Karl Cirilson E. Angulo, Benedict U. Pancho, Kenth A. Mabala, Justine Christine T. Dihonglay, and Rabin V. Bellen
SUMMARY
This study evaluated the composition and diversity of tree species in Sitio Sak-Sak, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, to establish baseline data regarding the ecological status of the region. We identified a total of five tree species across five families in three sampling quadrats using standard biodiversity assessment protocols. The computed Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H’ = 1.461) indicated very low diversity, while the Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1−λ = 0.792) showed relatively low dominance. The Evenness Index (E = 0.908) reflected a relatively even distribution of individuals among the recorded species. These conditions are primarily attributed to historical reforestation and past land disturbances, as evidenced by the dominance of the introduced species Swietenia macrophylla and Gmelina arborea. Most species recorded were categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN (2025), excluding S. macrophylla and Artocarpus altilis, which were listed as Endangered and Data Deficient, respectively. The prevalence of exotic species suggests potential ecological risks, such as competition with native flora and reduced biodiversity. These findings emphasize the need for management interventions that promote native species restoration and continuous monitoring to maintain ecological stability in the area.
Keywords: Balamban, Cebu Island, tree diversity, tree species inventory
Citation: Angulo, K. C. E., B. U. Pancho, K. A. Mabala, J. C. T. Dihonglay, and R. V. Bellen. 2026. Tree Species Inventory and Diversity Assessment in Sitio Sak-Sak, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines: A Baseline Study. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 25-40. doi.org/10.66470/10103