Biodiversity of Mushrooms at Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

The study was conducted mainly to assess the biodiversity of the mushroom species at three different sampling sites (altitudes 100, 200, 400 masl) at Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Specifically, this study was designed to assess the species richness, and distribution of mushroom species. The researchers utilized random sampling in the collection of samples. Once mushrooms were located, they were then photographed from their respective natural habitats. Furthermore, physical factors such as temperature, relative humidity, altitude and light exposure were recorded during the sampling. After the collection, specimens were preserved in containers with 10% formalin solution. The preparation for the storage of the samples collected was performed at Liceo de Cagayan University. Different taxonomic keys from books and literatures were used as aids in the identification. The samples were then sent to Central Mindanao University, Musuan Bukidnon for the confirmation of the identified samples and identification of the unidentified ones. Species diversity, species richness, and relative abundance were then computed through the use of various biodiversity indices. A total of forty-seven species were collected. Thirty-nine of these were identified and eight were not. The sampling site at 200 masl has the highest number of genera collected. There were forty-five collections belonging to twenty-nine species. The most abundant species was the Mycena sp.2, with a relative abundance of 8.62%. The highest value of species diversity was recorded at 200 masl (3.088). Moreover, this altitude had the highest value of species richness as well (4.323). The highest value of species dominance was recorded at 400 masl (0.1126). Furthermore, a high value of species diversity indicates that the environmental pollution and disturbance in Uguiaban, Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro City are at manageable level and not extremely alarming.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Mushroom, Species richness, Distribution