Elevation-Driven Shifts in Species Diversity, Endemicity, and Vegetation Structure across the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines

Elevation significantly influences species diversity, endemicity, and vegetation structure within the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines. The study identified five distinct forest formations—agroecosystem, dipterocarp forest, montane forest, mossy forest, and mossy-pygmy forest—each characterized by unique species adapted to specific elevation-driven conditions. Lower elevations were dominated by agriculturally influenced species like Ficus indica and Chrysophyllum cainito, while higher zones supported stunted, endemic taxa such as Leptospermum flavescens and Tristaniopsis micrantha, thriving in ultramafic soils and cooler environments. The research integrated vegetation quadrats, satellite land cover data, and GIS analysis to map habitat distribution and human influence, emphasizing the sanctuary's role as a vertically stratified refuge for biodiversity. Protecting high-altitude forests and restoring buffer zones is critical to mitigating climate-driven species shifts.

Ramos, R. L., Nemenzo-Calica, P., & Antonio, E. S. (2026). Elevation-Driven Shifts in Species Diversity, Endemicity, and Vegetation Structure across the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental, Philippines. Davao Research Journal, 17(1), 60–72. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v17i1.500