118 endangered Gapas-gapas mangroves mapped in Ivisan

IVISAN, Capiz — An initial count of 118 mature endangered Gapas-gapas (Camptostemon philippinensis) mangrove trees was recorded in Barangay Agustin Navarra, Ivisan, Capiz, after student researchers conducted geospatial mapping of the species in the area.

Gapas-gapas, also known as kapas-kapas, is an archaic Hiligaynon term for cotton, referring to the soft, white, cotton-like fibers covering the species’ seeds. Camptostemon philippinensis is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and is also classified as endangered under Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2017-11, or the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and Their Categories.

The species occurs in the Philippines and Indonesia and has been documented as a rare mangrove with a limited distribution. Recent scientific literature also underscores the importance of documenting its remaining populations to support conservation and habitat management.

The 118 mature Gapas-gapas trees were documented within 0.82 hectare, or 8,200 square meters, in Barangay Agustin Navarra after seven student researchers from Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen, assisted by the Conservation and Development Section of DENR-PENRO Capiz, the barangay government, and Bachelor of Science in Fisheries on-the-job trainees from Northern Iloilo State University, conducted the mapping on July 30.

The activity was also part of PENRO Capiz’s observance of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

The seven Grade 12 STEM students initially sought assistance from DENR-PENRO Capiz in identifying an appropriate plant or animal species for geospatial mapping and documentation.

Environmental Management Specialist II Jean Carla B. Ibañez, officer in charge of the Conservation and Development Section of DENR-PENRO Capiz, recommended mapping the Gapas-gapas mangroves found in Barangay Agustin Navarra because of the species’ ecological importance, local occurrence, and conservation significance.

The activity aimed to use geospatial mapping techniques to document the location and spatial distribution of the species within the study area and generate baseline information that may support its monitoring, conservation, and management.

On July 27, Ibañez led an orientation on the mangrove species assessment process and demonstrated the equipment required for field mapping.

Forest Technician II Rollen Francisco also taught the students how to use the AlpineQuest mapping application, which allows users to cache offline maps and track locations in the field.

Ibañez and her Conservation and Development Section team later guided the Grade 12 STEM researchers and NISU trainees during the actual geospatial mapping activity.

Although the team initially targeted the entire 2.92-hectare mangrove area, time constraints and tidal conditions limited the mapping to 0.82 hectare, requiring a follow-up activity.

Ibañez said many Gapas-gapas trees situated farther inland remain unaccounted for.

The student researchers and the team also documented other mangrove species growing in the area, including Bungalon (Avicennia marina), Api-api or Piapi (Avicennia officinalis), Bakauan babae (Rhizophora mucronata), Bakauan lalaki (Rhizophora apiculata), and Pagatpat (Sonneratia alba).

“This is not just another mapping activity. The fact that Ivisan, Capiz hosts this endangered Gapas-gapas mangrove species highlights the rich biodiversity of our province. As we continue to mentor the students, we also bear in mind that we have this dual responsibility: assisting these young minds while safeguarding our natural treasures,” said Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ernest C. Federiso of DENR Capiz.

The study is expected to provide baseline scientific data that can help identify priority conservation areas, guide habitat restoration and management, and support future biodiversity monitoring. (DENR 6)