Journal of Threatened
Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 November 2022 | 14(11): 22080-22085
ISSN 0974-7907
(Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7826.14.11.22080-22085
#7826 | Received 11
January 2022 | Final received 25 August 2022 | Finally accepted 16 October 2022
Status of mangrove forest in Timaco Mangrove Swamp, Cotabato
City, Philippines
Cherie Cano-Mangaoang
1, Zandra Caderon
Amino 2 & Baingan Brahim Mastur 3
1 Biology Dept, College of Science
and Mathematics, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan,
Cotabato, Philippines.
2 Cotabato State University, Sinsuat Ave, Cotabato City, 9600
Maguindanao, BARMM, Philippines.
3 Cotabato City National High School-Main
Campus, Cotabato City, BARMM, Philippines.
1 ccmangaoang@usm.edu.ph
(corresponding author), 2 zandraamino1234@gmail.com, 3 bing55275@gmail.com
Editor: R.N. Mandal,
Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Rahara,
India. Date of publication: 26
November 2022 (online & print)
Citation: Cano-Mangaoang,
C., Z.C. Amino & B.B. Mastur (2022). Status of mangrove forest in Timaco Mangrove Swamp, Cotabato
City, Philippines. Journal of Threatened Taxa 14(11): 22080–22085. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.7826.14.11.22080-22085
Copyright: © Cano-Mangaoang
et al. 2022. Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and
distribution of this article in any medium by providing adequate credit to the
author(s) and the source of publication.
Funding: This study is
a self-funded research.
Competing interests: The authors
declare no competing interests.
Author details: Cherie Cano-Mangaoang
is a faculty
member of the University of Southern Mindanao under the Department
of Biological Sciences. She
is currently working on two research projects funded by the
Ministry of Science and Technology and
NSTEP-NRCP. Her field of expertise is biodiversity
conservation, plant taxonomy,
and ecology. Zandra Caderon Amino The author is an assistant professor at Cotabato State University and a
member of the university’s Academic, research, and extension
council. Presently taking
up a doctor of philosophy in education
major in biology at the
University of southern Mindanao,
Kabacan, Cotabato
Philippines. Baingan B. Mastur is a secondary school teacher teaching grade
9 science at Cotabato City
National High School-main campus. She
already completed her academic courses for the degree of doctor of philosophy in science education majoring in biology.
Author contributions:
ZA and
BBM—field data collection and
processing. CC-M—writing the
paper.
Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank
the local government units of the three barangays for allowing the researchers
to conduct their study in the area.
Thanks, is also extended to Dr. Krizler C. Tanalgo and Dr. Florence Roy P. Salvana
for their valuable inputs in improving the paper.
Abstract: Mangrove forests are important
coastal ecosystem considering its various ecosystem services. This study was conducted to generate an
updated list and the current abundance of mangrove species in Timaco Mangrove Swamp located in Cotabato
City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Three sampling plots measuring 5 x 40 m were
established in three identified sampling sites.
Based on the result of the study, 15 species of mangroves were
identified in Timaco Mangrove swamp. This number of species is higher compared to
the previous study wherein 12 species were identified. With this number of species, seven species
were considered new in the area, and five species were not recorded which were
identified in the previous study. A total
of 115 individuals were recorded in the present study which indicates a
decrease of 79% compared to the previous study.
Furthermore, the present study recorded two threatened species, namely, Aegiceras floridum
(Near Threatened) and Avicennia rumphiana (Vulnerable).
Continuous anthropogenic activities were observed in the sampling sites
which can be attributed to population decrease.
Thus, the need for immediate local conservation is recommended.
Keywords: Anthropogenic activities,
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, biodiversity, conservation, Mindanao Island,
restoration.
INTRODUCTION
Mangrove forest, similar to other
forest ecosystems, provides an array of ecosystem services that directly and
indirectly benefit humans. Among these,
provisioning services is the most common.
It is a good source of timber for construction materials, fuel wood,
marine food, and medicine. On the other
hand, regulating services can also be provided which include prevention of
floods and erosion, and protection against severe impacts of storms and even
tsunamis. Recently, mangrove forests are
also utilized for their aesthetic values which include tourism, and educational
activities, among others (Camacho et al. 2020).
Mangrove forests are identified as the main ecosystem that supports life
in coastal and marine areas (Suharno & Saraswati 2020). In
1920, Philippine mangrove is about 400,000–500,000 ha, however, a tremendous
decline to 120,000 ha in 1994 was recorded (Primavera 2000) which becomes
alarming.
Several studies showed (e.g.,
Long et al. 2014; Fortes & Salmo III 2017) that a decreasing trend of
mangrove forest areas in the Philippines is evident and this is due to
environmental and anthropogenic activities (Van Lavieren
et al. 2012). Major factors identified
that leads to the destruction of our mangrove ecosystem include the conversion
of mangrove areas to fishponds and charcoal production (Eusebio et al. 1986;
Primavera 1995; Melana et al. 2005). Aside from this, the constant increase in
population put pressure on our coastal areas which directly and indirectly
affect mangrove forests (WIlkie & Fortuna
2003). Accordingly, the lack of
awareness of the community have resulted to exploitation and disturbances on
mangrove areas. Dangan-Galon et al. (2016) revealed
that increased human population, mangrove deforestation, and improper waste
disposal are among of the human-related disturbances which have affected
mangrove forests particularly in Puerto Princesa Bay,
Palawan, Philippines. These activities,
as indicated by Camacho et al. (2020), will place mangrove ecosystems on the
verge of complete collapse.
