Assessment of the Proposed National List of Philippine Plants Based on the Habitat Classification System of the Philippines

Abstract

The study assessed the proposed list of protected plants based on habitat classification of the Philippines. A total of 446 species of plants are included in the list of which 205 are endemic species. From the 13 habitat types known in the country, only eight habitat types were inhabited by the species in the list. All the identified centers of plant diversity were represented. A total of 37 species were considered as critically endangered with 30 Philippine endemic and seven non-endemic. These species belong to four families. The distribution of 37 critically endangered species were mapped over the protected area map and centers of plant diversity. Four families were represented by the critically endangered species. These are Apocynaceae and Lauraceae (1 each), Sapindaceae (4) and Dipterocarpaceae (31). Of all species listed as critically endangered, only Guioa parviflora was found outside the center of plant diversity. It is found in Ilocos Norte. However, Ilocos Norte has one protected area which is Paoay Lake and three Watershed Forest Reserves (DENR-PAWB, 2003). Hence, conservation of G. parviflora is assured. It is not sufficient to include the species listed in the IUCN and CITES lists. Recommendations were formulated on how to improve the list and other criteria for including a species in the list were likewise identified.

The National List of Plants including their characteristics were converted into the Biodiversity Information Sharing Service (BISS) Editor for easy editing and updating of vital information for the list. Continuous meeting of the Philippine Plant Conservation Committee is needed to edit and to finalize the list.