AGUSAN DEL SUR STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND

TECHNOLOGY

SPIDER DIVERSITY AND CAVE DISTURBANCEIN THE CAVES OF MT.

ARARAT, BAYUGAN CITY AND PUTING BUHANGIN, PROSPERIDAD,
AGUSAN DEL SUR

PRINCESS PAGALAN TOMAS

JESSIEBEL NAVARRO SANCHEZ

BACHELOROF S C I E N C E I N B I O LO G Y

NOVEMBER 2022
AGUSAN DEL SUR STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND

TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

PRINCESS P. TOMAS
JESSIEBEL N. SANCHEZ

Diversity of Spiders and Cave Disturbance in the Caves of Mt. Ararat.

Bayugan City and Puting Buhangin, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur

Thesis Adviser

DEBBIE GAIL GENOTIVA

College of Arts and Sciences

NOVEMBER 2022
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

A cave is a geological entrance in the ground that stretches beyond

the light area and is large enough to allow human entry (Gustlin & Gustlin,

2021). Caves have diverse and strange habitats. The environment of caves is

limited by light, temperature, humidity, and nutrition. These circumstances

affect cave-dwelling species (Alcala et al., 2011). However, caves are

jeopardized by tourism, which sadly exposes them to a number of

deterioration and worsening threats (Balestra et al., 2021). Human activities

such as recreation, sports, and other physical undertakings bring

disturbances in the ecosystem of organisms inside the caves (Rachid &

Gungor, 2020).

Based on the study of Schwedt et al. (2017), spiders serve as a

bioindicator in the ecosystem. Spiders are sensitive and can distinguish a

pristine or disturbed habitat. Spiders react to environmental changes due to

their ability to reflect the ecological status of the area, which serves as an

early warning or monitoring specific stress in an ecosystem, indicating the

levels of taxonomic diversity. The spiders react to noises such as

environmental or human-induced sounds (Denbaum, 2019). Also, the

spider's web consists of frame threads that transmit vibration to the central

hub, where the spider is positioned. Webs function is an extension of the

spider's vibration sensory space and vibrations on the web (Wu & Elias,

2014). Moreover, the spider web can bioaccumulate heavy metals from
different sources (Rutkowski et al., 2018). Hence, many researchers have

been extensively used the spiders as ecological markers. These can be

perceived in central European environment conservation and management.

It indicated that spiders might be excellent bio-indicators for determining

the impact of human disturbance factors on natural ecosystems (Hamrik &

Kosulic, 2020). Protected regions have more species abundance and

diversity than highly damaged habitats. Spiders are helpful bioindicators for

understanding the related consequences of biodiversity loss (Yang et al.,

2016). Despite the importance of spiders to most natural ecosystem, many

caves have been subjected to a variety of human-caused disturbances, such

as guano extraction, treasure and animal hunting, gathering, vandalism,

conversion of some caves into potential tourist destination, and numerous

illegal activities (Cabauatan et al., 2014). These actions may endanger the

existence of cave-dwelling organisms, including the spiders (Kurniawan et

al., 2018). These spiders are still conspicuously endangered as well as

understated in present conservation efforts (Aguilera et al., 2019).

The Philippines is the second smallest of seventeen countries that

have mega-biodiversity in the world (Biodiversity Facts, 2015; CEPF, 2001;

Ani & Castillo, 2020). Spider organisms have a diverse population in the

vast area of grasses and forests of the country (Garciano et al., 2014).

Spiders play an important role in the ecosystem (Fresco, 2016). There have

been 517 species of Philippine spiders, 225 genera, 38 families, and two

infraorders of the suborder Opisthothelae (Barrion, 2001).Mindanao, the

second largest island in the country, reported several spider species. There
were 18 species of spiders belonging to two orders, 12 families and, 12

genera recorded in 11 caves(Enriquez & Nuñeza, 2014).Eight species

diversity of spiders belonging to six families were documented in 10 caves of

Siargao, Surigao del Norte (Henry et al., 2014). Moreover, Maandig et al.

(2016) documented 48 species of spiders from 4 municipalities of Agusan del

Sur. Five microhabitats were identified in Agpan cave occupied by Family

Sparassidae. Family Arancedae was found in the high rock surfaces and

shrubs at the entrance of the cave.

