Species Diversity of Grasshopper (Orthoptera) Across Elevational Zones in Bulul Tebotu, Busa Mountain Range, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

The Mount Busa in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, which has relatively preserved lowland, montane forests, and rivers meandering through it, is a key biodiversity area. This study's objectives were to determine the species composition, richness, and abundance of grasshoppers, determine the species diversity, endemism, and conservation status, and to examine the relationship between the diversity across elevational gradient and physicochemical factors in the four sampling sites which were the open habitat, open and close canopy of the lower montane forest, and the upper montane forest. A total of 27 species and 511 individuals were collected and analyzed. Lower montane's close canopy was deemed as the most significantly diverse and dominant community. The new species Cladonotella spinulosa sp. nov., which was only previously recorded in Siargao Islands, was also found in this area. Evenness indicates species exhibited uneven community where 3 species from upper montane, 13 species from lower montane's close canopy, 4 species from lower montane's open canopy, and 5 species from the open habitat are equally abundant. Twenty species were identified as non-endemic while 7 of them are endemic. Grasshopper diversity was significantly affected by temperature. Species abundance increases with increasing temperature and decreasing elevation and humidity. The close canopy of lower montane is considered as a grasshopper hotspot. Above all, the grasshoppers in restricted ranges indicate that their population is an effective bio- indicator.