Echinoderms of Alibuag Beach, Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental

Echinoderm species numbers and abundance contribute significantly to community structure in different regions of the world. In this study, the echinoderms of the intertidal zone of Alibuag Beach in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental were collected and identified. In total, 151 individuals were collected coming from classes Asteroidea, Echinoidea, and Holothuroidea. Among the collected echinoderms, the most abundant species was Cryptasterina sp. and the least abundant species were Linckia sp., Pentaceraster multispinus, Pentaceraster alveolatus, Amphiura chiajei, and Toxopneustes pileolus. The mean species diversity was H’ = 1.5001 and species evenness was J’ = 0.5852. The Shannon index of 1.5001 can be converted into ENS that is exp(1.5001)  = 4. This means it has an equivalent diversity as a community with 4 equally-common species. High abundance of corals, rocks and seagrasses aid in increasing the population of these organisms in the area which suggests good marine health, even under the threat of some anthropogenic activities.  It is recommended that intensive follow-up studies must be conducted in monitoring these marine echinoderms, especially those species with low relative abundance.

Keywords: Biodiversity Index, Echinoderms, Keystone Species, Effective number of Species, Species evenness