DISTRIBUTION OF LIVERWORT FLORA ACROSS VEGETATION TYPES IN MT. BAGALBAL, PHILIPPINES: BASIS FOR IEC MATERIAL

The primary objective of this study is to assess the distribution of liverwort flora across different vegetation types in Mt. Bagalbal, evaluate their conservation status, and develop educational materials to raise public awareness. Habitat degradation poses a significant threat to liverwort biodiversity in Mt. Bagalbal, underscoring the need for conservation efforts. This investigation identified 31 liverwort species across fourteen families, with Plagiochilaceae being the most diverse, followed by Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiaceae, and Pallaviciniaceae. Species distribution patterns revealed that while some species exhibit broad dispersal, with two species recorded across eight locations, 18 species are confined to a single coordinate. Conservation assessments indicated that 14 species lack data on their status, 11 are classified as Least Concern, five as Data Deficient, one as Vulnerable, one as Critically Endangered, and one as Near Threatened. To promote awareness and conservation, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material was developed, comprising five sections: an overview of liverwort biology, photographs of representative species with their scientific names and IUCN conservation statuses, guidelines for proper collection and examination, acknowledgments of contributing agencies, and information about the authors. All photographic content in the IEC material was sourced from the field investigation at Mt. Bagalbal, Brgy. Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines. This study demonstrates the high sensitivity of liverwort flora in Mt. Bagalbal to environmental changes, with significant implications for future conservation strategies.