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This study dealt with the assessment of lizards found in Mahogany plantation
and Secondary Old Growth forest of Mt. Makiling using species density and
population count.
Data was gathered from June-November 2008 with a total of 7 sampling trips
using random strip transect distance sampling measuring 50m x 10m each. The
species collected on both sites were captured, placed in Ziplocs, and documented
using digital camera. Species were identified using field guidebooks, consultation
with expert Herpetologist and interview of local residents. The data were tabulated,
graphed and analyzed using statistical tests namely: Species Effort Curve, Mann-
Whitney U test for two independent sample, Simpson index of diversity and
Sorensen Quantitative index. (See Fig.1 for Schematic Diagram of Methodology)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The most diverse of both sites is the Secondary Old Growth since there
are 9 identified species present compared to the Mahogany Plantation having
only 5 species present with Eutropis multicarinata as the most frequent
species in both sites, and, Lipinia vittigera in the Secondary Old Growth. On
the other hand, Varanus salvator, Gonocephalus sp., Sphenomorpus steerei
and the 2 unidentified species are the least frequent species. (See Fig.2)
In the two study sites, the group has found out that the most frequent
species namely: Sphenomorphus cumingi, Lipinia pulchella and Eutropis
multicarinata belong to the same family of Scincidae. Skinks, as they are
commonly known, are the most diverse group of lizards. They are found in
various habitats and are more arboreal and terrestrial than aerial or aquatic,
which are catered by the environment of the sampling sites contributing to
their abundance than the other family of lizards.
Similarities between the two sampling sites were also computed using
Sorensen quantitative index. This index has a value of 0 when samples have
no species in common at all, while high value indicates low diversity.
(Magurran, 2006)
Using the Simpson index of diversity, the difference between the two
sampling sites in terms of diversity, was computed. This index states that the
higher the value, the stronger the dominance but lower in diversity. (Odum,
2005)
The computed values were DMahogany of 0.21 and DSecondary of 0.14, thus,
Secondary Old-Growth forest, a natural habitat, is more diverse than the
Mahogany Plantation.
CONCLUSION
This study has focused on the following: a) the diversity of lizard population in
a fragmented and natural habitat; and b) the effect of fragmented habitat in
lizard population diversity.
Photograph Documentation
- Sorensen index
Mahogany Secondary
Species Plantation Old Growth
Forest
Family Agamidae
Genus Draco X
Draco spilopterus X
Genus Gonocephalus
Gonocephalus semperi
Family Gekkonidae
Genus Gekko
Gekko gecko X
Family Scincidae
Genus Brachymeles
Brachymeles bonitae X
Genus Dasia
Dasia grisea X
Genus Eutropis
Eutropis multifasciata X
Eutropis multicarinata X X
Genus Lipinia
Lipinia vittigera X X
Genus Sphenomorphus
Sphenomorphus jagori X
Sphenomorphus cumingi X X
Sphenomorphus steerei X
Family Varanidae
Genus Varanus
Varanus salvator X
Total 5 10
10
9
8
7
6
5
Count 4
3
2
1
0
S. jagori
D. grisea G. gecko S. steerei
S. cumingi B. bonitae
V. salvator
L. pulchella G.semperi
D. spilopterus
E. multicarinata E. multifasciata
Lizards