Key Words: Invasive alien plants (IAPs), Native plants, Anthropogenic activities.
J. Bio. Env. Sci. 13(1), 337-346, July 2018.
A growing problem for the vast extents of diverse tropical forests in the Philippines are degraded every year due to booming population and introduction of invasive alien plants (IAPs). This study aimed to (1) assess the effects of anthropogenic activities on the propagation of IAPs; (2) identify the resident’s purpose of utilizing IAPs; (3) identify the least and most invasive life forms in response to anthropogenic activities that are present in highly disturbed (Site 1) and less disturbed sites (Site 2) of Mt. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines. Both sites were sampled by establishing four quadrats per transect and tallying each plant per quadrat to identify its total abundance per species last October-November, 2016. Residents were interviewed to identify utilization of IAPs and to show the relationship of human activities in the promotion of IAPs in the area. Linear regression test showed that as anthropogenic activities increased, high patronization of the IAPs were also observed in Site 1 and Site 2. High IAP consumption was enough to address the immediate needs of the residents which in turn exacerbate the spread and establishment of IAPs in both sites. At present levels, grasses and herbs were seen to be the most invasive life forms with largest impact in Site 1 and Site 2. The direct relationship between anthropogenic activities and IAPs could result in a dramatic rise of alien plant species, and may thus intensify risks of impacts on native plant species and communities.
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Impacts of anthropogenic activities on invasive alien plants in Mt. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines.