Inventory of mangroves in Katunggan Coastal Eco-Park, Sultan Kudarat Province, the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract. Mangaoang CC, Flores AB. 2019. Inventory of mangroves in Katunggan Coastal Eco-Park, Sultan Kudarat Province, the Philippines. Bonorowo Wetlands 9: 65-70. The coastal wetlands of the Philippines are dominated by mangrove ecosystems and are experiencing different forms of threats, particularly anthropogenic activities. The local government unit of Lebak in the Province of Sultan Kudarat and non-government organizations envision rehabilitating and conserving mangrove forests, but no research has been done. Thus, this study was conducted to document different mangrove species, which will serve as a baseline in developing conservation and rehabilitation strategies. Purposive sampling was done, and morphological characteristics of each species were examined for identification. A total of 29 mangrove species belonging to 14 families were identified. These are threatened species, including Ceriops zippeliana, Avicennia rumphiana, and Camptostemon philippinensis. It was also noted that the local community is aware of the importance of mangroves. Still, not all have concerns about the government's conservation and protection policies. Despite the decreasing status of Philippine mangroves, local exploitation and anthropogenic pressures, such as aquaculture, are still uncontrolled. Therefore, the presence of threatened species implies that the area needs to be prioritized in conservation and rehabilitation activities with the joint effort of both the government and local communities to save and protect this mangrove ecosystem.