Species Composition of Mangrove Forests in Aurora, Philippines : A Special Reference to the Presence of Kandelia Candel (L.) Druce <Article>

This study aimed to conduct a preliminary identification of floral mangrove species, categorizing them as major mangrove species, minor mangrove species, mangrove associates, specialized groups and describing the present conditions and threats in the mangrove areas of Aurora- the only known site of Kandelia candel in the Philippines. The results showed that there are thirty (30) major and minor mangrove species; twenty-two (22) mangrove associates and ten (10) specialized groups identified. The three species which have the highest density, frequency, dominancy and importance values (IV) are Avicennia marina, Lumnitzera littorea and Rhizophora apiculata, while Ceriops decandra, Pemphis acidula and Sonneratia caseolaries are the species having the lowest importance percentage values respectively. Kandelia candel, on the other hand, was placed 18th in terms of its rank and/or order among the twenty seven (27) mangrove species subjected for vegetational analysis. Upon comparison with existing data, 56% of the total mangrove species known in the world and almost 77% of the species known in the Philippines alone are present in Aurora. Major problems observed include conversion of mangrove areas into private fishponds for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus niloticus) and milkfish (Chanos chanos) culture, conversion to residential and beach development, charcoal production and mud siltation due to the continuing logging operations in the upper parts of the Sierra Madre mountain in the province.