Mt. Nacolod: A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity SITUATED in the Province of Southern , Mt. Nacolod is one of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the greater Mindanao biogeographic zone. Declared as a forest reserve on November 25, 1996 by Proclamation No. 121, it covers approximately 14,000 hectares. This KBA straddles through the municipalities of , Saint Bernard, Hinunangan, , and Sogod in , and Mahaplag and in (Northern) Leyte. Mt. Nacolod hosts two significant watersheds in the Province: the Buac Watershed Forest Reserve and Hinabian-Lawigan Watershed Reservation.

The biodiversity assessment conducted in Mt. Nacolod is a collaborative initiative of UNDP-GEF-PAWB New Conservation Areas in the Philippine Project (NewCAPP) and the Climate-Relevant Modernization of Forest Policy and Piloting of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Project of the FMB- DENR and the German Development Cooperation-Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The GIZ project is part of the International Climate Initiative (ICI). The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative on the basis of a decision adopted by the German Bundestag. Philippine tarsier, classified as nearly threated by Ceyx melanurus, Philippine dwarf Habitat survey conducted IUCN, seen in one of the identified survey points kingfisher found in one sample point at as part of the assessment Silago, Southern Leyte Previous studies have shown that To aid decision-makers in establishing appropriate threatened and restricted-range species of management zones for Mt. Nacolod, the team Mindanao and Endemic Bird started with habitat surveys and mapping. This exercise was carried-out by using transect routes Area have been recorded in Southern Leyte and established for bird census along the four the likelihood of finding these species in the municipalities. Along each transect route, remaining forests of Mt. Nacolod is very high. assessment and classification of habitat every 50 meter section were done. Habitats were classified The latter has been validated in the recent based on dominance of mature trees, the different biodiversity assessment conducted for the said KBA. stages of succession following logging and various The biodiversity assessment was undertaken degrees of cultivation. A total of eleven plots in through the collaborative efforts of two projects – three established transects were used for the the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-United habitat surveys. In order to divide the tasks and Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- address resources as well as time constraints, team Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)’s New members were assigned to the following groups – Conservation Areas in the Project birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. (NewCAPP), and the Climate-Relevant Specifically for the bird surveys, fourteen transect Modernization of Forest Policy and Piloting of lines, with a minimum distance of 2 kilometers, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest were observed by the team beginning at dawn when Degradation (REDD) Project in the Philippines of bird activity is highest. Birds were surveyed at the German Development Cooperation- Deutsche points situated every 250 meters along the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit established transects. On the other hand, existence (GIZ). The GIZ project is part of the International of different species of mammals in the study area Climate Initiative (ICI). The German Federal was observed through direct observation, ethno- Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation survey and capture techniques, e.g., mist-netting and Nuclear Safety (BMU) supports this initiative and live-trapping. Feces, footprints and bite marks on the basis of a decision adopted by the German were also recorded. For reptiles and amphibians, Bundestag. The said assessment is part of two methods – the transect and microhabitat NewCAPP’s local biodiversity management sampling approaches – were combined. In transect planning process and intensifies the potential of sampling, recording of reptiles and amphibians REDD-Plus for effective protection and rehabilitation seen along the transects were recorded. of natural forests and conservation of biodiversity, Microhabitats sampled were tree holes, barks and while benefiting local communities. tree buttresses, among others.