Timaco mangrove swamp is situated in Cotabato City, Philippines which covers three
barangays. Dimalen
& Rojo (2018) conducted a floral assessment in Timaco mangrove swamp wherein they reported low diversity
of mangroves in the area. This result
was attributed to anthropogenic activities such as crab hunting, shell picking,
timber cutting for charcoal production and conversion to fishpond. From the year of the first assessment, no
studies have been conducted on the remaining species in the area. Thus, the study was conducted to have an
updated checklist of mangrove species including the species’ conservation
status in Timaco mangrove swamp and to determine its
abundance. Results of this study can be
a useful tool in the effective implementation of policy for the restoration,
protection, and conservation of this mangrove forests.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in
June–July 2021 in Timaco Magrove
Swamps in Cotabato City, Philippines. This thin strip of mangrove forest lies
within the coordinates of 7.2031 oN,
124.19 oE, 2.1 km (Image 1) within the
elevation of 5 m. The mangrove swamp
extends south-west traversing Timaco Hill, one of the
highest elevated portions of Cotabato City,
Philippines (Dimalen & Rojo
2018).
The sampling sites considered in
the study were mangrove areas of (1) Kalanganan I,
(2) Kalanganan II and (3) Kalanganan
Mother. These areas were also the sites
of the previous study conducted by Dimalen & Rojo (2018).
Sampling plots were purposively established in the ‘bakawan’-dominated
part. A total of three (3) 5 x 40 m
sampling plots were established in each site.
All mangrove species found within each sample plot were identified and
counted. Relative abundance was computed
using the formula: Relative abundance = Total # of spp./ total # of spp.
population x 100. Field notes were
taken, and preliminary identifications of mangrove species were done
on-site. Morphological characteristics
of leaves, flowers, and propagules were noted and used in the confirmation of
the identification of species. Key
guides such as the Field guide to Philippine Mangrove by Primavera et al.
(2004) and other published work were used to identify samples up to species
level if possible. Samples were photographed
for further identification of species.
Anthropogenic activities observed in the sampling site were also noted.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A total of 15 species of mangrove
belonging to 10 genera and nine families are identified in Timaco
Mangrove swamp. This number of species
is higher compared to the study of Dimalen & Rojo (2018). Among
the 12 species identified in the previous study, eight were still present in
the area namely Ceriops tagal,
Aegiceras corniculatum, A. floridum, Lumnitzera littorea, Sonneratia alba, S. caseolaris, Rhizophora mucronata, and Xylocarpus
granatum.
Moreover, 7 species were newly recorded: Acrostichum
aureum, A. speciosum, A. rumphiana, Acanthus ebracteatus, Brugiuera cylindrica, Nypa fruticans, L. littorea, and Rhizophora
stylosa (Table 1).
The difference in the number of
species identified in this paper compared to that of Dimalen
& Rojo (2018) can be contributed to the sampling
effort done in this study. A
comprehensive accounting of species was done and did not limit only in the
species found within the established sampling plots. In the identification of species, we used the
guides and reference books authored by Primavera et al. (2004), in which A. aureum, A. speciosum, A. ebracteatus, and N. fruticans
were listed as mangrove species.
Moreover, the present mangrove species thriving in Timaco
mangrove swamp is higher compared with the species identified from various
coastal areas in Mindanao including Alabel and Maasim, Saranggani Bay Protected
Seascape (Natividad et al. 2014), Butuan Bay, Agusan
del Norte (Goloran et al. 2020). Despite being greatly affected by
disturbances observed in the area, Timaco mangrove
swamp still harbors a considerable number of species. This is an indicator that there is a high
possibility of restoring the mangrove swamps as a considerable number of
saplings have also been observed.
Among the 15 species identified,
two (2) have conservation issues, 1 Vulnerable (VU) and 1 Near Threatened
(NT). The Near Threatened species is A.
floridum (Image 2A), while the vulnerable is the A
rumphiana (Image 2B). However, three species listed – A. rumphiana, L. littorea, and X.
granatum have been categorized as species with
decreasing population as recognized by IUCN Red List. There is a conservation policy towards the
area, however, conservation measures for these threatened species are not
evident.
