Species Richness and Status of Pteridophytes in North-Eastern Part of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the species composition and conservation status of pteridophytes in the north-eastern portion of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape. The studyrevealed a total of 98 species comprising 52 genera from 21 families. Tectariaceae, Polypodiaceae and Dryopteridaceae was the most represent family with Tectariaceae accounts the highest in terms of genera (9), followed by Polypodiaceae (8) and Dryopteridaceae (6). Whereas, Polypodiaceae has the highest in terms of species record (16 spp.), tailed by Tectariaceae (14 spp.) and Dryopteridaceae (10 spp.). Out of 98 recorded species, 95 were only identified up to species level. High number of accounted family of terrestrial ferns and lycophytes are known as good ecological indicator taxa for habitat destruction and level of human disturbances. In terms of status, eleven (11 spp.) are endemic to Philippines, eighteen (18 spp.) are economically important species, nine (9 spp.) vulnerable, five (5 spp.) classified as other threatened species and two (2 spp.) are nonnative species of ferns and lycophytes was recorded. Generally, the high species richness of pteridophytes found in the north-eastern portion of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape are influenced by elevation gradient and susceptibility to human disturbances.