There are several caves in Agusan del Sur that are known to

researchers due to their species richness, such as bats, spiders, the

formation of rocks, and other organisms, and Mt. Ararat cave in Bayuan

City is one of these caves. However, Puting Buhangin cave in Prosperidad

has yet to be official research or documentation. Although both caves are

now open to visitors, there have been no complaints of problems in the area

since the local government adopted restrictions to safeguard them.

Additional research in the form of a bioindicator is necessary to guarantee

the long-term survival of both caves (Schwerdt et al., 2017). In addition, a

lack of understanding about the cave-dwelling species makes it difficult to

maintain them. They are less exposed to the land surface and light and are

invisible to humans.

In this study, the researchers generally aim to determine the spider

diversity and human activities in Puting Buhangin cave, Prosperidad, and

Mt. Ararat cave, Mt. Ararat, Bayugan City in the province of Agusan del Sur.

The study will be conducted to know the status of the caves whether there is
a huge disturbances from human activities that could possibly affect the

habitat of the various organisms. In addition, the spider species will be

identified and classified according to their classes. The data gathered,

collected, and documented by the researchers will serve as resources for

species and cave ecosystem information.

Objectives of the Study

This study generally aims to determine and compare the cave-dwelling

spider diversity and cave disturbance in Mt. Ararat in Bayugan City, Agusan

del Sur, and Puting Buhangin in Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Specifically, this aims to:

1. Collect, identify and classify spiders found in 3 zones in [Link]

cave, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, and Puting Buhangin cave,

Prosperidad Agusan del Sur.

2. Determine the spider biodiversity indices in Mt. Ararat Cave,

Prosperidad Agusan del Sur and Puting Buhangin cave, Prosperidad

Agusan del Sur.

3. Determine the significant difference in spider diversity in 3 zones of

Mt. Ararat cave, Bayugan City Agusan del Sur, and Puting Buhangin

cave, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur.

4. Determine the cave disturbance index of the 3 zones in Mt. Ararat

cave and Puting Buhangin cave.

 5. Determine the relationship disturbances index and spider diversity in

Mt. Ararat cave in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and Puting

Buhangin cave, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur.

Significance of the Study

This study is deemed significant in ensuring the long-term health of

ecosystems in Mt. Ararat cave and Puting Buhangin cave. The two caves

exhibits indication of human disturbance, which has the potential to result

in an increasing drop in the number of cave-dwelling spiders and eventually

to disturb the balance of the ecosystem. As a result, the researchers’

objective is to recognize and confirm if such disturbance exists through Cave

Disturbance Index. Researchers do this with the expectation that doing so

will result in the provision of scientific information that can be used to

promote the ecological sustainability and cave management.

Specifically, this study would be beneficial for the following:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This study

may provide information that serves as a guide in the formulation of

policies to strengthen the implementation of the Cave management

Protection and Conservation Program.

Local Government Unit/Barangay Official of the Barangay. This study

would encourage the local government unit to conduct a program that

is related to the cave management protection conservation program

and to give more awareness to the community regarding the habitat

inside the cave.

Residents of Barangay Mt. Ararat and Poblacion of Prosperidad. This

study would provide information, knowledge, and awareness about

the cave-dwelling spiders and motivate everyone in the community to

take part of protecting and caring the cave.

Future Researchers. This can be helpful to other researchers on which

study is relevant to the title of this study, it may use as a reference to

widen future researcher ideas and knowledge.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will be focused on the diversity of the adult spiders in the

caves of Mt. Ararat in Bayugan City and Puting Buhangin, Poblacion,

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. It is limited only to the identification and

classification of the adult spiders found in three zones of the cave and

determining the spider biodiversity and, the significant difference in spider

diversity in the 3 zones.

Time and Place of the Study

This study will be conducted in December 2022 to February 2023 at

Mt. Ararat, Bayugan City, and Puting Buhangin, Poblacion, Prosperidad,

Agusan del Sur.

 Operational Definition of Terms

Cave Disturbance Index. It refers to the tool from the study of Harley et al.

(2011) to measure disturbance of a cave.

Dark Zone. It refers to the dark part or deeper most of the cave.

Diversity. It refers to the variety of the spiders in two caves of Puting

Buhangin and Mt. Ararat.

Entrance Zone. It refers to the entry point of caves in this study.

Mt. Ararat Cave. This cave is also known as Sayawon cave. It is a cave

situated in barangay Mt. Ararat

Puting Buhangin Cave. This cave is situated in barangay Poblacion,

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Spider Species. It refers to an arthropod that have eight legs and producing

silk for its house and hunting.

