Distribution of Mangrove Species Diversity Along Environmental Variables Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis in Brgy. Penaplata, Samal City, Philippines

The main objective of this study is to assess the mangrove biodiversity in response to environmental changes, specifically its relationship between environmental variables and mangrove species biodiversity by evaluating the indicators in terms of abundance, richness, and evenness, alongside an analysis using Canonical Correspondence Analysis. Mangrove forest plays a significant role that caters to potential services like reductions of atmospheric carbon and has been the center for conservation due to its high importance to marine ecology. Based on the findings of the study, it was revealed that the area located in Brgy. Peñaplata, Samal City, Philippines, seven mangrove species were identified, classified into four families: <i>Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina</i>, and <i>Avicennia rumphiana</i> in the Avicenniaceae family; <i>Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata</i>, and <i>Rhizophora stylosa</i> in the Rhizophoraceae family; and <i>Sonneratia alba</i> in the Lythraceae family<i>. Rhizophora mucronata</i> emerged as the most abundant species, comprising 35.5% of total individuals. Moreover, the area determined to have low diversity due to the dominance of <i>Rhizophora mucronate</i> and <i>Avicennia alba</i>, leading to an unbalanced ecosystem, except in plot 3, which showed a more balanced and diverse mangrove ecosystem. Overall, significant correlations with the use of CCA were found, highlighting the positive influence of pH, temperature, TDS, and conductivity on mangrove species patterns and distribution. The findings of this study could support shape strategies for conserving and safeguarding mangrove ecosystems in Samal City, and maybe throughout the Philippines.