The biodiversity assessment was considered an Findings of the assessment highlight that forests essential informed decision-making tool that would generate key species-habitat data, to enable stakeholders, including the national government agency, i.e., the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs) and communities, arrive at a concerted effort to sustainably manage Mt. Nacolod’s natural resources. Led by Fauna and Flora International (FFI) , the Assessment Team was composed of representatives from the DENR regional, provincial and community offices; the National Museum, and municipal and LGUs and members of Peoples’ Organization. Aimed at generating reliable results, the study which ran from November 7 to December 16, 2011 covered both flora and fauna of the municipalities of Sogod, Silago, Hinunangan and the city of (located outside of the Nacolod KBA but within the REDD+ Project site). Draco sp., Flying LizardX reptile, Timeresurus flavomaculatus, Philippine Ninox philippensis, Philippine hawk-owl Hinunangan, Southern Leyte pit viper snake, Sogod, Southern Leyte bird, Maasin, Southern Leyte of the four municipalities are secondary (early and sample area, it should be The high diversity of advanced growth). To note, the municipality of Sogod mentioned that 24 focal volant mammals has the largest forest cover. This is followed by Silago species have been selected occurring in Sogod, then Hinunangan. Maasin, being a city, has the smallest due to their characteristics with highest forest cover. More than these, the assessment also including: lowland forest elevation among the four municipalities, revealed that Mt. Nacolod is rich in flora. There were species representing other signals that diversity 65 families and 229 species of flora identified in the species that are dependent of small mammals area. Of the 229 flora species, 14% are endemic to the on this type of species; are associated with high elevations. The Philippines, 9% are classified as vulnerable and 4% are understorey species which existence of critically endangered. Vulnerable tree species found are sensitive to changes in numerous caves in in the area are Myristica philippensis (or duguan) and habitat quality; restricted- Maasin City, on the Swietenia macrophylla (or mahogany). Critically range species or endemic other hand, explains the high diversity of endangered trees, on the other hand, are Hopea which are more prone to non-volant mammals quisumbingiana (Subyang), Shorea negrosensis (or red extinction; and globally in the city’s forest. lauan), Shorea seminis threatened and near- Near threatened species (Malayakal) and threatened species. Looking at species diversity found in Mt. Nacolod are Pink- Shorea contorta (or and habitat types in the area, highest diversity bellied Imperial Pigeon, white lauan). proved to be evident in early and advance second Philippine Needletail, Rufous growth forest of the municipalities except for Hornbill, Pygmy Babbler and Yellow-breasted Tailorbird. On the fauna side, a Silago. It should also be underscored that during There are also vulnerable total of 112 species of the assessment, high values of diversity index were species recorded in the area, birds belonging to 42 noted in the cultivated areas of Hinunangan and e.g., Silvery Kingfisher, Philippine Dwarf-Kingfisher, families were Maasin as well as in old growth forests in Silago Rufous-lored Kingfisher, Visayan recorded during the and Sogod. Wattled Broadbill and Steere’s study period. 37% Pitta. The Tarictic Hornbill, percent (or 41 The assessment also put emphasis on 36 species of listed as an endangered species, also thrives in Mt. Nacolod. species) of these 112 mammals belonging to 15 families observed in Mt. species are endemic Nacolod. Thirteen of this 36 mammal species are to the Philippines non-volant. Nearly 50% or 17 species of those living while 13% (or 14 species) are endemic to the Visayas the area are endemic to the country. Eight of these and Greater Mindanao faunal region. More are said to be restricted only in the Mindanao faunal interestingly, eleven of the forty-one (41) Philippine region. Specifically, two individuals of Golden endemic species are included in the International Union capped fruit bat, a Philippine endemic species, for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) threatened were seen in Sogod. Those near threatened found category list. Among the 112 bird species found in the in the area, which are all endemic to the Philippines, include the Large flying fox, Philippine forest horseshoe bat and the Philippine tarsier. On number of individual mammals surveyed in the area, highest number (29% of the 218 individuals) was counted in Sogod while 27% were recorded in Hinunangan. Among the non-volant mammals seen, the Philippine Forest rat has the highest number of observations while the lesser musky fruit bat has the highest number of recorded individuals for the volant mammals. Taking into account species diversity, non-volant mammal species diversity is highest in Sogod while species diversity of volant mammals is highest in Maasin City.

More interestingly, results of the assessment on reptiles and amphibians have stirred not only interest and commitment for Mt. Nacolod’s Biodiversity assessment in Mt. Nacolod conservation locally but they have also The biodiversity assessment recorded not only the richness of facilitated increased national attention. A the state of biodiversity of Mt. Nacolod but also the current total of 69 species of terrestrial amphibians issues and problems threatening this KBA. Among those and reptiles were recorded in the area. Of observed, which will prove to have adverse impacts on the these, 25 species are frogs belonging to 7 ecosystem, are the small patches of kaingin (slash-and-burn), families, 23 species of lizards belonging to conversion of forests to coconut, abaca and banana plantations, 5 families, 20 species of snakes and 1 species and illegal hunting and poaching of wildlife. These of turtle. It should be put forward that the observations substantiate the results of the Socio-Economic assessment identified at least five species Baseline Survey conducted by the Visayas State University for with new distribution record in Leyte and the REDD+ Project. The assessment team observed that wildlife at least two new species of frogs and one were used as pets and food, and were also being sold in the new species of lizards. On diversity of market. Bird hunting, even the threatened species, were also amphibians and reptiles, Sogod has the most noted. Worse, there were children who were into such practice diverse community of these types of fauna. even at an early age.

The two new species of frogs recently The results of the biodiversity assessment will be presented discovered were nationally unveiled at the to local Technical Working Groups (TWGs), composed of people Marble Hall of the Museum of the Filipino from DENR, provincial , municipal and barangay LGUs, as People last April 17, 2012. These belong to well as the academe, who will be responsible for the the genus Platymantis and are known to preparation of a local Biodiversity Conservation Management inhabit the montane and mossy forests of Plan. These are essential inputs to the Plan which is expected the Nacolod Mountain Range of the to draw strategies that will assist decision-makers on province. The two species are allied to two identifying management zones, allowed activities in the area, different species groups, the Platymantis necessary policy and institutional support as well as advocacy guentheri group and Platymantis hazelae programs that will pump prime increased participation of group. Interestingly, this is the first time resource users. Different Information, Education and that a Platymantis species belonging to the Communication (IEC) materials will also be developed from hazelae group has been discovered in the the results of this biodiversity assessment. These will be used Mindanao faunal region of which the island to effectively communicate biodiversity management objectives of Leyte belongs to. Herpetologists from that should be in the hearts of those benefitting from Mt. the Philippines and the United States are Nacolod. For the national government, results of the now working on the formal taxonomic biodiversity assessment are expected to spur forest protection description of the species. Two other and rehabilitation efforts under the Philippine National REDD- potentially new species are being Plus Strategy as part of the National Climate Change Action investigated at the National Museum. Plan (NCCAPP), and the National Greening Program.

The New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP) is a five-year project of the Government of the Philippines with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is being implemented by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).