Name: JECLYN D.

FILIPINAS
First Year( New Curriculum): EDDK-1A-NEW
Professor: DR. JERSON S. CATOTO

SPECIES RICHNESS OF PTERIDOPHYTES IN MT. SINAKA, BRGY. DATU

LADAYON, ARAKAN, NORTH COTABATO

Mount Sinaka is one area that has the natural forest and has a diverse of bioderversity

flora and fauna in Ladayon, Arakan North Cotabato. One of Flora such as Pteridophyta can be

found in Mount Sinaka. Pteridophytes has many beneficial to human, but knowledge of the local

community is still low associated with it. The study aimed to determine the species of

Pteridopyhtes and its conservation status inhabiting Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan,

North Cotabato.

The research used exploration method, and identification of Pteridophytausing a

guidebook such as Plant Systematics, Flora for Schools in Indonesia, Encyclopedia of Garden

Ferns and Pteridophyta. The data analysis using descriptive qualitative. The results showed

From the recent classifications, among 154 taxa and 34 families there are estimated of 1,100

species of pteridopyhtes in the Philippines, according to Abas, (2017). From the recent species

discoveries and records in the Philippines, this estimate continues to rise.. The highest of species

richness were Pteridaceae ( six species), Polypodiaceae (five species) and the lowest species

richness were Pteridaceae (six species), Polypodiaceae (five species) and the lowest species

richness of Pteridophyta are Davalliaceae (two species)and also in eight other families

(one species)

VII
VIII
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

A fern, also known as Pteridophytes are the first terrestrial vascular plants. It is a type of

plant that belongs to the Pteridophyta division, which was previously known as Filicophyta.

Ferns are seedless vascular plants that reproduce by spores and switching between generations of

spore-producing and gamete-producing plants with approximately 10,000 different species.

Pteridopyhtes is considered as one of the largest divisions in the plant kingdom (Bold, 1987).

Hence, identifying and assessing the species richness of Pteridophytes is an essential measure of

community and regional diversity to understand its population ecology and environment.

From the recent classifications, among 154 taxa and 34 families there are estimated of

1,100 species of pteridopyhtes in the Philippines, according to Abas, (2017). From the recent

species discoveries and records in the Philippines, this estimate continues to rise. The number of

fern is estimated to be around 9,000 species, but estimates have ranged as high as 15,000, due to

the fact that many species are still poorly investigated and new species are continuously being

studied in undiscovered tropical areas.

Mount Sinaka, one of the mountains in North Cotabato Province located at Arakan ,

North Cotabato with the total land area of 3,000 hectares containing a large forest rich in wild

plants on the mountain between 1,100 and 1,448 meters, including vascular plants and mossy

forest above. Thus, the researcher aims to identify the species of Pteridopyhtes present in Mt.

Sinaka, as well as their conservation status, which are essential for the biodiversity conservation.

Objectives of the study

The study aimed to determine the species of Pteridopyhtes and its conservation status

inhabiting Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

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 1. Identify the species of terrestrial pteridophytes present in Mt. Sinaka.

2. Classify the identified species of pteridophytes.

3. Assess the conservation status of identified species of pteridophytes

4. Craft Community, Education, and Public Awareness materials (CEPA) program on the

status of the species of Pteridophytes present in Mt. Sinaka.

5. Recommend policies for the protection of the important remaining resources of

Pteridophytes species.

Significance of the study

Pteridophytes are considered as indicator of forest environmental status. The

beneficiaries of this study were as follows:

Students. This study provides additional information and data regarding to the

identification of Pterodophytes. This paper may serve as a guide and reference to the students

undertaking similar studies.

Teachers. This study gives an idea to the teacher in engaging outdoors for learning to

explore the effectiveness of outdoor education in promoting both physical activity and science

learning. This paper will also be considered as an additional reference in teaching the diversity

and understanding the conservation status of Pteridophytes species.

Community. The study could give an idea about the identification of ferns more

importantly; it could raise awareness about the conservation status of the pteridopyhtes.

Researchers. The result of this study is beneficial to the other researchers. This will help

them to gather information and this will be a building block of ideas as they go along to their

study.

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Implication to Science Education. The information that will be collected in the study will be

significant in teaching the study of plants especially in learning the classification and

conservation status of the Pteridophytes.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The study only focus on determining the Pteridophytes species and its

conservation status specifically, the terrestrial herbaceous plant present in Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu

Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Operational Definition of Terms

Conservation Status- indication of living Pteridophytes plants in Mt. Sinaka in present and

future survival.

Endangered Species – a species of pteridophtes in critically at risk of extinction.

Endemic – it describes the species of Pteridophytes that are confined in a particular area in Mt.

Sinaka.

Epiphytic pteridophytes- a Pteridophytes plant that grows on other plant species present in Mt.

Sinaka.

Fern allies- it includes the ferns such as psilopsids, lycopsids and sphenopsids that can be found

in Mt. Sinaka.

Morphology- study of the different sizes, shapes and structures of Pteridophytes.

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Mt. Sinaka- a mountain with wide forest located in the north-east of North Cotabato Province. It

is the location for the conduct of this study.

Pteridophytes- a vascular plant that reproduces using spores and by switching between

generations of spore-producing plants present in Mt. Sinaka.

Species Richness – the number of pteridophytes present in Mt. Sinaka.

Species- the classification comprising related organisms of Pteridophytes with common

characteristics.

Terrestrial Pteridophytes- pteridophytes that grow in a non-aquatic habitat present in Mt.

Sinaka.

