Biodiversity Inventory: Implications for Conservation and Environmental Education

Abstract: This study conducted a comprehensive biodiversity inventory of Buluan Lake, Mindanao, focusing on aquatic plants, fish, and bird species during October 2024. Field observations over 30 days documented 11 aquatic and semi-aquatic plant species, 7 fish species, and 5 bird species. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) emerged as the most abundant fish, while native species such as Taruk (Libero rohita), Gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis), and Striped snakehead (Channa striata) were also present. Invasive and predatory species, including Midas cichlid and Blackbelt cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus and Vieja melanurus) and Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), were noted, suggesting potential shifts in ecosystem dynamics. Aquatic plants such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) provided essential habitat and contributed to water quality, while bird species such as the Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis) indicated overall ecosystem health. This inventory highlights the ecological richness of Buluan Lake and underscores the importance of integrating such data into conservation planning and environmental education initiatives.