Elliptic Fourier Analysis of the two Threatened Aquilaria Lam.(Thymelaeaceae) and its Associated Flora in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Mhrws), Davao Oriental, Philippines

Research using Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) demonstrates that leaf shape can effectively distinguish between two threatened Aquilaria species, offering a rapid identification tool for conservation efforts. The study, conducted at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines, identified Shorea polysperma and Palaquium species as dominant keystone species, suggesting their role in forest dynamics. The sanctuary exhibits moderate floristic diversity, with indices of 2.98 (Barangay La Union) and 2.93 (Barangay Maputi). These findings highlight the need for protecting vulnerable, endangered, endemic, and indigenous species to combat illegal cutting and trade.

Castaňares, E., Vedra, S., Perpetua, A., Mazo, K. R., Coronado, W., Bigcas, E., Gonzales, R., & Sumilla, J. (2025). Elliptic Fourier Analysis of the two Threatened Aquilaria Lam.(Thymelaeaceae) and its Associated Flora in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Mhrws), Davao Oriental, Philippines. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1506(1), 12006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1506/1/012006