Species distribution and abundance of amphibians in two vegetation types of Agusan Marsh, Philippines (original) (raw)
Agusan Marsh is the 1009th RAMSAR site, a wildlife sanctuary which harbour unique and pristine faunal species. It is considered one of the most ecologically significant wetland ecosystems in the Philippines. The study assessed species distribution and abundance using Geographic Information System Map in Agusan Marsh between Sago Palm and Terminalia Forest. Results showed a total of 322 individuals, 11 species and 6 families of amphibians documented. Of the 11 species of amphibians documented in Sago Palm and Terminalia Forest, 6 were Philippine endemics, 3 were invasive species in the area. Terminalia forest had the highest number of individuals documented during the conduct of the study. Sago Palm and Terminalia Forest have almost the same type of vegetation where amphibian species thrive most. Furthermore, ecological and environmental threats (conversion of Terminalia Forest to agricultural land, runoff of environmental pollutants, pesticides run-off and Kaingin or Slash and Burns) being identified in the two habitat types should be given urgent attention. This shows that Agusan Marsh particularly Sago Palm and Terminalia Forest still harbour unique features of endemic amphibian species despite of the on-going anthropogenic activities in the said areas.
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