This study was conducted to assess the species composition and conservation status of pteridophytes in the north-eastern portion of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape. The studyrevealed a total of 98 species comprising 52 genera from 21 families. Tectariaceae, Polypodiaceae and Dryopteridaceae… More

This study was conducted to assess the species composition and conservation status of pteridophytes in the north-eastern portion of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape. The studyrevealed a total of 98 species comprising 52 genera from 21 families. Tectariaceae, Polypodiaceae and Dryopteridaceae was the most represent family with Tectariaceae accounts the highest in terms of genera (9), followed by Polypodiaceae (8) and Dryopteridaceae (6). Whereas, Polypodiaceae has the highest in terms of species record (16 spp.), tailed by Tectariaceae (14 spp.) and Dryopteridaceae (10 spp.). Out of 98 recorded species, 95 were only identified up to species level. High number of accounted family of terrestrial ferns and lycophytes are known as good ecological indicator taxa for habitat destruction and level of human disturbances. In terms of status, eleven (11 spp.) are endemic to Philippines, eighteen (18 spp.) are economically important species, nine (9 spp.) vulnerable, five (5 spp.) classified as other threatened species and two (2 spp.) are nonnative species of ferns and lycophytes was recorded. Generally, the high species richness of pteridophytes found in the north-eastern portion of Mount Timolan Protected Landscape are influenced by elevation gradient and susceptibility to human disturbances. Less

Lake Apo, an 18-hectare lake situated in Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Philippines is a tourist destination. It was once an ordinary pond, but with the initiatives of the community and some visionary private individuals, it has become a promising tourism site.… More

Lake Apo, an 18-hectare lake situated in Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Philippines is a tourist destination. It was once an ordinary pond, but with the initiatives of the community and some visionary private individuals, it has become a promising tourism site. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the initiatives of conservation undertaken by the stakeholders of Lake Apo, analyze the issues confronting the lake, and describe the tourists’ assessment on the lake. The study is descriptive employing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Survey, Focus Group Discussion, and Key Informant Interview were the tools used in data gathering. The residents claimed to be highly dependent on the lake. It gives them livelihood since it was opened to tourism, a source of leisure, and a source of protein. As a tourist spot, the lake receives positive assessment from tourists. Its beauty and serenity appear captivating. Tourism is the lake’s most viable utility. The stakeholders are desirous to transform the lake into a vibrant and sustainable ecotourism site. However, young as it is now, tourism in Lake Apo is hounded with controversy on conflicting claim of ownership, and issues on poor resource management, unregulated anthropogenic activities, and poor waste management. Less