Abbreviation

CEPA- Communication, Education and Public Awareness

BLI- BirdLife International

DENR- Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DEWHA- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

FPE- Foundation for Philippine Environment

IUCN- International Union for Conservation of Nature

NCA- Nature Conservation Act 1992

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Species richness and Conservation Status of Pteridophytes

Ferns and fern allies has a total of 12, 000 species of vascular plants that does not

produce flowers or seeds, reproducing instead through the production of spores. Pteridophytes

exist in most terrestrial areas on earth. Worldwide, there are total of 265–300 genera and 10,900–

11,100 of pteridophytes species recognized. Existing species are diverse but there a lot of them

that can be found in humid tropics, and only a few families like Dryopteridaceae is found in

subtropical and temperate regions (Wu et al., 2013). Different types of pteridopyhtes have its

own way of living depending on their survival capacity and sometimes their development was

based in the soil type and other factors.

In the southern United States there are 68 species of pteridophytes found, specifically in

Arkansas. Plus 2 varieties and 4 hybrids, for a total of 74 taxa there are 1335 occurrence records

at the county level (Peck et al., 1995). In addition, the "Bulgarka" Nature Park has the lowest

number of Pteridophytes in Europe, with 29 species belongs to the divisions Lycopodiophyta,

Equisetophyta, and Polypodiophyta, including the six new species to the park: Asplenium

onopteris, Dryopteris dilatata, Equisetum palustre, Huperzia selago, Ophioglossum vulgatum,

and Polys (Stoyanov et al., 2015). However, In Asia, higher pteridophyte taxa were discovered in

China. There are 2,129 species and 177 genera (three endemic, one imported) (842 endemic, four

introduced). Psilotatae, Lycopodiatae (lycophytes or club mosses), Equisetatae (horse tails), and

Filicatae (ferns) are the four primary groups of Pteridophytes (Wu et al., 2013). It was found that

most or the highest number of pteridopyhtes species came from tropical country; especially in

Asia most of the countries are trophic.

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 In the Philippines, over 1100 species of Pteridophytes have been identified and divided

into 144 species and 39 families. Four classes, 11 orders, and 37 families of ferns are recognized

in the most recent fern classification based on published materials and herbarium specimens (De

Los Angeles et al., 2011). A study was conducted in Adams, Ilocos Norte; a series of

pteridophytes floristic surveys was performed in the remaining floristic areas in Luzon Island,

Philippines. The result recorded a vouchered 47 species, 34 genera and 21 families of

pteridophytes. The pteridophytes have the largest number of species within 5 genera followed by

Polypodiaceae and Tectariaceae with 4 species (Magtoto et al., 2017). The vegetation pattern of

pteridopyhtes depends in the structure, distribution and ecology of the forest ecosystem aside

from different human activities (Sureshkumar et al., 2019).

In addition, during the recording of the first Pteridopyhte diversity at Mt. Mingan in

Nueva Ecija only listed a total of 14 species. One species, Microsurom scolopendria was found

to be vulnerable and Pneumatopteris nitidula, Drynaria descensa, Davallia solidad and Pteris

Oppositipinnata were recorded to be endemic in the Philippnes. From Luzon Island in Mt.

Banahaw de Lucban under the 24 families and 47 genera there are 93 species of ferns recorded

from the study area. The most presented families are Polypodaceae, Hymenophyllaceae and

Aspleniaceae. Eight species were found as endemics (Banaticla et al., 2004).

Fern species diversity in the different land use types of Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island

recorded a total of 28 fern species from 22 genera and 14 families. Based on the pteridophyte

flora of Mount Makiling across land use types there are the following families of fern:

Thelypteridaceae (5 spp), Dryopteridaceae (3 spp), Polypodiaceae (3 spp) and Pteridaceae (3

spp). The families Aspleniaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Selaginellaceae, and Tectariaceae are

comprised of two (2) species each. Marattiaceae, Davalliaceae, Schizaeaceae, Lindsaeaceae, and

6
Nephrolepidaceae consist of one (1) species only. From the identified species some are endemic;

the Phymatosorus scolopendria (Burm.f.) Pic. Serm., Pteris longipinnula Wall. ex J. Agardh,

Tectaria crenata Cav. and Tectaria siifolia (Willd.) Copel. On the other hand, In Visayas, a study

of species diversity and distribution of Pteridophytes in Mt. Pangasugan in the province of Leyte

there are total of 92 species that belongs to 24 families and 52 genera, where the families of

Polypodaceae and Aspleniaceae were the most diverse in terms of number of genera and species

(Belonias et al., 1994).

A detailed field survey of pteridophytes was also done in Mindanao. There are 203

species in total, divided into 29 groups and 89 genera. There are 187 ferns and 16 lycophytes

among these species. There are 86 epiphytic species, 85 terrestrial species, 12 tree ferns, 6

hemiepiphytes, and 14 species with several growth forms. In the Philippines and Mindanao

Island, respectively, the numbers of species discovered are 19 and 33 percent of the total number

of pteridophytes specie. In the top part of the mountain rainforest diverse species were found.

Fourteen species are indigenous to Mindanao, whereas seventeen are widely spread throughout

the Philippines. The Pteris whitfordii Copel, Selliguea elmeri (Copel.) Ching, and Selliguea

pyrolifolia (Goldm.), and one species (Alsophila commutata Mett.) were newly discovered in the

Philippines (Coritico et al., 2020).

