Comparison of stem taper models for the four tropical tree species in Mount Makiling, Philippines

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of six stem taper models on four tropical tree species, namely Celtis luzonica(Magabuyo),Diplodiscus paniculatus(Balobo), Parashorea malaanonan(Bagtikan), and Swietenia macrophylla(Mahogany) in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve(MMFR), Philippines using fit statistics and lack-of-fit statistics. Four statistical criteria were used in this study, including the standard error of estimate(SEE),coefficient of determination(R^2), mean bias( E),and absolute mean difference(AMD). For the lack-offit statistics, SEE, E and AMD were determined in different relative height classes. The results indicated that the Kozak02 stem taper model offered the best fit for the four tropical species in most statistics. The Kozak02 model also consistently provided the best performance in the lack-of-fit statistics with the best SEE, E and AMD in most of the relative height classes. These stem taper equations could help forest managers and researchers better estimate the diameter of the outside bark with any given height,merchantable stem volumes and total stem volumes of standing trees belonging to the four species of thetropical forest in MMFR.

Diversity Assessment of Tree Species in Sitio Dicasalarin, Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora, Philippines

This paper provides the diversity assessment of the tree species in Sitio Dicasalarin, Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora including the endemism and ecological status. A total of 2239 individuals from 139 morphospecies, 87 genera and 46 families were recorded. A total of 48 Philippine endemic species and 2 Aurora Endemic species were found and at least 29 threatened species were listed either in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Philippine List of Threatened Species. Results of the tree diversity showed that the area is highly diverse being a well-protected and well-managed area.