Twilight Zone. It refers to the mid area of the entire measure of the cave.
 Conceptual Framework

Input Process
Collection of the Output
spiders for
identification and
classification

Data analysis on
Spider Diversity

Comparison of
biodiversity indices of
the cave zones
Diversity of spiders in
Mt. Ararat cave in
Survey and analysis Mt. Ararat cave and
Bayugan City,
on cave disturbance PutingBuhangin cave
Agusan del Sur
using CDI
Cave Disturbances of
Correlation Analysis two caves
PutingBuhangin cave
in Poblacion, of the CDI & Spider
Diversity Index Correlation of Cave
Prosperidad, Agusan
Disturbance and
del Sur
Spider Diversity

Figure. 1. Schematic Diagram of the Study

The figure shows that the study's information comes mostly from Mt.

Ararat and the Puting Buhangin caves. The procedure will include

gathering, identifying, and classifying spiders. The Shannon-Weiner Index

for general spider diversity will be used in the data analysis on spider

diversity. Three ecological indicators from two caves' biodiversity will be

compared. Additionally, this research will employ CDI to assess any cave
disturbances and compare the results of that investigation with the variety

of spiders found there. Finally, the research will address the challenges to

the sustainability of the cave ecosystem in the caves of Mt. Ararat and

Puting Buhangin along with other information or a checklist on the variety

of spiders.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Caves Landscape and Ecological Feats

Caves are one of the most significant well-known geology in the world,

an environmental and cultural heritage, as well as a major economic

resource for many nations. Their scientific and artistic worth is frequently

endangered by tourism, which sadly exposes them to a series of dangers of

deterioration and occasionally, irreparable alterations. Therefore, the study

of the subsurface ecosystem becomes necessary to conserve and preserve it

throughout time (Balestra et al., 2021).

As a result of its geologic history, the Philippines feature a vast cave

system. As the human population and tourism increase, anthropogenic

factors become a greater danger to the unique ecology. Inhabitants of the

caverns ranged from microorganisms to large creatures. The microbial

groupings serve as quality indicators for the cave's air and water ecosystems

(Abris et al., 2020). The country is known for its diverse group of

amphibians and reptiles with a high percentage of endism. One of its

habitats is the cave, particularly in Mindanao. The island is the second-

largest landform in the country. Siargao Island in Mindanao has many

caves. Usually, different schools conducted surveys or studies regarding

biological organisms that lived in caves. Study from MSU-IIT research was

done entirely on amphibians and just 40% on reptiles. Only Platymantis

corrugatus and P. dorsalis were discovered in the Million-bat cave, which

has the greatest diversity of herpetofauna species.

 The caves have many stalactites and stalagmites, a formation of rocks.

Also, some boulders blocked the pathway. There were signs of human

disturbance such as wood poles, broken stalagmites, and man-made holes.

Some of the caves have a body of water with fish. However, some of them

have no water at all, purely landforms (Nuñeza & Galorio, 2015). A cave is a

natural aperture or hollow within the ground, often stretching from the

surface of the earth to beyond the zone of light penetration and intensity

(Bernstein, 2005; Milan, 2020). The entrance zone, which is subject to direct

sunshine and the daily light cycle. The twilight zone as well as the dark

zone, which is an area where no light can get through (Milan, 2020).

Because of distinct physio-chemical and geochemical circumstances

connected to photic gradients, different forms of life, and therefore

adaptations represented by that life, are often associated with these zones

(Omondi, 2019). Entrance and twilight zone circumstances may be tolerated

by a broad range of creatures, including insects and vertebrates, with few

changes to their general lifecycle. The cave, which consists mostly of karstic

limestone formations reaching to a depth of around 80 meters, may be the

deepest cave in India (Bairagya, 2014).

However, the assemblages present in the various biological zones of

caves are controlled by a multitude of variables, including specialization,

competition, nutrient constraint, and unique microhabitat needs (Tobin et

al., 2013; Cajaiba et al., 2021). Although caves provide generally stable

microclimates overall, cave fauna are sensitive to the changes prompted by

the variety of microhabitats characteristics prevalent throughout caverns,

resulting in the relationship of certain species with certain cave zones

(Pacheco et al., 2020; Perry, 2012)). Through colonization and dispersion

within and between epigean and hypogean systems, the connectivity of

epigean and hypogean habitats also impacts assemblage composition,

especially inside the cave mouth. While it is hypothesized that local

ecological conditions and seasonality explain the species diversity of

troglophiles and accidentals, the species diversity of troglobites may be best

described by past biogeography (Cuff et al., 2021).