The state of the pteridophytes, general field collection was also conducted in three forests

in Mindanao; the Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Apulang in Bukidnon and Marilog Forest in Davao. Based

on the diversity, status and ecology of the pteridophytes Mt. Kitanglad showed the highest

species diversity with 275 species. In Mt. Apulang a total of 249 species was recorded, and in

Marilog Forest with only 183 species. Assessment of the status of pteridophytes showed an only

1 endangered species, 32 rare species, 7 depleted, 89 endemic, and 81 economically important

7
species. However, in Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Apulang it exhibited a higher endemism (Amoroso

et al., 1995). In Musuan, Bukidnon, an inventory of pteridophytes showed a total of 102 species,

52 genera, and 24 families of pteridophyes (Amoroso, 2007). Another list from Impalutao,

Impasug-ong, Bukidnon Province, listed around 87 species divided into 20 families and 44

genera (Abas et al., 2017), which is lower compared to One hundred and fifty-two species that

belongs to the 27 families of fern and 72 genera that was recorded in Mt. Hamiguitan Range

Wildlife Santuary, Davao Oriental. Among the species, 135 are ferns and 17 are lycophytes the

families with the highest number of species are Polypodiaceae (28 species), Pteridaceae (16),

Selaginellaceae (14), Hymenophyllaceae (11), and Thelypteridaceae (8). In terms of the

conservation status, eighteen threatened species of ferns and lycophytes were recorded from the

sanctuary. One specie is critically endangered, seven are endangered, and 10 are vulnerable

(Amoroso et al., 2016). Four percent of the earth’s vascular plant diversity is contributed by ferns

and lycopyhtes, which both are ecologically important. Currently few fern species are less

abundant or it is locally extinct because of human activities in land for industrial purposes

(Mehltreter, 2010). Hence, the numbers of these species are decreasing. Therefore, immediate

action for ferns and lycopyhtes protection and conservation is necessary.

Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA)

Most important challenges in accomplishing the goals of the Convention on Biological

Diversity and other biodiversity-related accords is the lack of public understanding in valuing the

biodiversity of Flora. Citizens and stakeholders are unlikely to take the measures necessary to

mainstream biodiversity considerations into their daily lives and behaviour unless they are aware

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of the importance of biodiversity to human well-being. The lack of public understanding also

contributes to biodiversity issues receiving a low political priority (Peria, 2014),

This is where the Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) comes in;

by Individuals, stakeholders, and other groups in the society must all have a role in reducing

biodiversity loss and protecting ecosystems. CEPA serves as a chanel between science and

environment and people's social and economic realities. It provides the fuel for the Convention

on Biological Diversity's implementation, as well as the processes that motivate and organize

individual and communal action. Crafting CEPA materials can help to the establishment of

policies, incentives, and regulations to address challenges of biodiversity protection. Institutions

and organizations serve as a stage or foundation for learning and innovation through CEPA, as

well as sharing agreements and building trust to improve conservation efforts (Tinta, 2018),

The need for improved education about the flora protection is essential. The public

affects the success or failure of environmental management efforts like the preservation of

remaining specie (Morales, 2018). Therefore, raising public awareness about the conservation

and protection of flora specially the terrestrial pteridopyhtes are highly needed. Everyone in the

society must take responsibility to communicate, and educate the people around us in spreading

awareness to the public about the protection and conservation of pteridopyhtes.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, materials and methods of the study.

Research design

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 This study used descriptive design to determine the species of Pteridophytes present in

Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Equipments and Materials

During the collection of specimen, the following equipment and materials were used. The

herbarium dryer, field notebook, pen, marker, pins, camera, used newspaper, cutter, scissor, and

plastic bags.

Entry protocol

A permit to conduct the inventory and assessment of Pteridophytes species in Mount

Sinaka, Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato for identification and taxonomy purposes was

secured from the DENR Region XII through CENRO Matalam, MENRO, Local Government

Unit, IPMR and Barangay Local Government Unit.

Study Area

The study was conducted at Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato in

the potential areas a Field survey of the species of terrestrial pteridophytes.

Figure 1. Location of Mt. Sinaka, Arakan, North Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines.

Establishment of Transect and Sampling Plots

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 Transect walk and sampling plots was established according to vegetation types. This is

accomplished by listing all the terrestrial pteridophytes seen or collected in the plot and transect.

Selection of 5 x 5m area for sampling plots is purposive depending on the area within the 20 x

20m having more species of pteridophytes.

Sampling Procedure

The sample plot was established according to vegetation types. The conduct of inventory

of the pteridophytes was accomplished by a transect walk for each vegetation type by listing all

the pteridophytes seen or collected along the trail. The selection of plots within the site was

based to the subjective sampling method.

Collection of Specimen

A minimum of two fertile fronds of each terrestrial pteridophytes species was collected

with the used of scissor and trimming cutter. A small fern was collected by uprooting the whole

plant, removing the soil, and pressing the plant intact.

Processing of Specimen

The collected specimen had undergone cleaning by removing the excess dirt from plants.

The specimen was placed into a folded paper packet one by one according to its appearance and

was put inside a box for the transportation.

Identification and Classification of Pteridophytes Species

The collected Pteridophytes specimens were deposited at the Cotabato Foundation

College of Science and Technology (CFCST), Chemistry Laboratory. Specimens were identified

using field guides, published articles (e.g The [Link].), and with the expert consultations.

The classification of specimens was classified through the guide of the article Co’s Digital Flora.

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 Assessment of the Conservation status of Pteridophytes

The assessment of conservation status was based on International Union for Conservation

of Nature- compliant Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order

207-11 entitled, Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Categories with

the following description for each threatened criterion:

Critically endangered Species: refers to species of pteridopyhtes facing an extremely high

risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future,

Threatened Species; refers to species of pteridopyhtes that are considered as critically

endangered, vulnerable, or other accepted categories of wildlife whose populations are at risk of

extinction.

Vulnerable Species: refers to species of pteridopyhtes that are critically endangered or

endangered but are under threat from adverse factors throughout their range and are likely to

move to an endangered category in the future.

Other Threatened Species: refers to species of pteridopyhtes that are not critically

endangered, endangered or vulnerable but are under threat from adverse factors such as over-

collection throughout its range and is likely to move to the vulnerable category in the future.

These were further checked using the International Union for Conservation of Nature

(IUCN) Red List of Threatened species, and Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines.

Photographs and documentation

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 Photographs were taken during the transect walk, field sampling and processing. These

are used for identifying the species of pteridophytes in Mount Sinaka, North Cotabato. The

photographs and documentation serves as the visual data for the identification and classification

of the existing pteridopyhtes plant.

