Earthworms Species Diversity and Populations in Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Abstract

Earthworm diversity and populations in the seaward and landward portions of Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape (ILPLS) were assessed. Soil physico-chemical properties in the area were also assessed to explain such oc- currence. Pheretima cf. lantapanensis, Amynthas sp. and Polypheretima sp., all belonging to family Megascolecidae, were detected in the area. ILPLS has a very low diversity of earthworms and the soil physico-chemical properties had no significant relationship with earthworm species diversity. The soil physico-chemical properties between the seaward and landward portions of the protected area were not significantly different. This study was undertaken to provide baseline in- formation on earthworm species diversity in ILPLS, which will serve to help strengthen the policy on the conservation and protection of biodiversity in the protected area.