When compared to its epigean habitats and even European caves, the

spider fauna of the southern Levant's caverns is poorly understood. The

researchers revealed previously that southern Levantine caves support

diverse assemblages of troglophile and troglobite arachnids, with 62 spider

species observed in 35 caves in Israel and Palestine, including 32 troglobite

and troglophile spiders. Despite the fact that numerous species appear to

demonstrate specializations for either the cave entrance or cave dark zones,

previous research have not exhaustively explored changes in spider

assemblage composition between distinct cave ecological zones (Cuff et al.,

2021).

Caves in the Philippines

Siargao Island has multiple caverns with harsh conditions. Cave

spiders that indicate biodiversity are frequent. Siargao Island cave spider

research is scarce. This research determined Siargao cave spider species

diversity. Modified cruising sampling was used. Siargao's 10 caverns include

eight species from six families. Rich guano caves 1 and 4 have the most

species. The dark zone has more species and persons than the entry or

twilight zone. Siargao caves have low species diversity and equal

distribution. Guano seems to increase the quantity of spiders in caves,

particularly in the dark zone. Temperature and humidity seem to affect

spider distribution and abundance in various cave zones (Henry et al.,

2014).

Spiders regulate insect populations in many ecosystems. However,

cave spiders are obscure or less known to the people. The study of

researchers investigated 11 Mindanao caves to evaluate spider diversity and

microhabitats. 18 spider species from 2 orders, 12 families, and 12 genera

were recorded. Cave 10 in Tarragona, Davao Oriental had the most species,

whereas caverns 3 and 4 in Quezon, Bukidnon had the least due to human

impacts. Cave spiders are few and distributed evenly. Humidity affects the

quantity of web-spinning spiders in the entry and twilight zones. Diaea

variants were constantly near the entryway. Spiders were found at cave

openings. Damon mediums was found at all cave sites and in the twilight

and inner zones. Cave spiders' microhabitat choices are influenced by

temperature, humidity, cave surface, and disturbances. For a more

comprehensive database of Mindanao cave spiders and to better understand

spider ecology, further cave surveys are needed (Enriquez & Nuñeza, 2014).
 Spider Fauna in the Caves

According to the study by Mammola et. al. (2018) that there are 486

spider species inhabiting caves and other underground environments in

Europe, belonging to 22 families. Although a few species may occupy

caverns over the whole continent, around 90 percent of species have limited

distributions. Southern Europe appears as the principal diversity hotspot for

subterranean spiders, with the greatest number of endemic species.

Compared to other temperate parts of the globe, certain families seem to be

highly represented in European subterranean habitats, while others appear

to be poorly represented. Overall, it seems that taxonomical knowledge of

underground spiders in Europe is adequate, although not spread uniformly.

Cave ecosystems are recognized as suitable ecological and

evolutionary laboratories by specialists from a variety of fields, ranging from

molecular biology to macroecology. Spiders stand out as attractive model

animals among other subterranean species due to their ecological function

as top predators, their particular adaptations to the hypogean medium, and

their susceptibility to human disturbance. As a result of the description of

the first eyeless spider (Stalita taenaria), several publications on the biology,

ecology, and evolution of subterranean spiders have been published, but a

thorough study on these themes is still absent (Mammola & Isaia, 2017).

Caves are not isolated environments. Darkness or low light, relatively

consistent temperature and humidity, and a lack of trophic supplies are

typical of cave settings. Species that can transition between a cave and

outside settings may play a significant role in determining trophic dynamics

in these habitats, which are driven by the availability of resources. It is

unknown whether the trophic features of caves play a role in determining

the occurrence, abundance, or breeding success of spiders, even though

spiders are among the most abundant invertebrates in caves and many

studies have tested factors hypothesized to affect the distribution of spiders

among caves (Manenti et al., 2015).

