Status of Ferns in Tabunan, Cebu City, Philippines

Cebu Normal University
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City, 6000

Status of Ferns in Mt. Manunggal, Talamban, Cebu Island, Philippines: An Assessment

A
Thesis Proposal

Presented to:

Mrs. Maria Lilibeth P. Abaquita, MAST

Presented by:
Garces, Jake Joshua C.

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Rationale

The relative quantity of plant species in our environment is actually present through time. Ferns, being somewhat numerous in number, becomes a present challenge by botanists. In most mountainous areas, ferns are visible particularly blanketing the understory with poignant foliage. However, the presence of these species, especially in investigating its patterns in diversity, is less studied by most biologists, leaving a limited knowledge to the people. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to ignore that ecologists are more focused on studying herbaceous vegetation, shrubs and trees all over the world, leaving behind a little attention to ferns. There are still many questions on fern ecology that is still open, e.g. the relative role of these species to the environment, contributory factor in the ecosystem and its interspecific competition in the fern communities (Lehmann et. al, 2002). In addition, ferns in some tropical woodland have varying benefits. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in their wide usage both in aesthetic and delicate subcanopy as well as its sustainability in holding firmly the soil, thereby, hindering soil erosion (Sharpe et. al, 2010). This mainly ensures that there is maintenance in the ecological interrelation between the abiotic and biotic factors of the ecosystem. Recent developments in ferns have heightened the need for understanding other importance. On tropical landslides, ferns can also facilitate stages of succession through stabilizing sloped and improving soil conditions (Walker, 1994). Ferns also live symbiotically with other plants from which they obtain nutrients and moisture. They are also sensitive in direct sunlight which can be an indicator of environmental changes. Epiphytic ferns are also important in collecting masses of humus which gives a nesting habitat for many species of ants and other invertebrates. Furthermore, epiphytic ferns grow around the host (phorophyte) such as stem and branches, giving anchorage and contact with stem and branch. It has its roots that can trap the dissolved chemicals in rainwater, thereby, causing clean water to flow down to the bark of the host. With this capability of the roots, this reduce the flow of these chemicals and allow the accumulation of considerable quantities of water to the ferns (Andama et al., 2003). In Philippine forests, 13 500 species of ferns, representing five percent of world’s flora, are known to exist. With only about 1,011 species being assessed, 30 percent are endemic in the country (Zamora et al., 1986). The number of fern species cited entails its availability in the Philippine forests yet proper assessment for records and documents are not yet finalized and completely obtained. Another concern for this study includes further discovery of other fern species in the Philippine vicinity. At the present time, there has been least quantified number of species of ferns in Cebu. According to Stoval (1959), ferns are considered to be of great impact in our Philippine forests. It is known to be an obligate wetland species- a good indicator that the riparian area is storing water and maintaining a water table connection, making it a habitat for biotic survival. Unfortunately, knowledge and assessment on ferns are limited and any recorded information is scarce especially in Cebu, thus making this study very timely and relevant. Ferns as an integral part of our floral community must be carefully studied, recorded and assessed in order to know the status of these species should they be possibly threatened or vulnerable. Initiative in this discourse will provide ecological stability in Philippine forests, its flora and faunal interconnection, which is a precautionary action to be undertaken.

Statement of the Problem

From these endeavors, this will answer the following questions:
1. What are the different fern species in Mt. Manunggal, Talamban. Cebu City?
2. What are the locally assessed fern species in Mt. Manunggal, Talamban, Cebu City?

Objectives of the study
This study is proposed:

1. to identify the different fern species in Mt. Manunggal
2. to determine the fern species according to its scientific classification and local name
3. to tabulate a complete list of the fern species assessed in the said secondary forest

Research hypothesis The abundance of ferns determines a successful watershed because of the increased availability of moisture, providing a particularly suitable environment for them to exist and survive.
Significance of the Study

