Tree Diversity and Carbon Stock Assessment of Malagos Watershed

Maintaining tree diversity as well as carbon sequestration is a way of protecting a watershed. A healthy watershed is an outcome of proper forest management. The ecological values of Malagos Watershed specifically the University of Mindanao Adopted site were assessed in terms of tree diversity index and potential for carbon sequestration. Using the Shannon Index Method reveals that the area has a medium to high diversity in terms of species composition. Dominant species in a study site are Karong (Microcos pyriformis) and Alasiis (Apananthe philippinensis) and these are the tree species in a study site having a high amount of carbon content. The total amount of carbon stored using an allometric equation in 160 trees is 0.944 mg ha-1 or equivalent to a biomass of 188.83 kg. In addition, most of the species in the said area are vulnerable species according to IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) status. Hence, this study would serve as a useful reference in watershed management as well as in forest protection to ensure the continuous supply of water in Davao City, Philippines.