Analysis of stand basal areas of mangroves in selected sites in the Province of Antique, Panay Island, Philippines

Abstract

Mangroves play both an important ecological and economic role. They are valuable to humans and are important component of the natural system. For the past few decades, mangrove forest has been experiencing severe degradation. People often fail to consider the important in the entire ecosystem. Generally, this study aimed to analyzed stand basal areas of mangroves in Antique. The study of basal areas of mangroves can provide an indicating the health condition and overall stands of mangroves in a given area. However few studies have been conducted about this area. Thus, the need for present study to provide an overview of mangrove development in Antique. Information gathered will be useful in the formulation of mangrove measures for the preservation of the remaining mangrove stands in Antique. Specifically, it aimed 1.) to identify the species present in Antique. 2.) to determine the basal areas 3.) to determine the stand basal areas of mangroves. Transect line plot method was used for the study. All sampled sites have been visibly been subjected to human disturbances of varying magnitude. There were 31 true mangroves species identified in the 11 municipalities studied belonging to 14 families. Abundant mangrove forest is in Semirara Island. Caluya with 28 species belonging to 13 families. The family of Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with 7 species identified. <i>Lumnitzera racemosa</i> and <i>Nypa fruticans</i> were found in all municipalities, whereas the least occurring were the <i>Camptostemon philippinensis</i> and <i>Aegiceras floridum</i> found only in Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area of Antique was 39.49 m2/ha. It ranges from 4.54 m2/ha for the municipality of Bugasong to 214.27 m2ha for the municipality of Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area per species of Antique Province were ranges from <i>Sonneratia alba</i> at 8.69 m7ha as the highest and the lowest at 0.0036 m2/ha exhibited by <i>Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea</i>. The relatively isolated state of is a good factor in development and establishment of a good mangrove cover. In comparison with other sites in Antique, the stand basal area in Semirara Island, Caluya is much higher reflective of a better and healthier stand.