, Quezon. The study made use of secondary data pertaining to the flora of MBSCPL Western Slope-Mt. Banahaw de Dolores and these were extensively reviewed. A list of indicators, generally qualitative, was formulated and served as basis to label 44 species into different threatened categories. This study revealed that there are six (6) critically endangered, 14 endangered and 24 vulnerable forest trees species in Mount Banahaw de Dolores. Species endemicity and various anthropogenic activities are some of the potential factors that made these species threatened. Proposing that the tourists be not allowed in the area would not prevent further degradation. Strict implementation of rules, regulating and educating tourists on the importance of the flora and fauna are the ways that could be done to minimize the negative impacts on national parks. Keywords - Ecology and Conservation, Mount Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL), conservation status, biodiversity, threatened species, Philippines