Republic of the Philippines

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE
Narra Heights, Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
Tel. No. 476-4036

REPORT ON MANGROVE FOREST ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED AT BRGY.

TABA-AO, SAGAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

INTRODUCTION

The assessment adapted the guidelines outlined in the BMB Technical Bulletins 2017-
05 "Guidelines on the Assessment of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems" and 2019-04
"Technical Guide on Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System for Coastal and
Marine Ecosystems," which detailed the methodology for mapping and assessing coastal and
marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass.

Mangroves are a type of forest found along tidal mudflats and shallow-water coastal
areas, extending inland along rivers, streams, and tributaries with brackish water (Melana, et
al., 2000). They thrive in tropical countries such as the Philippines and are an important
component of the coastal and marine ecosystem, which includes seagrass and coral reefs.
Around 46 of the world's more than 70 mangrove species are known to occur in various parts
of the country. Mangroves provide a variety of valuable human products, resources, and
ecological services, including wood-fire, ethno-medicinal, clean air, and typhoon/flood
protection. Furthermore, it contributes to the maintenance of ecological balance in an
ecosystem. Provides food to many fishes, invertebrates and birds and provides protection to
any coastal catastrophic events.

Sagay Marine Reserve is being one of the largest marine reserves in the country
housing a significant number of species such as mangroves, seagrasses, corals, giant clams,
etc. (SMR Office 2012 cf Bocario et al., 2019). In 1995, approximately 32,000 of Sagay’s
territorial waters was declared as protected seascape under the National Integrated Protected
Areas System (NIPAS) Act and was provided stricter law enforcement with the passing of
Republic Act. No. 9106 in 2001 (SMR, 2019).

Since Barangay Taba-Ao Mangrove Area is one of the largest geographical features
of the Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR). The area plays an important role in nurturing
biodiversity. The eventual growth of mangroves in the Barangay Taba-Ao paved the way for
it to become a sanctuary for various species of flora and fauna. Therefore, there is a need to
assess the existing mangrove species, to help preserve and protect the coastal resources
dependent on the mangrove forests in the area.

Updating these data on the mangrove ecosystems in the area, is needed for further
research and development as well as policy-making in and for the marine reserve and to
address some issues on mangrove degradation and habitat loss, that need for integrated
planning and management, based on sound legal principles of the data gathered.
MATERIALS and METHOD

The existing mangrove stand of Brgy. Taba-ao covers an area of approximately 66.5
hectares and is situated at approximately 10.9341, 123.4496. It is one of the largest
geographical features of the Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR), with an elevation at these
coordinates estimated at 6.2 meters or 20.3 feet above mean sea level.

Figure 1. Map showing the location of the transects for the Mangrove Assessment of Brgy.
Taba-ao.Sagay City, Negros Occidental

Prior to the commencement of the survey, a communication letter was sent to the
office of the Barangay Captain where the sampling sites are located. Approval and permits to
conduct the study were made before the letter was sent. The assessment was undertaken for
two days (February 01, 2023, and February 07, 2023) to familiarize the area and also to
reduce errors and standardize observations as much as possible. The field activity was
carefully planned for the efficient use of time, personnel, and materials needed. Physical
factors of the area were taken into consideration such as daytime of low tide; altitude,
substrate, wilderness and safety of the identified sites to be assessed. Since the assessment
area is half an hour away travel from the town proper, preparations such as assessment
materials, food and accommodation and proper attire for assessment were secured.

The mangrove species were identified using DENR’s Field Guide to the Identification
of some Mangrove Plant Species in the Philippines by Melana, et.al (1998) and Field Guide
to Philippine Mangroves by Primavera J.H. (2009). The data gathered were analyzed using
the formula for density, frequency, dominance, relative density, relative frequency, relative
dominance, and importance value (IV). IV is the sum of relative density, relative frequency
and relative dominance which gives better index regarding the importance or function of a
species in its habitat. It also provides rank or order for a particular species within the forest
community (Odum & Barett, 2005; Kent & Coker, 1992; Krebs, 1985; Mueller-Dumbois &
Ellenberg, 1974). Data gathering for mangrove assessment is illustrated in the next figure.
 Figure 2. Mangrove assessment establishing quadrat and strip transect (right side);
assessment output parameters (left side) (Deguit et al, 2004).

Collected data from the field were transcribed from the data sheet into a tabulated form.
Data processing and analysis were performed for discussion in the report, using the following
formula:
1. Crown diameter (2 measures) - the average of the crown width at the widest point and
a second width measurement made 90o to the diameter at the widest point.
2. Crown cover is calculated using the formula 𝜋/4𝑑 2 or 0.7854𝑑 2 (d as the total crown
diameter)
3. To get the crown cover for each tree = 0.7854 x (average crown diameter)2
4. To get percent crown cover: {Total crown cover of all trees Total area sampled} ×
100
5. To get the average height = Total height of all trees recorded

Data per transects were then consolidated to represent sites, then sites were summarized
to provide an overview condition of the mangrove habitat. The derived parameters were
analysed based on the criteria and conditions below:

Table 1. Criteria for Determining Condition of Mangrove (PCRA, 2004).

