New records of pteridophytes in Mount Matutum Protected Landscape, South Central Mindanao, Philippines with notes on its economic value and conservation status

Abstract

New records on distribution of pteridophytes in Mount Matutum Protected Landscape were documented. The species list was accounted with reference to specimen collections from various herbaria posted in digital databases and reliable literature on pteridophyte flora. Results further showed 105 new records for MMPL and its vicinity-South Cotabato, Sarangani province and General Santos City.  From these, seven were new records for South Central Mindanao Region (Region 12). About 19 families, 56 genera were represented – 41 were epiphytes, 10 lithophytes, and 45 soil inhabitants, the rest with dual habits – two (ground and lithophytic); seven (epiphytic and lithophytic). Moreover, 11 species were found to be threatened based on national list while local conservation assessment based on relative frequency noted 91 threatened species. A conservation plan for these valuable species in the protected landscape is also proposed to ensure sound intervention and sustainable environment for this plant group.