Pteridophytes are one of the least studied groups of plants particularly here in Cebu, Philippines. Compared with angiosperms, proper documentation of these groups is least accentuated, thus, it needs proper documentation in terms of its description and identification key which can be developed for general users (Kramer, 1993). In connection with this, the relationship of these plants to humans must be properly well- documented in order to provide necessary information as to how humans exist with plants and vice versa. This will also entail details on the contributory uses of plants to mankind. With all the data collected and information cited, this research discourse will give advantage to the following institutions:
Government
This will assist in implementing rules and regulations that are ought to be done by the people itself. This will assure that fern species in the different forests and locality will be totally protected and conserved. Moreover, this will also promote awareness amongst people on ferns, being neglected in the community yet with great importance when given proper study and further investigations on other fields.
Academe
With some of the fern species prevalent in the schools and universities, this will give extensive information to the neglected group of plant species in such institutions, thereby, eliminating ignorance as a whole. This will also establish the consciousness in students to mainly focus on conservation-research based thesis and dissertation which is the main focus of today’s millennium. More advancement in the field of conservation biology will be constructed for more endeavors in the future generation.
Community
By means of this investigation, the community will be responsible enough in learning the importance of ferns being seen in the environment. This will supply early realization to the people as to what ferns look like, how they help in maintaining harmony in the environment and how it provides multiple economic uses. This will also give ways in making business out of ferns.
Researchers
As a pioneering research on fern species assessment in one of the secondary forests of Cebu, this will open doors in the formulation of new research deemed applicable in promoting bioassay formation and documentation on fern assessment in other protected and unprotected. This will also open more exploration in fern species identification and taxonomy in other forests here in the Philippines.
Students
The students will become equipped with new ideas about fern species and understand the economic importance of these plant species. This least studied field of botany will make them as one of the accessory ingredients in fulfilling new ideas and research in this study. This will open their minds as to how diverse our environment is, therefore, constructing new researchers in the years to come.
Theoretical Framework The study is fastened on two theories of Fern Assessment. First, as stated in the Theory of Island Biogeography, species richness increases depending on the area because wider areas support more resources, hence, more individuals will allow species to maintain increased population sizes and reduce extinction menace ( Mehltreter et al. 2009). This theory simply states that on larger islands, there is a larger member of species while smaller islands have less number of species ( Geography Suite 101 [updated 2009]). Furthermore, this theory exemplifies on the idea that fern species richness is abundant in watershed ecosystem which exist in another form of ecosystem, the forested vicinity. This theory does not involve only the islands yet on the basis of co- existing ecosystems. With these two co- existing ecosystems, this increases the actuality of fern species in two habitat which allows them to act on one ecosystem and therefore maximize the number of area it can support due to the fact that there is an existing environment favorable for their growth and development. As to the existing ecosystem- the watershed, the Theory of Climate Independence of Species Richness simply states that ferns are considered to be water- dependent plants and therefore, they also require high humidity for their growth and reproduction (Tyron, 1976). This is because spores of gametophytes are being carried by water through conspicuous adaptations. Also, this case discusses that optimal conditions or fern species survival are defined by where the largest number of species are to be found. From these theories, the abundance of ferns is based on the existing watershed which makes these ferns successful for ultimate growth and development, as a whole.

Scope and Limitation

The study will concentrate on the identification of fern species found in Mt. Manunggal. Different fern species will be properly assessed based on their abundance in the said secondary forest. The ferns in the locality will also be identified based on differences found in the guide book borrowed from Cebu Normal University Museum together with the reliable databases in the internet for fern identification and classification. In the assessment of ferns, only the fern species located in the quadrat built by the researchers will be recorded which is necessary for the fulfillment of the study. The study will therefore focus only on the fern species, not on other plant species, since there has been no other form of research being performed or conducted yet in the said two forests of interest.

