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Current issue: Volume 25, No. 2 (2025)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59893/abud.25(2).002
Anuber R.G., Gorgonio C.T., Paragamac J.B.R., Branzuela N.E., Batiancela M., Ong L.E. 2025. Geospatial analysis and mapping of the habitat suitability of Aquilaria species in Mt. Hamiguitan Range wildlife sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 2025(2): 191-212.
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the habitat suitability of Agarwood species in Mt. Hamiguitan Range in different strata employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques. More research is needed on its spatial distribution and habitat suitability, particularly in the Davao Region. A stratified sampling is employed for two agarwood species, Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridley and Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk were identified. Assessment of agarwood abundance across elevation ranges revealed varying levels, with precipitation and elevation emerging as influential factors and utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Results have revealed two (2) species of Agarwood with varied characteristics. The species distribution of Agarwood has been identified and distributed in sampling areas ranging from 1,171 to 1,480 meters above sea level, classified as very high abundance. Regarding suitability layers, precipitation ranges are classified as low, receiving rainfall of 5,715 hectares, moderate elevation with 9,540 hectares with Malalag loam as the dominant soil type with 13,376 hectares. Slope aspect classified as very high with 6,911.71 hectares, in terms of vegetation cover, MHRWS is classified as high at 10,400.97 hectares, with the distance to the stream categorized as very high at 5,226.18 hectares. The AHP identified precipitation as the most influential factor in determining the habitat suitability of Agarwood. Habitat suitability shows moderate suitability with a total land area of 7,199.09 with overall accuracy of the habitat suitability model of 94.11%.
Keywords: Analytical Hierarchy Process, Habitat Suitability, GIS, Davao Oriental, Philippines.
*Corresponding author: Rylle G. Anuber. Faculty, Environmental Studies Department, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000. E mail: rylleanuber@umindanao.edu.ph
Nympha E. Branzuela, Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100
Marvin Batiancela. Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100
Leo E. Ong. Graduate School of Arts and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum City, Philippines, 8100
Charlyn T. Gorgonion. Institute of Biodiversity and Environment, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000
Jason Ben R. Paragamac and Charlyn T. Gorgonio. Proffessional School, University of Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines, 8000