CONDITION CRITERIA
EXCELLENT 76% and above in % Crown Cover
1 Regeneration per m2
Above 5m in average tree height
Undisturbed to negligible disturbance
GOOD 51-75% crown cover
<1-0.76% regeneration per m2
<5m - 3m average height of trees
Slight disturbance and few cuttings
FAIR 26-50% crown cover
0.50 - 0.75 regeneration per m2
<3m - 2m average height of trees
Moderate disturbance and noticeable cuttings
POOR 0-25% crown cover
<0.50 regeneration per m2
<2m average height of trees
Heavy disturbance/cuttings/pollution, rampant coversion
 to other uses, nearly destroyed
To update the ecosystem of Mangroves in Barangay Taba-Ao, the procedure from the
guidelines outlined in the BMB Technical Bulletins 2017-05 "Guidelines on the Assessment
of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems" and 2019-04 "Technical Guide on Biodiversity
Assessment and Monitoring System for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems for Mangrove
Assessment," was adopted. Landward transect stations perpendicular to the shoreline are
established as part of the mangrove habitat assessment. A transect walk was conducted to
determine the landward extent of the mangrove habitat, using a GPS device to mark the
location. Mangrove trees, as well as other organisms discovered in the habitat, were
identified. The area is mapped and generated using Google Earth using the GPS location
coordinates obtained (Table 2).

Table 2. Location of the established Coordinates Points of Mangrove in Brgy. Taba-Ao.

Transect No. Starting Point End Point
1 N10°56.070' El23°27.188' 51 P0549094' E123°27.199'
2 N10° 50.030' E123°27.221' N10°56.039 E123°27.244'
3 5 51 P0548 771 L1209026 51 P0548834 L1209075
4 51 P0548 771 L1209085 51 P0548722 L12090128
5 51 P05487 38 L1209156 51 P0548693 L1209284
6 51 P05487 44 L1209155 51 P0548763 L1209204
7 51 P05490 26 L1208967 51 P05449069 L1209000
8 51 P05490 18 L1209028 51 P30549035 L1209075
9 51 P05490 18 L1209028 51 P30549035 L1209075

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Species composition

The mangrove forest covers a total of 667 hectares (6.67 km) in Barangay Taba-ao. A
total of five (5) species of mangroves were identified within the mangrove areas of Barangay
Taba-Ao, Sagay City; namely; Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Rhizopora apiculata,
Rhizopora mucronata and Sonneratia alba. Among the family, Avicennia dominated the
whole area in terms of population and density (Figure 3). Among species Avicennia marina
and Rhizopora apiculata were the most abundant in the sampling area. A total of 448 trees
were counted. The list of observed mangrove species is shown in Table 3. Figure 5 presents
the percent composition of mangrove species. An inventory of mangrove species was also
prepared and described in Table 4.

SPECIES OF MANGROVES
Sonneratia alba Avicennia alba
11% 11%
Rhizophora mucronata
15%

Avicennia marina
33%
Rhizophora apiculata
30%

Avicennia alba Avicennia marina Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophora mucronata Sonneratia alba
 Figure 3. Identified Mangrove Species in Brgy. Taba-Ao.
Table 3. Species composition and conservation status of mangroves in Brgy. Taba-Ao
No. Scientific Common Family Name Conservation Percent
Name Name Status (IUCN*) Composition
1 Avicennia Bungalon, Avicenniaceae Least concern 11%
alba api-api, miapi
2 Avicennia Bungalon, Avicenniaceae Least concern 33%
marina api-api, miapi
3 Rhizophora Bakhaw- Rhizophoreaceae Least concern 30%
apiculata lalaki
4 Rhizophora Bakhaw Rhizophoreaceae Least concern 15%
mucronata babae
5 Sonneratia Pagat-pat Sonneratiaceae Least concern 11%
alba

