TY -JOUR
AU -Irl Dean R. Cobias
AU -Aileen Grace D. Delima
AU -Cyrose Suzie Silvosa-Millado
AU -Marion John Michael M. Achondo
AU -Shiela Mae E. Cabrera
AU -Sheryl Moana Marie R. Ollamina
AU -Brian L. Pototan
AU -Lief Erikson D. Gamalo
AU -Aaron Froilan M. Raganas
TI -Comparison of tree community structure in lower and upper montane forests of Mount Kampalili, Davao de Oro, Philippines
PY -2026
DA -2026-04-12
JO -Taiwania
VL -71
IS -2
SP -335
EP -349
UR -https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2177
AB -Mount Kampalili, part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area due to its concentration of Mindanao-endemic, rare, and threatened species; however, its montane forest composition and structure remain poorly documented. This study addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive assessment of tree community structure and diversity between the lower montane forest (LMF) and upper montane forest (UMF) of Mt. Kampalili. Tree communities were surveyed using 2-km transects in each forest type, and species composition, diversity indices, importance values, and similarity patterns were analyzed. A total of 101 tree species from 42 families were recorded, including 23 Philippine endemics and 26 threatened taxa. Diversity indices revealed high species richness and evenness in both forest types (Shannon-Wiener index H′ = 3.75; Simpson’s index 1–D = 0.96; Pielou’s evenness J = 0.81), indicating a species-rich and well-structured forest community. Cluster analysis based on Bray-Curtis similarity revealed distinct separation between LMF and UMF plots, indicating clear elevational structuring of tree assemblages. Species with highest importance values (SIVs), such as <i>Dacrycarpus imbricatus</i> and <i>Lithocarpus caudatifolius</i> exhibited broad elevational distributions, suggesting ecological generalism, while several endemic and threatened taxa were restricted to specific elevation zones. These findings demonstrate that elevational gradients play a key role in shaping the tree community compositions in Mt. Kampalili and that both montane forest zones contribute distinct assemblages to overall plant biodiversity. The presence of diverse, elevation-stratified, and conservation-relevant tree communities highlights the ecological significance of Mt. Kampalili within regional forest conservation efforts.
DO -10.6165/tai.2026.71.335