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 Chapter 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Classification and Description of terrestrial Pteridopyhtes

The following are the classification, identification, description, conservation status,

economic importance and reported distribution of pteridophytes in the mountain.

Classification of Terrestrial Pteridopyhtes

ATHYRIACEAE

Diplazium cordifolium Blume

Diplazium davaoense Copel

Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) C. Presl

Diplazium lomariaceum (C. Chr.) M.G. Price

Diplazium pallidum T. Moore

Diplazium sorzogonense C. Presl

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE

Microlepia matthewii Christ

Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J. Sm

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

DICKSONIACEAE

Calochlaena javanica (Blume.) M.D. Turner & R.A White

DRYOPTERIDACEAE

Acrophorus nodosus C. Presl

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Polystichum elmeri Copel

LINDSAEACEAE

Lindsaea fissa Copel

Lindsaea obtusa J. Sm. Ex. Hook

Tapienidium luzonicum (Hook)K.U.

Tapienidium pinnatum (Cav.) C. Chr.

GLEICHENIACEAE

Gleichenia truncata (Willd.)Spreng

Gleichenia longissima Blume

HYMENOPHYLLACEAE

Abrodictyum obscurum (Blume) Ebihara & K. Iwats.

LYCOPODIACEAE

Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm.

MATONIACEAE

Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.) Schott

Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.)C. Presl

PTERIDACEAE

Pteris pacifica Hieron

Syngramma wallichIii (Hook) Bedd.

SELAGINELLACEAE

Selaginella cupressina (Willd.) Spring

Selaginella ramosii Hieron.

Selaginella negrosensis Hieron.

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THEYLPTERIDACEAE

Sphaerostephanos heterocarpus (Blume)

Description, Conservation Status, Economic Importance and reported Distribution of

Pteridophytes

FAMILY ATHYRIACEAE
Genus Diplazium
Diplazium cordifolium Blume

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Description: It has a sterile frond, scaly at the apex having a simple pinnate with fertile pinnae
(Fig. 1a). It has linear sori with indusia (Fig. 1b).

Figure 2. Diplazium cordifolium Blume a. habit, b. sori

Habit: Terrestrial
Distribution: This type of fern is found in Luzon, Cagayan Province. It is also found in Mt.
Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et al., 2020),
Status: Vulnerable – Nature conservation act 1992 (NCA).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1376 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Diplazium davaoense Copel
Description: The stipes is dark green (Fig. 2a). It has a lamina pinnate-pinnatifid, sterile frond,
(Fig. 2b). The sori are linear with false indusia (Fig. 2c).

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 Figure 3. Diplazium davaoense Copel a. habit, b. frond, c. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et al.,
2020).
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1324 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) C. Presl

Description: It has a long stipe (Fig. 3a). The lamina is pinnate-pinnatifid, exindusiate linear
sori (Fig. 3b).

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 Figure 4. Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) C. Presl a. habit, b. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is recorded in Quezon Province, Bicol, as well as in Mindanao ;Dinagat

Island (Pelser et al., 2011).
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1371 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Diplazium lomariaceum (C. Chr.) M.G. Price

Description: Apex gradually tapering to a point, with narrow ferruginous margin (Fig. 4a). It
has sterile fronds; tufted, erect or arching, sometimes proliferous near the apex,
firmly membranous (Fig. 4b). and pinnate pinna (Fig. 4c).

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 Figure 5. Diplazium lomariaceum(C. Chr.) M.G. Price
a. habit, b. frond,c. pinna

Habit: Terrestrial
Distribution: It is recorded in Mountain Province Sagada. It is also found in Luzon: Cagayan
Province Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Barangay Ilomavis, Mt. Apo Natural
Park (Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1376 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Diplazium pallidum T. Moore
Description: It is a sterile frond with gray stipes (Fig. 5a). Having a simple pinnae
pinnate ( Fig. 5b).

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 Figure 6. Diplazium pallidum T. Moore a. habit, b. pinna

Habit: Terrestrial

Distribution: This fern is found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et
al., 2020).
Status: Critically endangered (DEWHA, 2008)
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1376 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Diplazium sorzogonense C. Presl.

Description: The lamina are pinnate-pinnatifid , bipinnate, or pinnate when young. It has a larger
pinnules subsessile or shortly stalked, subcordate or auricled at base, narrowing

21
 towards acuminate apex,sterile frond (Fig.6a). The sori is exindusiate linear
(Fig.6b).

Figure 7. Diplazium sorzogonense C. Presl a. habit, b. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This species can be found in Irosin (Mt. Bulusan), Province of Sorsogon, Island of
Luzon Philippines (Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1271 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
Genus Microlepia
Microlepia matthewii Christ

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Description: The stipes are stramineous , glabrescent or pubescent above (Fig. 7b). Its lamina
is oblong – lanceolate, gradually narrowing towards attenuately acuminate apex,
round or cuneate at base (Fig. 7b).

Figure 8. Microlepia matthewii Christ a. frond, b. lamina

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is found in Bukidnon Province, Lantapan Municipality, Brgy. Kaatu-an Mt.

Kitanglad Range Natural Park (Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1322 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Genus Histiopteris

Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J. Sm

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Description:   The stipe and rachis are yellow-brown (sometimes glaucescent) (Fig. 8a) Its
lamina is yellow-green, glaucescent or glaucous (irrespective
distinctly glaucous when young), glabrous, ovate, and pinnate at base (Fig. 8b).

Figure 9. Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J. Sm a. habit, b. lamina

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: This species can be found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines
(Coritico et al., 2020). It is also found in Mountain Province. Barlig Municipality
(Pelser et al ., 2011).
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1363 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Genus Pteridium

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

Description: The stipes is longer, thick, densely covered with pale brown hairs, dark brown.
(Fig. 9a). It has a sterile frond, Lamina tri-pinnate (Fig. 9b). It has a basal pinnae
larger; pinnules sessile (Fig. 9c).

