Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.): Valuable but Diminishing Tree Species in the Philippines

摘要

Almaciga trees grow naturally in almost all of the Philippine forests and mountains. Since the government prohibits the felling of the tree, utilization is limited to its resin, known in the world trade as Manila copal. Although Manila copal is considered a minor forest product, it is one of the country's dollar earners. For a period of 10 years (2000-2009), annual average of 202,400 kg of Manila copal valued at USD 188,900 were exported to France, Germany, Japan, Spain, China and Switzerland. It isknown for its superior quality as raw material for the manufacture of varnish, lacquer, reflector paint and sealing wax. Other important uses are for paper sizing, substitute for shellac, smudge for mosquitoes, incense, fire starter and torches. In the island province of Palawan, known to be the source of high quality almaciga resins in the country, many tapped almaciga trees are not expected to last for another 5 to 10 years because of unscrupulous harvesting methods used by resin tappers who are indigenous people. They deep tapped, over-tapped and frequently re-chipped, causing extensive wounds through which wood rotting organisms can enter and colonize the trees. Aggravating this condition is the open-pit mining operations in the province by different mining companies. The activities killed or disturb whatever regenerations are occurring in the almaciga-range mountains.