Dexter C. Inoc, Damasa M. Macandog
The study analyzed the ecology and genetic diversity of the Philippine teak in Batangas and Ilin Island, Mindoro Occidental, the Philippines. A total of 36 plots were established in four locations. T. philippinensis were counted and measured. Environmental variables were collected – including soil variables, climatic data, and elevation. Flower and leaf samples were collected for characterization of floral morphology and genetic diversity studies, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a significant difference in the average DBH of T. philippinensis in the different elevational gradients. The mainland (Batangas) sites have significantly more plant species and a higher diversity index (3.25) compared to the island sites (0.7). The t-test showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in soil pH, Mg, and Ca between the mainland and island sites. The relationship between the DBH of T. philippinensis and temperature was subjected to Pearson correlation analysis. For every 1°C increase in temperature, there is a 0.89 cm increase in the DBH of T. philippinensis. ANOVA revealed a significant difference in the no. of florets in Brgy. Sawang compared to Brgys. Bignay and Nagtoctoc. PCA showed that individuals from the Ilin Island population are separated from the rest of the populations, whereas individuals from the Batangas populations are more genetically related to each other. However, AMOVA showed the highest variation within populations at 77%, followed by among regions (provinces) at 17%, and the lowest molecular variance is seen among populations at only 6%. A species conservation framework was then developed for T. philippinensis centered on increasing scientific knowledge on the Philippine teak, solidifying protection of T. philippinensis in Lobo, Batangas, and Ilin, Mindoro Occidental, and promoting long-term conservation of the Philippine teak. © 2026, Department of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.
Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031 the Philippines Department of Biology, University of San Carlos, Cebu, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
