Biodiversity Of Fauna and Fauna and Ecotourism Development on Madadma Watershed in Balabag, Kidapawan, North Cotabato

Abstract

Balabag is one of the 40 barangays of Kidapawan City.  It has a total land area of 2,542 hectares, of which 842 hectares were used for agricultural and multiple purposes while 1,700 hectares were forest land. It has a population of 1,719 with 361 households; about 60% of the population were Indigenous People (IP), and 40% were non–IPs. This study aimed to assess the current conservation status of the endemic diverse species that surrounded the watersheds; gather and identify the priority needs of the community; promote the existing tourist destination; respect the “obo maneuver” culture and arts heritage; and enforce forestry laws, regulations, and other issuances in watershed management. Inventory, collection, and assessment with the participation of local assistants, foresters, and plant experts and conservation status using the IUCN Redlist were the methods used. Forty-eight different species of vascular plants were high in the Balabag secondary forest. In terms of flora, the study revealed that 14 species as edible, seven as medicinal, 11 could be utilized as firewood, one as raw material for handicraft-making, one as fuel, six as ornamental, four as food plants for animals, and four could be used as dyes, spices, and ropes. On the other hand, 23 fauna were recorded in the area: two species of birds, six mammals, seven amphibians, and eight reptiles. One species of threatened and endemic birds was noted, and one threatened species (Megaerops Wetmore) of mammal and Limnonectes magnus (Philippine Woodland Frog), a near-threatened species of amphibians, were also recorded.