2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 11
Available Online: 9 May 2026
Author/s:
Estrera, Roxanne*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (roxanne.estrera@cbsua.edu.ph)
Recto, Loren
Mauring, Maria Jovel
Gemino, Mariel Joyce
Diong, Enie
Florendo, Jordan
Moron, Bernyl
Nolasco, Michael
Abstract:
This study examined the diversity, structure, and condition of mangrove tree species in Barangay Caima, Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The objectives were to identify existing mangrove species, assess their biometric characteristics, describe vegetation structure, evaluate physicochemical conditions, and identify threats affecting the forest. A quantitative-descriptive research design was employed, using fourteen (14) randomly placed 20m × 20m quadrats within the 54.9-hectare mangrove area. Species density, frequency, dominance, and importance values were calculated, and diversity was analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s Diversity Indices. Water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen were also measured. A total of seventeen (17) mangrove species from nine (9) families, comprising 532 individual trees, were recorded. Ceriops tagal was the most abundant species (105 individuals), whereas Aegiceras corniculatum and Excoecaria agallocha were the least represented. The Shannon-Wiener Index (H’ = 2.23) indicated low diversity, while the Simpson’s Index (0.873) suggested high diversity, reflecting an uneven distribution of species. Biometric results showed that Sonneratia alba had the largest DBH (86.87 cm) and Rhizophora mucronata the smallest (6.70 cm). Physicochemical parameters, temperature (29.83°C), salinity (35.1 ppt), pH (8.37), and dissolved oxygen (9.2 mg/L), were within suitable ranges for mangrove growth. Although the forest is ecologically stable, species-rich, and demonstrates strong regenerative capacity, it faces significant anthropogenic pressures from habitat conversion and coastal activities. These findings provide baseline information to guide local government units and environmental agencies in implementing effective conservation and management strategies, highlighting the forest’s ecological significance and vulnerability.
Keywords: mangrove diversity assessment, physico-chemical parameters, vegetation analysis, species composition, diversity indices
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26163
Cite this article:
Estrera, R., Recto, L., Mauring, M. J., Gemino, M. J., Diong, E., Florendo, J., Moron, B., & Nolasco, M. (2026). Mangrove diversity assessment in Barangay Caima, Libmanan, Camarines Sur. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(11), 71-86. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26163
* Corresponding Author