Operational Definition of Terms

aquatic habitat- habitat wherein ferns live due to the requirement that reproduction occurs most likely in wet environment biodiversity- harmonious existence of both flora and fauna in an environment blade- the green, leafy, expanded part of the frond costa- midvein of the pinna fiddlehead- unfurling young frond of most ferns, loosely resembling the ornate, curled end of a fiddle; the first visible structures to emerge aboveground early in the growing season freshwater wetlands- wetlands where ferns usually thrive floral diversity- the sequence of varying plant species in Mt.Manunggal and Tabunan geography- distribution of plant species in an area, including the location, surface area, latitude, longitude, soil type, seasons and vegetation type morphology- study of plant development through its forms and structures old-growth forests- forest that has never been cut pinna- fully separate subdivision of the blade that is attached to the rachis; this term applies when the blade is fully divided (i.e., pinnate), not just lobed pinnule- fully separate subdivision of the pinna; this term applies when the pinna is fully divided (bipinnate), not just lobed rachis- cental axis (midrib) of the blade that bears the pinnae rhizome- stem of the fern, usually horizontal and creeping but sometimes vertical and erect, which produces roots below and the frond above; often functions as a perennial organ stand- informal term referred to as a group of trees in a forests stipe- stem, stalk or petiole in ferns which is found in frond arising from the rhizome, below the point where the leafy blade is produced secondary forest- also known as second-growth forests, this refers to the forests that has been destroyed and regrown taxonomy- scientific classification of plants with their corresponding similarities and differences veins- elongate cells, most visible on the leafy parts, that transport essential nutrients and sugars xeric cliffs- ferns that exist in the absence of water during drier parts of summer

Acronyms

DENR-7 Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Region 7
LGU Local Government Unit
FIDD Fern ID Database
FWBPS Fern World British Pteridological Society

