Preliminary Record of Mangrove Lichens in Davao City, Philippines

This study offers the first documentation of mangrove species in Davao City, addressing the biodiversity paradox of uncharted Philippine mangrove lichens. Ninety mature trees from Matina, Panacan, and Lasang were sampled in September and October of 2025 to assess mangrove lichen diversity. A total of 31 species from 12 families were identified using morphoanatomical analysis and chemical spot testing. While the disturbed Lasang site showed habitat homogeneity dominated by stress-tolerant dust lichens, Matina served as a biodiversity reservoir for Graphis species. These results provide crucial biogeographic baseline data, as the majority of species still lack IUCN data. The findings highlight the need to protect urban mangroves as vital habitats for distinctive epiphytic communities amid growing coastal development.