In the research study by Layno (2014), the hand-picking approach is

emphasized, which entails walking across the study area, moving along

bushes, trees, shrubs, and crops in search of spiders, and capturing them

by hand. Utilizing aerial nets to capture spiders located in the branches of

towering trees and bushes. As the whole region was combed, markers were

put on the locations where the search was halted to indicate where it should

restart on the following sample day. Random sampling was conducted using

the hand-picking technique. As the collection continues, all spiders are put

on little transparent plastic cellophane, adapted matchbox cages, or larger

boxes, depending on their size, and are labeled with the time and date they

were caught. The representative spider species were housed in cellophane

made of transparent plastic and were properly documented in the

laboratory. The acquired samples were sorted, tallied, and stored in 70% or

less ethanol. Each spider was put in its designated location for

comprehensive recording. Following the documentation, the following

observations were made on each captured spider: physical features such as

size, color, color patterns, and form were identified for each specimen.

Several reference books will serve as the foundation for classifying spiders,
while identification of species will be easy thanks to the categorization

scheme.

The research conducted by Salaga (2015) emphasizes the effectiveness

of collecting cave spiders by hand. The research was undertaken in Davao

del Norte caves, especially in Linao, San Isidro, to evaluate the species

density, frequency, relative abundance, and species diversity using the

Shannon-Weiner Index. The sample occurred between May 21 and 23, 2014.

The cave was separated into four research zones: the entry zone, the twilight

zone, the transition zone, and the deep zone. In the transition zone, where

the guano deposit was densest, macro-invertebrate population density,

relative abundance, and diversity were highest. The deep zone continuously

exhibited low values for all studied indices. The average air temperature is

28.65 degrees Celsius, the pH is 7.05, the dissolved oxygen level is 13.7

mg/L, and the relative humidity is 72.25 percent.

Ecological Role of the spiders

Spiders are abundant and widespread, as well as natural insect pest

controls. Spiders are beneficial predators that manage the populations of

various insect pests. (Rodrigues et al., 2013: Sarma et al., 2013). Spiders are

frequently the most efficient biological pest control in and around houses

and crops. Spiders utilize several tactics to catch prey. Web-spinning

spiders use their webs to catch prey, while other species are active hunters

that seek out their prey. (Daniel, 2021). Therefore, killing most spiders

should be avoided since insects would overrun the planet without them.
Furthermore, birds and other small animals rely on spiders for food,

particularly in the winter and spring. Some individuals are scared of

spiders. Most spiders are tiny, unassuming arthropods that are harmless to

humans (Sarma et al, 2013).

A vast variety of spider species populate agricultural areas in great

numbers. Their presence restricts insect pests' access to habitats. Spiders

provide a hazard to insect pests via diverse feeding techniques. In addition

to devouring vast quantities of insect pests as food, they possess the ability

to eliminate all insects inside their domain. As a result, spiders are a

beneficial biological control agent in agricultural ecosystems and may be

utilized effectively to monitor pest populations in the field (Sarma et al.,

2013).

According to Nyffeler & Birkhofer's evaluation, Bristowe and Turnbull

sought to infer the ecological impact of spider predation on insect

populations (2017). Both concluded that big populations of spiders would

destroy vast quantities of insects. Density and prey kill estimates by

Bristowe and Turnbull are often referenced in the arachnological literature,

despite the fact that their reliability has never been proved. The study

estimates are rigorously evaluated in light of existing spider ecological data.

Bristowe predicted that the annual prey kill of British spiders would exceed

the combined weight of the whole British population. However, the most

current extensive study on agricultural land indicates much lower prey kill

values (Nyffeler & Birkhofer, 2017).

 An immediate assessment of the wide range of spiders that may be

found in Kabigan Falls in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Spiders are the most

common predators, and they play an important role in agriculture both in

terms of the quality of the surrounding environment and as agents of

biological control. At Kabigan Falls, the group amassed a total of 38 spiders,

which represented 13 different species. Opportunistic sampling and vial

tapping were the methods that were used to successfully collect the species.

Following their capture, the spiders were placed one at a time in discrete

containers made of plastic and then transferred in bottles containing

ethanol. These were brought to the Biology Laboratory of Thomas Aquinas

Research Complex at the University of Santo Tomas so that they might be

sorted and identified there (Chua et al., 2014).

The research carried out by Alviola and Disomimba (2017) highlights

the fact that spiders may be found almost everywhere in the natural world.

Spiders worked as natural pest controls in almost every kind of agricultural

ecosystem. On the other hand, they have a low profile in the Philippines.