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

Pteridophytes, also known as ferns, are plant species which can be immediately seen in most forests. Possessing their huge, widely dissected and cuticle-contained green leaves, ferns become visually appealing to the eyes which are particularly used as ornamental. As they are widely seen in forests, proper assessment on these plant species have been locally accounted with so much limitations. According to Lwanga (1998) in his study on fern assessment in Kampala, Uganda, an estimated quantity of 75% in fern diversity was recorded in the place. Measures that were used in the study was through soil fertility being calculated through related rainfall and distance from the nearest putative Pleistocene vicinity. In totality, out of the 75% fern species cited, 147 fern species across 12 forests was recorded in the place ( Lwanga, 1998). With the prevalent depression on little knowledge about fine- scale distribution of the great predominance of species, especially in the tropic, where most diversity occurs, there are 25% of the remaining variance of other fern species that is not yet recorded. This accounts to further study to establish complete assessment in Uganda (Mittermeier, 1988; Myers, 1988, 1990; Pressey et al., 1993; Balmford and Long, 1994). In Costa Rica, ferns along its inclined gradient with potential mechanisms driving such as changes were mainly studied in order to assess ferns being present in the place (Watkins et al., 2006). More than 264 species from 60 genera of fern species were registered. Sixty-nine percent of the fern species were terrestrial, canopy epiphytes recorded were 113, 121 also of them are low- trunk epiphytes and one species was located in both canopy and terrestrial habitat (Watkins et al., 2006). This study has interestingly elevated the knowledge on fern assessment all over the world due to the wideness in terms of scope of the study. Another interesting study on fern assessment was cited in New Zealand. About 43 species of pteridophytes was seen based on generalized additive models (GAM), an original package of functions called generalized regression analysis and spatial prediction was applied. Out of those 43 fern species, fern community in New Zealand was gradually monitored which becomes a consistent approach not only for the biodiversity hotspots identification but is applicable also for biodiversity assessment and restoration program (Lehmann et al., 2002). In the Asian scene, Sulawesi, formely known as Celebes which is one of the islands of mainland Indonesia, the researchers have collected 357 fern species all over the island. It was also recorded that they were originally 24 sheets of 16 species stored in the Herbarium Bogoriense but was clearly stated by Steenis (1950) when he reported to Herbarium Bogoriense that both Kjellberg and Broideville (1929) made the complete and further research on fern assessment in Indonesia. Furthermore, it was clearly asserted that the data and information about ferns in South East Sulawesi has been documented yet with noticeable limitation on further research. In the Philippines, Dr. Victor B. Amoroso, a fern specialist in Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Bukidnon have pronounced that 800 species of ferns was recorded in Mt. Kitanglad in the northern part of Bukidnon. Of the total fern species, 2 species are endemic or native, 625 are non-endemic or introduced in the mountain, and 173 are still unknown in the mountain. Another study was also done on fern assessment which recorded more than 19 species of ferns and 1 species of fern allies by the group. A total of 50 species of pteridophytes was also recorded in the locality (Amoroso et al., 2010). In connection with this, fern assessment employed in the Mindanao area has opened ways in order to locally assess species of ferns in some other parts of the Philippines. Cebu, as a one of the biodiversity hotspot zones here in the Philippines is still a hotspot zone for fern assessment since any form of study has not been done in the place, particularly in one of the remaining secondary forests of Cebu-Mt. Manunggal, Talamban, Cebu City. In some publications, worldwide estimation on fern species has been 12, 000. It has been emphasized that 65% of these species are found in the tropics (Chin, 2005) where the Philippines, as the second hotspot zone of megabiodiversity is located. This only means that other fern species to be included in the list is possibly found in some parts of Cebu, particularly, Mt. Manunggal. It is indicated that the data and information about ferns in Cebu is very limited, therefore, research on fern diversity is important and necessary in the continuity of data collection of ferns all over the Philippines.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study will intend to identify, assess and record the present local fern species that is found in one of the secondary forests of Cebu Island, Philippines particularly, Mt. Manunggal, Talamban, Cebu City. The study will account on the instruments, techniques and process needed for the proper identification and fern species which are not yet assessed. This will be conducted by the researchers this coming April to May, 2012.
Research Environment Mt. Manunggal, one of the remaining secondary forests in Cebu, has a total land area of 500 ha. The mountain peak has an altitude of 3, 083 feet above sea level. The place also has a long, narrow and low round, highly forested hill tops that surrounds and dominates the higher altitudes of Cebu Islands. It has a latitude of 10ᵒ 27’ 39.41’’ N and a longitude of 123ᵒ 46’ 50.72’’ E. The place is approximately 22 miles northwest in Cebu highlands. Aside from the beautiful sceneries it extends in the highland Cebu, the mountain has canyons, cliffs, gullies, caves and creek leading to the crystal clear water into both Comado River in Balamban and Banban River in the south. Mt. Manunggal belongs to the fourth climate type manifested althroughout-the-year coldest temperature reaching up to 19ᵒC during March and 32ᵒC between April and May. Furthermore, fog is also observed in mountain range and ridges before sunrise and after sunset which captures a favorable climate amongst plant species (Cañeta et al. 2012). Many foreign and tourists usually visit the mountainous peak which leads to varying obstacles such as migration of individuals from lowlands, environmental distorted forests and environmental deterioration (DENR-VII, 1994). In doing the research, the researchers personally will ask the permission from the baranggay Local Government Unit (LGU) to conduct the fern assessment and give us guidance in the preliminary and comprehensive discourse on fern species in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu City.
Research Design The researchers adopted the Descriptive Survey Method. In this survey method, the overall species census of plant population will be measured using a Transect- Quadrat Method in order to know the ferns to be assessed as adapted from Clores (2006).

Fig 1. Map of Mt. Manunggal In the focused site, two 100-m transect lines will be implanted with an interval of 50 m from each other. Two 40m x 40m quadrats will be applied for each transect. Each quadrat has a distance of 20m from each other and was placed alternately left and right to ensure fair and just representation.

Fig. 2. Position of quadrats in each transect
Research Material The researchers will use a total of two 100 m-line transects and two 40x40m quadrats for the ferns species assessment with a total land area of 5000 m2 for each site. In recording the plant species located in each quadrat, the materials that will be used are pencils, papers and ballpen. Furthermore, integrated-printed manual from databases and one guide field book- Fern of Northern and Central North America (2nd edition), Peterson Field Guide as well as a guide book from the CNU museum will be used as a bases for identification and assessment. Plant presser will be used in order to collect fern species from the vicinity necessary for further analysis and identification. A digital camera will also be used for the recording purposes of the ferns which are found in the area of study.

