Kevin O. Ip (March 2011)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Mangrove forests serve as natural habitat for many birds and sea creatures. They thrive in brackish water, which is part sea water and part fresh water. Mangroves that have been planted on coastlines have been proven to minimise the occurrence of calamities. Mangrove forests are among the most threatened habitats, mostly because of modern development. In Roxas City, a law has been implemented on the conservation of mangrove forests and an eco-park was formed for the further protection of the mangroves species and wildlife. The study described the population of the mangroves in Barangay Culajao, Roxas City. Tree diameter, soil pH and salinity were also determined. Population density was measured on three sites using ladder transect. A tape measure was used for measuring tree diameter. a pH probe was used to measure the soil pH and a salinity refractometer for the soil salinity. There were 600±87 trees per hectare and 3700±2406 seedlings per hectare. The mean tree diameter was 5.32±2.56 inches, soil pH was 8.10 and salinity was 19.33 parts per thousand. There is low population of trees in the forests. Soil pH was high and salinity was inside the normal brackish water range.