Table 4. Inventory and description of mangrove species found in Brgy. Taba-Ao, Sagay
City (2023)
No. Scientific Name Name and IUCN Status Description* and Location**
1 Avicennia alba Common Name: Medium-sized trees, which tolerate
Apiapi high salinity and colonize the soft,
muddy banks of rivers and tidal
Family Name: flats. The tree's usual location is
Avicenniaceae low intertidal, marine. Leaves are
pointed, slender and its underside
IUCN Status: is whitish to silver. The flowers are
Least concern small, light orange with subtle
scent. Fruits are distinctly
elongated, pointed, chili-like and
pale green. Bark are sooty black
and rough.
Location: Transect 7,8, and 9
2 Avicennia marina Common Name: The most widely distributed
Apiapi mangroves forming stands located
at low to midintertidal marine to
Family Name: intermediate estuarine. Leaves are
Avicenniaceae smaller, dark green to yellow,
blades flat to curly. Flowers are
IUCN Status: small, yellow, slight scent. Fruits
Least concern are heart-shaped with beak, light
green to yellow, slightly hairy.
Bark are shiny, flaky, light green to
light brown Location: Transect 1-9
3 Rhizophora Common Name: Medium to tall trees reaching 20 m
apiculata Bakawang-lalaki located at low to mid-intertidal to
marine. Leaves are narrow, dark
Family Name: red interpetiolary stipules. There
Rhizophoraceae are 2 sessile flowers on short (1-2
cm) peduncle. Propagules are up to
IUCN Status: 30 cm long, dark green, smooth.
Least concern Location: Transect 1, 2, 4,5,6,7,8
 and 9
4 Rhizophora Common Name: Medium to big trees reaching 15m
mucronata bakawang-babae to 30m located at low to mid-
intertidal marine to estuarine.
Family Name: Leaves are broadest, light green
Rhizophoraceae interpetiolary stipules. Flowers are
pendulous, stalk with 6-8 flowers;
IUCN Status: short style. Propagules are the
Least concern largest up to 80 cm long, green to
dark green and warty.
Location: Transect 5,6,7and 8
5 Sonneratia alba Common Name: Pioneering species of medium to
Palapat asu large trees, located at seaward; low
to mid-intertudal, high salinity and
Family Name: associated with A. marina. Leaves
Lythraceae have big rounded shape, with thick,
light green petiole. Flowers have
IUCN Status: white filaments and petals. Fruits
Least concern are smooth with calyx lobes
reflexed or spread out. Seeds are
large, U to V-shaped and pointed.
Location: Transect 1, 2, and 8
* Description is derived from Primavera J.H., R.S. Sadaba, M.J.H.L. Lebata and J.P. Altamirano.
2004. Handbook of Mangroves in the Philippines - Panay. SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department,
Iloilo, Philippines. 106 pp.

** Location is based on results of the assessment.

Relative Abundance Percent

Vegetation analysis

The mangroves community structure was evaluated by using the values of population
density, relative density, frequency, relative frequency, dominance and relative dominance.
The summations of these values were added to attain species importance value (SIV) in the
entire sampling area. The species Avicennia marina was noted of having the highest
population density indicating that this species has the highest count per unit area, followed by
Rhizopora apiculata and Sonneratia alba (Figure 4). For relative frequency, Avicennia
marina and Rhizopora apiculata had the highest value followed by Rhizopora mucronata
(Figure 5). Dominance still dominated by Avicennia marina and Rhizopora apiculata (Figure
6) including the species importance value as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 4. Relative population density of Mangrove species within the areas of Brgy. Taba-Ao

Relative Density (Rd)

13% 5%
3%

16%

64%

Avicennia alba Avicennia marina Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophora mucronata Sonneratia alba
 Figure 5. Relative Frequency of Mangrove species within the areas of Brgy. Taba-Ao

Relative Dominance

0.05%
20%

0.14%
0.01%

20%

Avicennia alba Avicennia marina Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophora mucronata Sonneratia alba
Figure 6. Relative Dominance of Mangrove species within the areas of Brgy. Taba-Ao

Importance Value
12% 7%
6%

19%
56%

Avicennia alba Avicennia marina Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophora mucronata Sonneratia alba
Figure 7. Relative Importance Value of Mangrove species within the areas of Brgy. Taba-Ao
Species richness
In nine (9) transect line, one (T1) obtained the highest value in terms of individuals
and species richness with a total of 88 individuals and 9 species respectively.) got high
diversity results with 1.542 and Station 4 (4) got a Dominance value of 0.7022 (Figure 5).

Table 3. Diversity Indices of the mangrove species with in the area.

Diversity Indices of the mangrove species RGP
with in the area
TRANSECT Averag Condition
e
Total height Total number of Trees Height
Transect
1 593
88 6.74 EXCELLENT
Transect 2 406.5 39 10.42 EXCELLENT
 Transect
3 527.5
73 7.23 EXCELLENT
Transect 4 166 30 5.53 EXCELLENT
Transect
33 7.55 EXCELLENT
5 249
Transect 6 192 27 7.11 EXCELLENT
Transect
7 276.5
44 6.28 EXCELLENT
Transect 8 463 64 7.23 EXCELLENT
Transect
50 6.10 EXCELLENT
9 305
  3178.5 448 7.09 EXCELLENT

List of mangrove species

Five (5) species were found and recorded within the nine (9) sampling area in
Barangay Taba-Ao mangrove areas (Figure 8).

Based on results of assessment, mangrove percent (%) crown cover in all transects except
Transect 2 have at least 76% crown cover and are classified to be in excellent condition based
on criteria.