Research Procedure
Data Collection In each intrails, 40x40m quadrat will be determined and calculated from all the plants ( e.g. shrubs, grasses, vines, herbs, trees and especially ferns) as well as the time needed to accomplish the quadrat starting from the set-up, take down and walking time will also be indicated. The researchers identified the fern species based on the different databases and field guide books.
Fern ID Database (FIDD)
Fern World British Pteridological Society (FWBPS)
Ferns of Northwestern and Central North American (2nd edition) by Boughton Cobb, Elizabeth Farnsworth and Cheryl Lowe

On each side of unidentified fern species, the researcher will get a sample from each quadrat and will place it in the plant presser for identification purposes. The data collection and herbarium will lasts for 2 days to completely cover the area of study.
Data Analysis
For the data analysis tool, the study of Laruya et al. (2009) will be assorted which will also include calculations of the stated formula in order to demonstrate the abundance, frequency and dominance of the fern species.
Abundance = Total # of species A x 100
Total # of all species

Frequency = # of segment species A occur x100 Total of # of segments sampled

Dominance = Abundance + frequency

Relative Density = # of individuals of species A x100 Total # of individual for all species

Relative frequency = Frequency value of all species x100
Total frequency value of all species

Relative Dominance= Total dominance value for all species A x100 Total dominance value for all species

Importance Value = Relative frequency + Relative density + Relative dominance

The important value of a species will determine the abundance of ferns according o how commonly and how many individuals of the species occur. The larger the importance value, the more dominant the species is (Online Encyclopedia, [updated 2010]).

On the other hand, diversity indices will give us the information about the rarity and commonness of a species in the community. This is an important tool in analyzing the framework of the community. The following calculations will be included to compute species richness, species diversity, dominance and evenness of the species in each site.

Species Richness= no. of species found in each quadrat

Margalef’s Diversity Index= (S-1)/logN; where S= the number of species, N= total number of individuals

Simpson’s Diversity Index= Ʃ(n/N)²; where n= the total number of organisms of a particular species, N=the total number of all organisms of all species

To calculate evenness, calculate the following:

Hmax = lnS; where ln is the natural logarithm and S is the number of species encountered (Smith and Smith, 2000)

Ƒ= H/Hmax ; where H is the Shannon’s Index (Pielou, 1966)

Shannon- Weaver Index= - Ʃ [ Pi (LNPi) ]

Apemdix A
Map of Mt. Manunggal

Appendix B
Request Permission to conduct the study from the Mayor

Dear Sir:
Good day!
This is to inform your good office that we will be conducting a research on Status of Ferns in Secondary Forests of Cebu Island: An Assessment for a Research Project at Cebu Normal University this April- May 30, 2012.
In this regard, may we request permission that we will be allowed to gather and collect species of plants to be gathered in the area. We will assure that only one sample of fern species of each kind will be gathered by the researchers as to manage the preservation and conservation of these in the said area.
The result of the study will be documented as to their assessment, identification and classification of fern species which is highly recommended particularly here in Cebu. The study is timely and relevant since there has been no form of study conducted here in our place. This is will the first of its kind in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu.
May this matter merit you approval. Thank you so much and God bless!

Sincerely yours,

JAKE JOSHUA C. GARCES
Researcher

MARIA LILIBETH P. ABAQUITA
Research Adviser

Appendix C
Request Permission to conduct the study from the Baranggay Captain

Dear Sir:
Good day!
This is to inform your good office that we will be conducting a research on Status of Ferns in Secondary Forests of Cebu Island: An Assessment for a Research Project at Cebu Normal University this April- May 30, 2012.
In this regard, may we request permission that we will be allowed to gather and collect species of plants to be gathered in the area. We will assure that only one sample of fern species of each kind will be gathered by the researchers as to manage the preservation and conservation of these in the said area.
The result of the study will be documented as to their assessment, identification and classification of fern species which is highly recommended particularly here in Cebu. The study is timely and relevant since there has been no form of study conducted here in our place. This is will the first of its kind in Mt. Manunggal, Balamban, Cebu.
May this matter merit you approval. Thank you so much and God bless!

Sincerely yours,

JAKE JOSHUA C. GARCES
Researcher

MARIA LILIBETH P. ABAQUITA
Research Adviser