Diversity and Distribution of Native and Invasive Plant Species in the Highland Ecosystems of Tupi, South Cotabato, Philippines: Implications for Conservation and Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21457543Keywords:
biodiversity, native species, invasive species, plant diversity, highland ecosystems, Tupi, South Cotabato.Abstract
This study assessed the diversity and distribution of native and invasive plant species in the highland ecosystems of Tupi, South Cotabato, particularly in the barangays of Acmonan, Linan, and Kablon. Using a quantitative descriptive-comparative research design, vegetation data were collected through field surveys employing quadrat and transect sampling methods. Species were identified and classified as native or invasive, and biodiversity was evaluated using species richness, abundance, frequency, Importance Value Index (IVI), Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, and species evenness. A total of 65 plant species were recorded, consisting of 32 native species (49%) and 33 invasive species (51%), indicating that the ecosystem is in a transitional state with invasive species slightly dominating. Critical invasive species such as Chromolaena odorata, Mikania micrantha, and Ageratum conyzoides were identified as major threats to native biodiversity. Among the study sites, Kablon exhibited the highest biodiversity (H′ = 2.37) and native species composition, while Acmonan showed the highest invasive species dominance. Results further revealed that native species abundance increased with elevation, whereas invasive species abundance decreased. The findings highlight the need for immediate conservation efforts, invasive species management, and habitat restoration to protect native biodiversity and maintain ecological stability in the highland ecosystems of Tupi, South Cotabato.
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