Numerous scholarly investigations have been conducted to study the

significance of spiders as ecological indicators. There aren't too many

academics that talk about the relevance of spiders, but the ones who do say

that spiders are dependable biological markers. In order to identify the

alterations that have occurred within the environment as a result of human

involvement. Spiders have the potential to act as a biological agent to limit

the population of the cop insect pest and have been estimated to devour
around 200 kg per acre. Their distribution, the number of individuals, and

the variety of their genetic makeup would be contingent on the environment.

Human Disturbances in the Caves

The cave-dwelling species are among the most vulnerable and

endangered on Earth. Subterranean-adapted creatures have developed in

nutrient-poor settings and often under a restricted range of environmental

variables. Some of the creatures are indigenous to a particular cave or

location. Consequently, drastic changes in their ecosystems induced by

human activity may lead to the extirpation or extinction of some species

(Wynne, 2021). However, human activities negatively affects cave

ecosystems that fall into two categories, surface activities and interior use.

These activities can result in degrading suitable subterranean habitats and

threatening the presence of sensitive animal populations. Habitat loss and

degrade due to human activities which are typically spatially localized.

These activities can be result in the loss of entire species (Mammola et al.,

2019).

Most caves have a stable but fragile environment, which makes them

very vulnerable to disturbances caused by people. Underground tourist

attractions need an assessment of the regions disturbed by visitors, as well

as the kind and extent of such disruption. The ability to distinguish between

changes in the environment that occur as a consequence of natural causes

and those that are the result of human activity is essential for

environmental protection, as shown by previous research(Cortez et al.,

2011).
 Research Location

Puting Buhangin Cave

Bayugan City is a 5th-class component city in the Philippines'

province of Agusan del Sur. It has a larger population than other

municipalities in the province. It is the province of Agusan del Sur's lone

city. This city is in the province's northernmost region. It was once merely a

barrio of Esperanza. With the support of Governor Democrito O. Plaza, it

was altered and created into another municipality via the efforts of barangay

authorities led by Sergio Mullaneda (Gen. Info. Capitol of Agusan del Sur,

2015). Mt. Ararat is one of the barangays in the city of Bayugan City.

Sharing the common borders with barangays San Juan, Mt. Carmel, San

Jose, Bersebra, and Sto. Niño. This barangay has only a few of population

compare to other barangay. But it has rich in diversity such as caves

(Philippine Postal Corporation, 2022). These caves namely; Mt. Ararat or

Sayawon Cave, Masongot Cave, and Katam-isan Cave. According to the

DENR memorandum, the caves are classified as class II in which the areas

or portions have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological,

archeological, cultural, historical, and biological values or high-quality

ecosystems (Cimatu, 2018).

Mt. Ararat Cave

Prosperidad, at the confluence of the Sianib and Gibong Rivers, was a

Manobo town that flourished before the Spanish colonial period. Natives
referred to this village as Culilay. During the Spanish Colonial Era,

missionaries discovered the town and quickly began the process of

converting the Manobos to Christianity. Natives were given Christian names,

and Culilay was changed to San Juan. At the beginning of the American

Period, San Juan was again renamed Las Navas, but the name was short-

lived as the place underwent yet another name change – from Las Navas to

Prosperidad derived from the word Prospero or "progressive" as the place

experienced growth and prosperity during the time of American Governor

Zapanta, who coined the name that is still in use today. Under Republic Act

No. 2650, Prosperidad was founded on June 18, 1960 (Gen. Info. Capitol of

Agusan del Sur, 2015). The Puting Buhangin cave in barangay Poblacion is

full of amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations. This cave gave creeps

an exciting pathway since it needs to climb up and down, pass through

small openings, and some passageways that demand submerging in the cold

waters. Same with Mt. Ararat caves, Puting Buhangin is also classified as

Class II according to the Regional Cave Committee. The cave is allowed for

visitors or tourists but it should be accompanied by professional cave

guides. It is home to fruit bats, uncommon fish species, cave spiders,

insects, reptiles, and other species as well as Philippine Swiftlets (Proseridad

Tourism, 2021).
 METHODS

Research Design

This study will employ a quantitative research design where the

researchers deal with numbers, statistics, and anything measurable in a

systematic way of investigation (Apuke, 2017). These measurable things are

the samples of spiders, cave disturbances and spider indices, and the cave

disturbance index. The objective of quantitative research design is to

determine how many individuals believe, behave, or feel a certain way. This

entails a significant sample size and an emphasis on the number of replies

rather than acquiring a more focused or emotional understanding

([Link], 2015).