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 Figure 10. Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn a. habit, b. frond, c. pinna

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This fern is found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et
al., 2020).It is also found in Mount Macabol, Marilog District, Davao City (Aya-
ay, 2016).
Status: Widespread (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: Found in an altitude of 1355 m asl . Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY DICKSONIACEAE
Genus Calochlaena
Calochlaena javanica (Blume.) M.D. Turner & R.A White
Description: It has a semi erect stem and the stipe is hairy (Fig. 10a). Having a bipinnate
pinnatifid (Fig. 10b). The sori are marginal with bivalve indusial (Fig. 10c).

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 Figure 11. Calochlaena javanica (Blume.) M.D. Turner & R.A White a. habit, b. pinna
Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: This species is found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico
et al., 2020). It is also found in Mountain Province Barlig municipality Trail to
Mt. Amuyao (Pelser et al., 2011).
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1325 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY DRYOPTERIDACEAE
Genus Acrophorus
Acrophorus nodosus C. Presl
Description: The stipes are tramineous (Fig. 11a). The sori is subterminal at the veinlets,
rounded;indusial reniform (Fig. 11b). It has a lamina quadripinnate-
quadripinnatifid (Fig. 11c).

26
 Figure 12. Achrophorus nodosus C. Presl a. habit, b. fertile pinnae, c. frond

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This type of fern is found in Mindanao: Bukidnon province Mt. Kitanglad, Mt.
Kitanglad Range Naural Park (Pelser et al ., 2011).

Status: Endangered (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1317 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato
Genus Polystichum
Polystichum elmeri Copel

Description: The stipes is decumbent to erect, stolons absent (Fig. 12a). It has a linear-
lanceolate to broadly lanceolate, pinnate, and gradually reduced distally to
pinnatifid apex, somewhat leathery to leathery (Fig. 12b). And without indusial
sori (Fig. 12c).

27
 Figure 13. Polystichum elmeri Copel a. habit, b. frond, c. sori

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: This species can be found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines
(Coritico et al., 2020). It is found in Mt. Apo (Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endangered (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1317 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
FAMILY LINDSAEACEAE
Genus Lindsaea
Lindsaea fissa Copel
Description: The indisium is largely adnate to the lamina; ultimate division never dimidiate. It
has a linear or cuneate- divaricate type, subentire to pinnatifid.

28
 Figure 14. Habit of Lindsaea fissa Copel

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is recorded in Mountain province Sagada. Negros Oriental Province, Cuernos

de Negros Mountain. It is also found in Cagayan Sierra Madre Mountain Range,
Mt. Cetaceo (Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1370 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Lindsaea obtusa J. Sm. Ex. Hook
Description: The stipe are dark brown (Fig. 14a). It has sterile frond with lamina pinnate;
rachis brown (Fig. 14b).

29
 Figure 15. Lindsaea obtusa J. Sm. Ex. Hooka. habit, b. frond

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This type of fern can be found in Negros Oriental Province, Cuernos de Negros
Mountain (Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1322 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Genus Tapienidium

Tapienidium luzonicum (Hook)K. U.

30
Description: The stipe are dull brownish yellow or brown to dark brown (Fig. 15a). It has
laminae bipinnatisect to tripinnatifid, (Fig. 15b). The outline pinna is deltoid or
oblong-ovlate (Fig. 15c).

Figure 16. Tapienidium luzonicum (Hook)K. U. a. habit, b. frond, c. pinna

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: This species can be found in Davao Oriental Povince. Mt. Hamiguitan Range
Wildlife Sanctuary ( Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1219 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Tapienidium pinnatum (Cav.) C. Chr.

Description: The stipe are stramineous or pale brown to dark brown (Fig. 16a). It has
laminae simple pinnate, oblong or oblong-lanceolate in outline, coriaceous,

31
 terminal part pinnatisect (Fig. 16b) and acute to attenuate, rachises; green or pale
brown (Fig. 16c).

Figure17. Tapienidium pinnatum (Cav.) C. Chr. a. habit, b. frond, c. pinna

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This specie can be found in Bukidnon Province. Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural
Park, ( Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1317 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY GLEICHENIACEAE
Genus Gleichenia
Gleichenia truncata (Willd.)Spring

32
Description: The fronds are tall, finely hairy with hairs irregularly branched; veins free (Fig.
17a). The stipe is glaucous-brown to pale brown (Fig. 17b). The
branches pinnate are narrowly elliptic (Fig. 17c).

Figure 18. Gleichenia truncata (Willd.)Spring a. habit, b. frond c. pinna

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: Recorded in Adams, Ilocos Norte, Northern Luzon. It can also be found in Davao
Oriental Povince. Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Pelser et al ., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1355 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Gleichenia longissima Blume

Description: The fronds are long and wide (Fig. 18a). The stipes are scattered, often bearing
brown lanceolate ciliate scales; rachis bearing weak brown to white often
matted stellate hairs and ciliate scales (Fig. 18b). It has large round exindusiate
sori (Fig. 18c).

33
 Figure 19. Gleichenia longissima Blume a. habit, b. frond c. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is recorded in Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, Luzon Island, Philippines (Pelser et al.,
2011).
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1312 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY HYMENOPHYLLACEAE
Genus Abrodictyum
Abrodictyum obscurum (Blume) Ebihara & K. Iwats.
Description: It has an erect, tufted with layered segment (Fig. 19a). The fronds are short and
dark brown (Fig. 19b).

34
 Figure 20. Habit of Abrodictyum obscurum (Blume) Ebihara & K. Iwats.

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: Found in Bukidnon Prov. Lantapan Municipality. Brgy. Kaatu-an, Mt. Kitanglad
Range Natural Park, Conchona Forest Preserve (Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1312 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
FAMILY LYCOPODIACEAE
Genus Lycopodiella
Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm.

