Diversity and Ecological Status of Bryophytes in Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon

The study inventoried and assessed the diversity and ecological status of bryophytes in Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park. Results of the study revealed 428 species of bryophytes. Of these, 70 genera and 29 families are for mosses, while 98 species, 16 genera and 11 families for liverworts. There are 4 species, 2 genera and 1 family for hornworts. The lower montane forest exhibited high diversity and species richness followed by mossy and upper montane forest. However, the mossy forest exhibited the highest bryophyte cover. The species were confined in specific habitats either as epiphytic on tree trunks, soils, thick litters and on rock surfaces. Local assessment revealed 9 endemic species, 8 for mosses and 1 for liverworts; 2 species, Ectropothecium ferrugenium (C. Mull.) Jaeg. and Thuidium benguetense Broth ex. Bartr. were found endemic to the Philippines. Some 46 species might be possibly new. Of these, 43 are for mosses and 3 for liverworts; and 4 possibly endangered belonging to the genus of Dawsonia sp. and Breutelia sp ., 141 species were found to be rare and others are widespread. Some 11 medicinal species for mosses and 6 species for the liverworts were recorded. Field guides, checklist and IEC materials were produced as a result of the research investigation. The bryophyte status showed that the variation in structural forms and the niche preferences attributed to their specific and extreme micro habitats such as those dominated by mosses as epiphytic on trunks, decayed logs, and various substrates indicate high in terms of species richness, as such, has provided a taxonomic, ecological and economic importance. Keywords - diversity, ecological, bryophytes, Mt. Kitanglad, hornworts, liverworts, mosses