Description of the Study Area

Figure 2. Map (GADM, 2018)

 The area of study will be conducted in Puting Buhangin Cave

(8°36’34.74 N, 125°55’55.67E) in Prosperidad and in Mt. Ararat or

SayawonCave (8°50’42.7”N, 125°49’10.2”E) in Bayugan City that belongs to

Agusan del Sur province. The barangays where the caves are situated are

mountainous and full of trees, swamps, and [Link] Buhangin Cave is

located inside the ecosystem of Barangay Poblacion and is comprised of

three distinct parts. It has natural pools and streams of varying depths as

well as flowing water. The name comes from the white sand that may be

seen on the bottom of the cave river (Perez L. F., 2016).

The Mt. Ararat cave is situated in barangay Mt. Ararat, Bayugan City.

This barangay is much mountainous and turbid pathway down to the city.

The barangay has four (4) caves in total. The caves are namely Sayawon

cave or the considered Mt. Ararat cave, Snake cave, Masungot cave, and the

Katam-isan cave. The Sayawon cave is the newly discovered cave last 2014.

The Katam-isan cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The big stones in

the pathway are covered with pyrites stone (JouYen Vlogs, 2019).

Mount Ararat's cave is located at the summit of Mr. Ararat Barangay

in Bayugan City. The cave entrance is located at the bottom of a 10-meter-

wide, 15-meter-deep sinkhole. The cave entrance is 10 meters tall and 12

meters broad, with an extremely steep 75-80-inch slope. On the left side of

the cave entrance is a smaller, more accessible aperture measuring 0.75

meters in height and 1 meter in width. Six meters from the entrance lies a

muddy area that is 4-6 inches deep. The cave on Mount Ararat consists of a

single, massive, descending room. The banana and moss density around the

cave was average. Stalactites were numerous and almost filled the whole
roof of the cave, whereas stalagmites were only moderately common (Perez &

Nuñeza, 2020). While, Puting Buhangin cave, the distance between the

cave's entrance and exit is about 800 meters. The main room has not yet

been explored, thus investigations must continue. The cave has two stories

of rooms filled with new stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes

(Gaviola & Salinas, 2018).

Entry Protocol

Before the conduct of the study, the researchers will send letters to

the Barangay Local Government Unit. The researchers will also sending a

letter to the local government office of the Municipalities of Prosperidad and

Bayugan City. The researchers will inform the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources so that assistance will be done by them through

tours and other means to assist since caves are dangerous and full of

organisms.

Establishment of the Sampling Station

To enter the two caves, researchers must wear spider-collecting gear.

Plastic cups or vials, cotton, and ethyl alcohol will be used to preserve

spiders. A digital camera will be utilized for documentation. Stations will be

established on the three zones of the two caves, namely Puting Buhangin

and Mt. Ararat.

 Reconnaissance Survey

The researchers intend to conduct a reconnaissance survey along the

Puting Buhangin cave in Poblacion, Prosperidad, and Mt. Ararat Cave in

Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The sampling stations will then be decided

right after the said survey. The researchers will collect the samples in

different zones of different stations of the caves. Hence, the survey will be

conducted first before collecting the samples.

Identification of Cave Disturbance

The researchers will utilize the cave disturbance index as a checklist

for determining the disturbance of two caves involved in the study (Harley et

al., 2011). The category of the subsurface is divided into nine variables

namely; trash/garbage, speleothem damage, graffiti, floor disturbances,

destruction of cultural artifacts, condensation corrosion, desiccation,

destruction of fossils, and cave sedimentation. While the surface category is

divided into six (6) variables namely; biota-species, biota-population density,

deforestation, agriculture, urbanization, and quarry mining (Harley et al.,

2011). In order to arrive at a total number, the variables in CDI will be

added together. A lack of data score is assigned to a disturbance variable if

data for that variable cannot be determined despite the fact that it is still

relevant to the cave. The entire amount of missing data was totaled together

and then divided by the total number of cave disturbance variables, which

resulted in a score ranging from 0.00 to 1.00. The degree of confidence of

the final cave disturbance score will be determined using this method.
 The classification of cave disturbance levels of Harley et al. (2011)

ranged from pristine (0.00 – 0.19) to highly disturbed (0.80 – 1.00).