Description: The stipe are creeping over ground surface, slender and slightly pendulous (Fig.
20a). The microphylls is pale to bright green, linear, soft, small and needle-like,
recurved, spiraling densely along aerial stems (Fig. 20b).

35
 Figure 21. Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic. Serm. a. habit b. microphylls

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: Recorded in Oriental Mindoro Province Mountain Ridge behind Puerto Galera.
(Pelser et al., 2011.) It is also found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern
Philippines (Coritico et al ., 2020).
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1322 m asl Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy.
Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY MATONIACEAE
Genus Nephrolepis
Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.) Schott
Description: The lamina is longer (Fig. 21a). It has a fertile frond, pinnae articulated at the
rachis (Fig. 21b). Having large round exindusiate sori (Fig. 21c).

36
 Figure 22. Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.) Schott a. habit, b. frond, c. sori

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: This type of fern is found in Agusan Del Sur Province. San Francisco. It is also
found in Oriental Mindoro Province Mountain Ridge behind Puerto Galera,
(Pelser et al., 2011).

Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1378 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.)C. Presl

Description: The fronds are sterile (Fig. 22a). It has a simple pinnatifid (Fig. 22b). Higher
number of pinnae is present. Pinna is oblong to lanceolate with an auricle that
overlaps rachis (Fig. 22c).

37
 Figure 23. Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.)C. Presl a. habit,b. frond, c. pinna

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: It is recorded in Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines (Alcala ,2019). It is

also found in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et al.,
2020).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1322 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY PTERIDACEAE
Genus Pteris
Pteris pacifica Hieron
Description: It has a longer stipes. The lamina is deeply bipinnatifid; caudate pinnae (Fig.
23a). It has marginal sori ; indusia thin(Fig. 23b).

38
 Figure 24. Pteris pacifica Hieron a. habit, b. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This fern is found in Antique Province, San Remegio municipalityBrgy.

Aningalan. Limestone forest. Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Conchona Forest
Preserve (Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1348 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Genus Syngramma
Syngramma wallichIii (Hook) Bedd.

Description: The fronds are monomorphic, simple. It has a laminae coriaceous, rigid,
narrowly oblong to linear- oblong or spatulate (Fig. 24a). Having a sori
exindusiate (Fig. 24b).

39
 Figure 25. Syngramma wallichi (Hook) Bedd. a. habit, b. sori

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: Found in Bukidnon Prov. Baungon Municipality, Brgy. San Vicente, Sitio
Kalangan. Mt. kitanglad Range Natural Park (Pelser et al., 2011)
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1348 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
FAMILY SELAGINELLACEAE

Genus Selaginella
Selaginella cupressina (Willd.) Spring
Description: The fronds are tripinnate, glabrous, Leaves born sparsely on the main branches.
(Fig. 25a). It has a lateral branches; dorsal leaves (Fig. 25b).

40
 Figure 26. Habit of Selaginella cupressina (Wild.) Spring a. habit, b. pinna

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: It can be seen at Aklan Province, Buruanga Municipality, Northwest Panay
Peninsula Natural Park Mt. Sibaliw. Vicinity of Curio’s Sibaliw field Station
(Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endangered (Pelser et al., 2011)
Location: It is found in an altitude of 1371 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.
Selaginella ramosii Hieron.
Description: It has a simple, scale- like leaves. The stems are aerial, horizontally creeping on
the substratum.

41
 Figure 27. Habit of Selaginella ramosii Hieron.

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: This species can be found in Aurora Province, Brgy, Villa Aurora. Aurora
Memorial Natural Park (Pelser et al., 2011).
Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1370 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

Selaginella negrosensis Hieron.

Description: The stem is pinnately branched, angular parallel grooves, glabrous. Median
leaves ovate- lanceolate.

42
 Figure 28. Habit of Selaginella negrosensis Hieron.
.

Habit Terrestrial

Distribution: Recorded in Mt. Tago Range, Bukidnon, Southern Philippines (Coritico et al.,
2020).

Status: Endemic (Pelser et al., 2011)

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1361 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

FAMILY THEYLPTERIDACEAE
Genus Sphaerostephanos
Sphaerostephanos heterocarpus (Blume)

43
Description: It has larger pinnules subsessile or shortly stalked, subcordate or auricled at base,
narrowing towards acuminate apex (Fig.28a). The fronds are sterile (Fig. 28b). It
has a lamina pinnate-pinnatifid (Fig. 28c).

Figure 29. Habit of Sphaerostephanos heterocarpus (Blume) a. habit, b. frond, c. pinna.

Habit Terrestrial
Distribution: Recorded in Isabela Province. Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Palanan
Municipality. It also found in Negros Occidental or Oriental Province Kanlaon
(Pelser et al., 2011).

Location: It is found in an altitude of 1325 m asl. Mt. Sinaka, Sitio Kahabang, Brgy. Datu
Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato.

The Study Site

The last forest fragments of the Arakan Valley are housed on Mount Sinaka, as well as a

wide range of indigenous plants (FPE, 2017). It lies in the province of North Cotabato. Mt.

Sinaka with an altitude of 1,448 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 3,000

44
hectares. It is located east of San Miguel, Davao City's barangay Marilog, and west of

Tumanding, Salasang, Lanao Koran, and Datu Ladayon, Davao City's barangays. Mt. Apo

Mountsain Range also includes this mountain (Panal et al., 2015).

Species Richness of Pteridopyhtes present in Mt. Sinaka

Transect walk and sampling plots in the different vegetation types of Mt. Sinaka, Brgy.

Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato. There were twenty-eight (28) species, where twenty-

four (24) are ferns and four (4) are lycopyhtes, seventeen (17) genera and twelve (12) families of

terrestrial pteridophytes (Table 1).

Table 1. The number of genera and species of terrestrial pteridophytes in Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu

Ladayon, Arakan,North Cotabato.

Genera No. of Species

Lycophytes
Lycopodiella 1
Selaginella 3

Pteridopyhtes
Diplazium 6
Microlepia 1
Histiopteris 1
Pteridium 1
Calochlaena 1
Acrophorus 1
Polystichum 1
Lindsaea 2
Tapienidium 2

45
 Gleichenia 2
Abrodictyum 1
Nephrolepis 2
Pteris 1
Syngramma 1
Sphaerostephanos 1

Total 28

The terrestrial pteridopyhtes present in Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan, North

Cotabato recorded a total of twenty-eight (28) species, belongs to twelve (12) families and

seventeen (17) genera. With these, 24 are ferns and 4 are lycophytes. Highest number of species

identified came from the family of Athyriaceae, with (6) species, followed by Dennstaedtiaceae

and Lindseaceae with (4) species, and Selaginellaceae (3) species. According to Wang et al.,

(2003), Athyriaceae is one of the large and complex families of ferns. In recent studies,

Dennstaedtiacea is also one of the most represented families found in Mt Makiling (Alcala et al.,

2019). On the other hand, Lindseaceae and Selaginellaceae are also mentioned in the species

richness study of Amoroso et al, (2020) as one of the highest number of species found in Mt.

Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.

The species richness of this study was lower as compared to the results of Cortico et al.,

(2020) and Amoroso et al., (2016) in Mt. Tago Range Bukidnon and Mt. Hamiguitan Range

Wild Life Sanctuary having the same total of 85 species. In addition, Mt. Bali-it, Balbalasang-

Balbalan National Park in Kalinga, Northern Luzon listed 79 species (Barcelona, 2003).

However, the current result is closely resemble to the 27 species present in Mt. Macabol,

Marilog district in Davao (Aya-ay, 2016) Moreover, recorded species of Magtoto et al., (2017)

46
in the mountainous area of Adams, Northern Luzon with 47 species is a bit higher compared to

the existing result of this study.

Human activities, such as turning forests into an agricultural or industrial areas and

pollution, have an impact on the diversity of local montane species in the Philippines. These

factors include: the size of the sampled area, soil type, and geographic location (Amoroso et al.,

2016). Apart from biological differences, there are a number of other variables that influence the

diversity of pteridopyhtes.

Unethical human actions have put Mount Sinaka at risk. The introduction of palm oil,

banana plantations, and other agricultural crops has decimated the mountain's secondary forest.

Furthermore, because illegal logging the richness of trees located in the lower altitude decreases

and large portion of forest are now a wide open grassland and agricultural land. Habitat loss is

currently being caused by encroachment for kaingin and illegal logging (BLI, 2001; Panal et al.,

2015).

Conservation Status of terrestrial pteridopyhtes in Mt. Sinaka, Datu Ladayon,

North Cotabato

Table 2. Conservation Status of terrestrial pteridopyhtes in Mt. Sinaka.

SPECIES CONSERVATION ECOLOGICAL ELEVATION

STATUS STATUS

Diplazium cordifolium Blume Vulnerable – Nature

conservation act 1992 1376 m. asl.
(NCA)

Diplazium lomariaceum (C.

Chr.) M.G. Price
Philippine Endemic 1376 m. asl

Diplazium pallidum T. Moore Critically endangered

47
 (DEWHA, 2008)
Acrophorus nodosus C. Presl 1376 m. asl.
Endangered
Polystichum elmeri Copel
Endangered 1317 m. asl
Lindsaea fissa Copel
1322 m asl.
Gleichenia longissima Blume
Philippine Endemic 1370 m asl.
Abrodictyum obscurum (Blume)
Ebihara & K. Iwats. Philippine Endemic 1312 m. asl.

Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.)
Schott
Philippine Endemic 1361 m. asl.
Syngramma wallichIii (Hook)
Bedd.
Philippine Endemic 1348 m. asl.
Selaginella cupressina (Willd.)
Spring
Endangered Philippine Endemic 1371 m. asl.
Selaginella ramosii Hieron.

Selaginella negrosensis Hieron.

Philippine Endemic 1370 m. asl.

Philippine Endemic 1361 m. asl.

Table 2 shows among the twenty-eight (28) species recorded in Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu

Ladayon, Arakan, North Cotabato there are eight (8) species of pteridopyhtes that are endemic

based on the Co’s Digital Flora (Pelser et al., 2011)The species Diplazium pallidum T. Moore is

recorded as critically endangered by the (DEWHA, 2008). The other three species; Acrophorus

nodosus C. Presl, Polystichum elmeri Copel and Selaginella cupressina (Willd.) Spring are listed

48
as endangered. And Diplazium cordifolium Blume species is considered as vulnerable by the

Nature conservation act 1992 (NCA).

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary and Findings

The species richness of pteridophytes was conducted on Mt. Sinaka. This study used

descriptive design to determine the species of pteridophytes present in the study site. This study

was conducted to determine the species of pteridopyhtes and its conservation status inhabiting

Mt. Sinaka, Brgy. Datu Ladayon, Arakan, Cotabato. Specifically, it aimed to identify the species,

assess the conservation status, craft Community, Education, and Public Awareness materials

(CEFA) program and recommend policies for the protection of the important remaining

resources of pteridophytes species.