A total of 115 mangrove
individuals were recorded in the three sampling sites (Table 1). A. corniculatum
had the highest relative abundance of 19.1, followed by N. fruticans with 10.4 and X. granatum
has the least with 0.9. Three
species were commonly observed in all three sites—N. fruticans,
A. floridum, and B. cylindrica.
There was a decrease of 79% in the
total number of individuals in Timaco Mangrove swamps
based on the previous study. Dimalen & Rojo (2018)
mentioned that the lower species richness of mangroves in the study site,
specifically in Kalanganan I, was due to the
aforementioned anthropogenic activities despite the presence of local
ordinance. Moreover, it was observed
that there were structures such as houses for human settlement. These anthropogenic activities along with
land conversion to fishponds contribute significantly to the decline of
mangrove forests in the Philippines (Dangan-Galon et
al. 2016; Buitre et al. 2019). This decrease will not affect only the
biodiversity and ecosystem function of the mangrove forest but also ecosystem
services that generally benefited human population (Cardinale et al. 2012)
especially those villagers who are dependent on coastal resources (Primavera
2000). Furthermore, it was observed that
mangrove individuals commonly noted as tall with big trunk species have shorter
and lesser trunk diameter particularly A. rumphiana. According to Patindol
& Casas (2019), such a condition has resulted from the long history of
cutting mangroves. Individuals of
species under the families Avicenniaceae and Sonneratiaceae found in the area were almost multi-stem
which must have been restored after heavy cutting in the early years (Image
3). Efforts have been done to
rehabilitate the area using propagules of the Rhizophora
species; however, various factors affect the unsuccessful growth towards
maturity of the seedlings planted.
During hightide, seedlings were being covered by water hyacinth
(abundance of water hyacinth is a perennial problem of the area) which
eventually cause the seedlings to die during low tide. In addition, domesticated animals of the
community nearby were observed to feed on the growing plant which inhibits the
growth of the propagules. Though
mangrove forest conservation and rehabilitation have captured the interests of
various stakeholders, most efforts were unsuccessful due to the lack of science-based
approach guidelines (López-Portillo et al. 2017). Moreover, if rehabilitation strategies
employed by other mangrove areas in the southern Philippines will be done in Timaco mangrove swamp such as community involvement and
science-based strategy, the rehabilitation endeavor will be successful. In the case of Katunggan
Eco Park situated in Lebak Sultan Kudarat,
Philippines policy strengthening in mangrove forest conservation and protection
is accompanied by community involvement (Mangaoang
& Flores 2019). Locals were made
part in the management of the said mangrove forest such as involvement in the
tree-growing activities and delegated as forest guards.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The significant decrease of
mangroves in Timaco Mangrove Swamp calls for
immediate action to conserve this important coastal mangrove forest not only on
the presence of two species with conservation concerns but the whole mangrove
ecosystem which is facing the effects of the unregulated harvest of timber, the
establishment of structures and as well as attempts to secure ownership of the
part of the area is on its way. Cotabato City was once hit by an earthquake in the year
1976 and produced tsunami which destroy properties and even lives. If this mangrove forest will be
rehabilitated, this will prevent the greater impact of the aforementioned
natural calamity. Utilization of the
remaining individuals of mangrove species in the area can be utilized as a
source of propagules in rehabilitating it.
Restoration effort of an almost denuded mangrove forest like of the Timaco Mangrove swamp requires a concerted effort of the
government, community, and stakeholders; a sense of ownership must be felt by
the community to lessen if not totally eradicated the activities leading to
mangrove forest destruction.
Furthermore, a more comprehensive study on the mangrove biodiversity of
this area must be conducted to strengthen policy decisions for Timaco mangrove swamp restoration, protection, and
preservation.
Table 1. An updated list of
mangrove species in Timaco Mangrove Swamp.
Family |
Species name |
Common name |
Relative abundance |
Conservation status |
Lower vascular plant |
|
|
|
|
Pteridaceae |
Acrostichum aureum L. |
Palaypay |
8.7 |
Least Concern |
|
Acrostichum speciosum Willd. |
Palaypay |
6.1 |
Least Concern |
Flowering plant |
|
|
|
|
Acanthaceae |
Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl |
Lagiwliw |
7.8 |
Least Concern |
Arecaceae |
Nypa fruticans Wurmb |
Nipa |
10.4 |
Least Concern |
Avicenniaceae |
Avicennia rumphiana (Hallier f.) Bakh. |
Bungalon |
7.8 |
Vulnerable |
Combretaceae |
Lumnitzera littorea (Jack) Voigt. |
Tabao, Culasi |
4.3 |
Least Concern |
Meliaceae |
Xylocarpus granatum J. Koenig |
Tabigi |
0.9 |
Least Concern |
Myrsinaceae |
Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco |
Saging-saging, Tinduk-tindukan |
19.1 |
Least Concern |
|
Aegiceras floridum Roem. & Schult. |
Saging-saging, Tinduk-tindukan |
6.1 |
Near Threatened |
Sonneratiaceae |
Sonneratia alba Sm. |
Pagatpat |
4.3 |
Least Concern |
|
Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. |
Pedada |
3.5 |
Least Concern |
Rhizophoraceae |
Bruguiera cylindrica (L.) Bl. |
Pottan, Busain |
9.6 |
Least Concern |
|
Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob. |
Tungog, Tangal |
1.7 |
Least Concern |
|
Rhizophora mucronata Lamk |
Bakhaw babae |
3.5 |
Least Concern |
|
Rhizophora stylosa Griff. |
Bakhaw bata |
6.1 |
Least Concern |
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