Fish Species Composition, Distribution and Diversity in Two Selected Rivers of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (HRWS), San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines

The composition, distribution and diversity of fish species in Dumagooc and Maug Rivers of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (HRWS) were examined in the months of February, May and October, 2015. Backpack electrofishing was used to collect samples from four study stations along the river courses. A total of 33 fish species from 15 families with 991 individuals was recorded. It supports one endemic species, 28 native species and four introduced species. The Eleotridae family was dominant in Dumagooc and Maug Rivers. However in Dumagooc River, the sleeping cod, Oxyelotris lineonata was the leading species. Thus, mottled eel (A. marmorata) was distributed along all the stations while blue neon goby (Stiphonodon atropurpureus) was confined in the upper stream. On the other hand the leading species in Maug River was mottled eel, (Anguilla marmorata.). Furthermore, the common barb (Puntius bantolanensis) was found in the upper middle stream and downstream while Leopard pleco (Pterygoplicthys pardalisi) was noted only in the upper middle stream of Maug River. High species value of H’= 1.199 was found in Dumagooc River. These information would serve as basis for the formulation of protection and conservation policies for the fish species and its habitats before it becomes extinct.

 

Keywords: Endemic species; River; Fish species; Composition; Distribution