Descriptive research design was used in this study. Taking samples of pictures were done

for the identification purposes. Identification was accomplished with the use of field guides,

published articles and expert consultation. The assessment of the conservation status was based

on International Union for Conservation of Nature- compliant Department of Environment and

Natural Resources Administrative Order 207-11 entitled, Updated National List of Threatened

Philippine Plants

49
 1. There were twenty-eight (28) species of terrestrial pteridopyhtes present in Mt. Sinaka

The species recorded are the following: Diplazium cordifolium Blume,Diplazium davaoense

Copel, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) C. Presl, Diplazium lomariaceum (C. Chr.) M.G. Price ,

Diplazium pallidum T. Moore, Diplazium sorzogonense C. Presl, Microlepia matthewii Christ,

Histiopteris incisa (Thunb.) J. Sm, Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, Calochlaena javanica

(Blume.) M.D. Turner & R.A White, Acrophorus nodosus C. Presl, Polystichum elmeri Copel,

Lindsaea fissa Copel, Lindsaea obtusa J. Sm. Ex. Hook, Tapienidium luzonicum (Hook)K.U.,

Tapienidium pinnatum (Cav.) C. Chr., Gleichenia truncata (Willd.)Spring, Gleichenia longissima

Blume, Abrodictyum obscurum (Blume) Ebihara & K. Iwats., Lycopodiella cernua (L.) Pic.

Serm. , Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.) Schott, Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.)C. Presl, Pteris pacifica

Hieron, Syngramma wallichIii (Hook) Bedd., Selaginella cupressina (Willd.) Spring,

Selaginella ramosii Hieron., Selaginella negrosensis Hieron., and Sphaerostephanos

heterocarpus (Blume)

2. The twenty-eight (28) identified species of ferns and lycopyhtes came from twelve (12)

families which are the Athyriaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Dicksoniaceae, Dryopteridaceae,

Lindsaeaceae, Gleicheniaceae, Hymenophyllaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Matoniaceae, Pteridaceae,

Selaginellaceae, and Theylpteridaceae.

3. In the assessment of identified species it was found that eight (8 ) species of ferns are

endemic based on Co’s Digital Flora (Pelser et al., 2011). The species Diplazium pallidum T.

Moore is considered as critically endangered by the (DEWHA, 2008). The other three species;

Acrophorus nodosus C. Presl, Polystichum elmeri Copel and Selaginella cupressina (Willd.)

Spring are listed as endangered. And Diplazium cordifolium Blume species is considered as

vulnerable by the Nature conservation act 1992 (NCA).

50
Conclusion

The researcher came up with the following findings:

1. Mount Sinaka houses a total of twenty-eight (28) terrestrial pteridopyhtes species

which came from twelve (12) families and seventeen (17) genera. With these, four (4)

are lycopyhtes and twenty-four (24) are ferns.

2. Among the identified species of pteridopyhtes fifteen (15) species are widespread.

Eight (8) species are considered as endemic, one (1) is critically endangered, three (3)

species are endangered and one specie is vulnerable.

3. Given the status of the identified species, immediate action in making effective

conservation measures for the species of pteridophytes are necessary.

Recommendations

Policy recommendations with the conservation of Pteridopyhtes species.

The data from this project should be useful to the LGUs of Arakan, as well as the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources in enhancing/strengthening policies and

ordinances to protect and conserve the remaining natural resource of Mount Sinaka.

Recommended policies include: For CENRO, PEF, SB Arakan, MENRO Arakan and other

stakeholders.

1. Conservation protocols of the eight (8) endemic and other endangered species

documented in Brgy. Datu Ladayon in Mount Sinaka should be followed to preserve

and conserve these species and be given specific attention by stakeholders and local

people in the area.

2. Mount Sinaka is a home to threatened and endemic flora. Thus, local conservation

policy implementation must be strengthened/enhanced to protect their habitat.

51
 3. LGU should strengthen People’s Organization like Bantay Kalikasan for possible

funding and other opportunities.

4. The Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) materials produced

and distributed by the research team to enhance the understanding of biodiversity in

Brgy. Datu Ladayon must be posted/displayed/distributed in strategic places for wider

information dissemination.

For Baranggay Datu Ladayon,

1. Mount Sinaka is a home to threatened and endemic flora. Thus, local conservation

policy must be strengthened/enhanced to protect Mt. Sinaka.

2. Strengthen the capability of Bantay Kalikasan.

3. The Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) materials produced and

distributed by the research team to enhance the understanding of biodiversity in Brgy.

Datu Ladayon must be posted/displayed/distributed in strategic places for wider

information dissemination.

52
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 TERRESTRIAL PTERIDOPHYTES IN MT. SINAKA, BRGY.
DATU LADAYON, ARAKAN, NORTH COTABATO
H.G Taron
Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology
___________________________________________________________

Diplazium lomariaceum (C. Chr.) Lindsaea fissa Copel Gleichenia longissima Blume
M.G. Price
LINDSAEACEAE GLEICHENIACEAE
ATHYRIACEAE
Endemic Endemic
Endemic
 
 

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Nephrolepis biserrata(Sw.) Schott Selaginella ramosii Hieron. Selaginella negrosensis Hieron.

MATONIACEAE SELAGINELLACEAE SELAGINELLACEAE

   Achrop

DR

57
APPENDECIS

THE STUDY AREA

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59
 CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: HAZEL GAY TARON

Nickname: Gigi
Date of Birth: September 26, 1999
Place of Birth: Tubod, Carmen, Davao del Norte
Permanent Address: Naje, Arakan, North Cotabato
Family
Father: Roberto Prospero D. Taron
Mother: Nelma V. Taron
Sisters: Liezl Kate V. Taron
Hannah May V. Taron
Rhian Xena V. Taron
Brother: James Robenel V. Taron
Educational Background Year Graduated
Elementary: Naje Elementary School 2011-2012
Secondary
Junior High School: Assumption Academy of Monkayo Inc. 2016-2017
Senior High School: Assumption Academy of Monkayo Inc 2018-2019 Tertiary:
Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology 2021-2022
Degree: Bachelor of Secondary Education
Major: Science
AFFILIATION
College Science Guild Treasurer (2019-2021)