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Inamol Hassan G. Lucman

  • Biodiversity Journal, 11 (2): 593-610

    Inamol Hassan G. Lucman, Olga M. Nuñeza & Aimee Lynn B. Dupo
    Species diversity of Spiders (Araneae) in Mimbilisan Protected Landscape, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.2.593.610

    ABSTRACT
    Spiders have a potential role as bioindicator of ecological health. Yet, little is known about them especially in forested areas of the Philippines. This study determined the species diversity of spiders in three different sampling sites established in Mt. Mimbilisan Protected Landscape. A combination of beat-netting and vial-tapping methods was used to collect samples. One hundred eight species of spiders belonging to 17 families were recorded. Fifteen species are a new record to the Philippines. Highest species richness and abundance were observed in the riparian forest (Site 2) and lowest in the mixed dipterocarp forest (Site 1). Salticidae is the spider family with the highest species richness and abundance. Opadometa fastigata of family Tetragnithidae was the most abundant species. A great number of adult spiders (82.42%), which were mostly females (88.00%), was documented. Even distribution (E=0.7676) was recorded in the whole study area. Leaf surfaces and branches or stem of plants were the most recurring microhabitat types of spiders. The spiders were found to belong to seven guilds with the orb weavers as the most dominant guild (37%). The highest diversity was recorded in Site 2 (H’=3.781). Results indicate high spider diversity in Mt. Mimbilisan which highlights the conservation importance of the protected landscape.