Mt. Mayon is the most famous volcano in the Philippines because of its near perfect cone. However, recent studies show that it has become a fragile habitat with declining ecosystem services.

Located in Legaspi City, Albay, Mt. Mayon is an active volcano. Its frequent eruption in recent years has disturbed its once rich vegetation. But more alarmingly, it was noted that the fluctuating trend of diversity is primarily due to the intensive human activity in the lower parts of Mt. Mayon.

There are three zones of vegetation in Mt. Mayon. Zone I, located about 500-800 meters above sea level (masl), is primarily composed of Ficus (balete), Erythrina (dapdap), and Glochidion forests.

Cyathea (ferns), Astronia, and Weinmannia are found in Zone II, about 1000-1500 masl. Mossy forest in the Eurya, Clethra, Neonauclea, Fagraea, and Vaccinium are in Zone III or above 1500 masl. Dwarf plants and herbaceous grasses such as the pitcher plant dominate the upper limit of Zone III where the temperature is suitable for their growth.

The extensive collection of plants by the locals and kaingin farming cause the decrease in diversity of Mt. Mayon. Local people collect plants and sell it to domestic toursits for a high price.

Studies focused on other mountains such as Makiling and Pulag (also in the Philippines) indicate a same pattern of decrease in diversity. Thus, a conservation option should be in place before it is too late to save our mountain ecosystems. The local government should be proactive in advocating for a managed collection of plant species in mountains as well as providing alternative livelihoods to the people. (Ranell Martin M. Dedicatoria, KMU)

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Paper presented by Dr. Inocencio E. Buot, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños during the Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADDS) titled Assessment of Vascular Plant Diversity: Its Role in Understanding the State of Philippine Mountain Ecosystems, 1 April 2008