Table 1. Disturbance Classification (Harley et al., 2011)

Score Degree of Disturbance
0.81 – 1.00 Critical Disturbance
0.71 – 0.80 Severe Disturbance
0.61 – 0.70 Major Disturbance
0.51 – 0.60 Disturbed
0.40 – 0.50 Moderate Disturbance
0.20 – 0.39 Minor Disturbance
0.00 – 0.19 Pristine

Table 2. Cave Disturbance Index (Harley et al,. 2011)

Category Variable 3 2 1 0

Subsurface Trash Widespread Multiple areas Localized None

Speleothem Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
Graffiti Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
Floor disturbances Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
Destruction of >50 20-49 1-19 0
cultural artifacts
(percent destroyed)
Condensation Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
corrosion
Desiccation Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
Destruction of Widespread Multiple areas Localized None
fossils
Cave sedimentation Widespread; Multiple areas Localized None,
Or cave rock
completely surface
infilled in cave
Biota-species >50 20-49 1-19 0
richness (percent
decline)
Biota-population >50 20-49 1-19 0
density (percent
decline)
Surface Deforestation >50 20-49 1-19 0
(percent within 1
km buffer)
Agriculture (percent >50 20-49 1-19 0
within 1 km buffer)
Urbanization >50 20-49 1-19 0
Quarry mining Cave located Past quarrying Past None
in active had localized quarrying
quarry affects had
localized
affects
The variable of CDI is categorized into surface and subsurface categories.

Each variable will be standardized into four evaluation criteria, which

correlated to a disturbance score. The disturbance scale ranged from “0”,

indicating no disturbance, to”3”, indicating widespread (3) when the variable

is found or distributed over a large area of the cave, rated as multiple areas

(2) when the variable is found on multiple stations in the cave, rated as

localized (2) when the variable is found in one area or if it is not totally

damaged. For example, the speleothem damage or the stalactite only has a

crack then is rated as localized.

Collection of Spiders

The researchers will collect the samples from 8 am to 5 pm. The

researchers intend to do the collection of samples for seven days. But if

seven days are not enough to cover the two caves, the researchers will add

another seven days. The researchers will employ an opportunistic search

strategy. The collection will employ hand-picking and sweeping with a net to

catch spiders. The researchers will use gloves to protect their hands from

pointy and sharp objects. The samples that have been collected will undergo

direct counting before being recorded in the field notebook. For sample

identification and preservation objectives in the laboratory, the collected

samples will be placed in plastic cups or vials with cotton to create distinct

compartments for the samples that contain 75% ethyl alcohol.

Photography
 Photographs will be taken of each sample using a DSLR camera for

taxonomic identification. Digital camera with megapixels for documenting

and concentrating on spiders within the cave, DSLR for focusing on a

particular part like the head of the spiders under the dissecting microscope

and for a clear dorsal and ventral part of the spiders.

Data Analysis

Species diversity will be calculated based on the Shannon-Weiner

Index of general diversity. The formula is based on H=∑ pi ( ln pi ) , where the

pie is the proportion of the total sample belonging to ith species (ni/N). ln is

natural log or log base e and N is the total population. While, the related

Total number of species

abundance is based on RA ( % )= x 100 (Layno, 2015:
total number of all species

Salaga, 2015). The sample of caves will be based on the disturbance

classifications with the degree of disturbance namely; critical disturbance,

severe disturbance, major disturbance, disturbed, moderate disturbance,

minor disturbance, and pristine. The disturbance index will be based on the

Cave Disturbance Index Scoring (Harley et al., 2011). This will be used to

determine the cave disturbances of Puting Buhangin and Mt. Ararat.

Moreover, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be used to get the significant

difference of spider diversity in three zones of the caves of Mt. Ararat and

Putting Buhangin. While the relationship of disturbance index and spider

diversity will employ Pearson’s R-correlation with the formula of

N Σ xy−(Σ x )(Σ y )
r= where: N is the number f pairs of score, Σxy is
√ [ N Σ x −( Σ x ) ] [N Σ y − ( Σ y ) ]
2 2 2 2
the sum of the products of paired scores, Σx is the sum of x scores, Σy is the

sum of y scores, Σx2 is the sum of squared x scores, and Σy 2 is the sum of

squared of y scores. While computing r will be computed based on the

guidelines of Pearson coefficient correlation interpretation.

Table 3. Pearson coefficient correlation interpretation (Okwonu et al., 2020)

Strength of Positive Negative
Association
Weak Correlation .1 to .3 -0.1 to -0.3
Moderate Correlation .3 to .5 -0.3 to -0.5

Strong Correlation .5 to 1.0 -0.5 to -1.0

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