DOCSLIB.ORG

Check List 8(3): 469-490, 2012 © 2012 Check List and Authors Chec List ISSN 1809-127X (Available at Journal of Species Lists and Distribution

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Check List 8(3): 469-490, 2012 © 2012 Check List and Authors Chec List ISSN 1809-127X (Available at Journal of Species Lists and Distribution Check List 8(3): 469-490, 2012 © 2012 Check List and Authors Chec List ISSN 1809-127X (available at www.checklist.org.br) Journal of species lists and distribution Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island (Philippines), PECIES S VII: Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, Northern OF Cordillera Mountain Range ISTS L Rafe M. Brown 1,2*, Carl H. Oliveros 1, Cameron D. Siler 1, Jason B. Fernandez 2, Luke J. Welton 1, Perry Archival C. Buenavente 2, Mae Lowe L. Diesmos 3 and Arvin C. Diesmos 1,2 1 University of Kansas, Lawrence, Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. KS 66045-7561, USA. 2 National Museum of the Philippines, Zoology Division, Herpetology Section. Rizal Park, Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines. * Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] 3 University of Santo Tomas, Department of Biological Sciences. España 1015, Manila, Philippines. Abstract: We report new distribution records for amphibians and reptiles from 20 localities within the northern Cordillera from past surveys, our new data result in a total of 58 amphibian and reptile species for Ilocos Norte Province and the extremeMountain northern Range of Cordilleras—all Ilocos Norte Province, of which Luzon constitute Island, major Philippines. geographic Together range with extensions. opportunistic We utilize collections new data of specimens and IUCN formalized conservation assessment criteria to revise the conservation status of many species. Our results highlight the degree to which fundamental distribution data are lacking for Luzon amphibians and reptiles and emphasize the manner complex biogeography of Luzon’s herpetofauna remains poorly understood, providing opportunities for future research andin which conservation many current efforts species once distribution assessments patterns are based and on local incomplete abundances data are and, properly as a result, documented. may be sorely misleading. The Introduction b; 2012) on separate paleoisland precursors that have only recently accreted into the Luzon Island of today diverse amphibian and reptile fauna (Inger 1954; Brown (Auffenberg 1988; Defant et al. 1989; Yumul et al. 2003; andThe Alcala northern 1970; BrownPhilippine 2007; island Siler etof al.Luzon 2011a; supports Diesmos a 2009; Hall 1996; 1998; Brown and Diesmos 2009). Finally, and Brown 2011) that remains poorly known despite a more recent body of work has documented convoluted patterns of biogeography on Luzon, with repeated bouts 1922a, b, c, d, e; 1923; Inger 1954; Leviton 1962; 1963a, b; of colonization and faunal exchange between Luzon, 1964a,many historical b; 1965a, taxonomic b; 1967; 1970;studies Brown (Taylor and 1920a, Alcala b, 1974;1921; Mindoro, Visayan (central) islands, and even the northern 1980), and a few intensive faunistic surveys conducted at edge of the Mindanao faunal region (northern Samar selected sites (Brown et al. 1996; 2000a; Diesmos et al. Island), giving rise to an assembled fauna of varying and 2005; Siler et al. 2011a; McLeod et al, 2011; Devan-Song and Brown 2012). 2009; Esselstyn et al. 2009; Linkem et al. 2010; Siler et al. Montane microendemism on the island’s distinct 2011b,unpredictable c). systematic affinities (Brown and Diesmos geological components has become an expectation One poorly understood component of Luzon’s et al. 2002) borne out by a wealth amphibian and reptile fauna is the amphibian and reptile of empirical studies (Alcala et al. 1998; R. Brown et al. communities of the northern regions of the Cordillera 1996;(Taylor 1999; 1922a; 2000a, Brown b; 2007; 2010a; W. Brown et al. 1997a, Mountains (Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Abra and Kalinga b, c; 1999a, b; Diesmos 1998; Diesmos et al. 2005; Siler et al. 2009; Siler and Brown 2010; Fuiten et al. 2011). in April 1920, and recognized as harboring numerous Biogeographers now assume that patterns of localized speciesProvinces; with Figure ranges 1). apparentlyAlthough visited restricted briefly to by the E. northernH. Taylor species distributions within Luzon are related to several key factors associated with geography, atmospheric yet been presented to summarize the unique assemblage ofCordillera herpetological (Taylor species1922a, b,in c; this 1923), area. no Only synthetic a single work study has geological events (reviewed in Brown and Diesmos 2009). from a high elevation site in Kalinga Province (Balbalan- variation, recent climatic fluctuations, and ancient Balbalasang National Park; Diesmos et al. 2005) has been during recent times (mid- to late Pleistocene), by cyclical These include numerous periods of isolation, afforded have described low- to mid-elevation herpetological communities,published since nor the synthetically work of Taylor, reviewed and no the faunal faunas studies of the ofsea the level, past atmospheric, two million andyears floral (Brown community and Diesmos composition 2002; extreme northern end of the Cordillera Mountains (but see 2009).fluctuations Additionally, that accompanied it is clear thatglacial–interglacial more ancient periods cycles Ota and Ross 1994; Brown et al. 2008; 2009; and Oliveros of isolation gave rise to “old endemics” of Luzon (Brown et al. 2011, for faunal studies of the islands just north of et al. 1996; 2000a, b; 2010a; Esselstyn and Brown, 2009; Welton et al., 2010; Linkem et al., 2011; Siler et al. 2011a, Luzon). Although Taylor described a total of nine species that appeared unique to the area (Taylor 1920; 1922a, 469 Brown et al. | Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, northern Philippines b, c; 1923; 1925; 1963), the subject of a range-restricted in some cases, surrounding provinces (Figure 1). From Cordillera amphibian and reptile community has not yet been considered, except in passing during the descriptions Norte Province and conducted biodiversity surveys in the of several new species derived from the Diesmos et al. mountainsMay–June, surrounding2011, a large the team Municipality of biologists of Adams visited (Figures Ilocos (2005) surveys (Wallach et al. 2007; Brown et al. 2010a, b). elevation,2–14). The Mt. following Pao, Barangay sites were Adams, surveyed Municipality for herpetofauna of Adams herpetological surveys conducted in Ilocos Norte Province, (cordinate datum type = WGS 84), Location 1: 720–750 m northwestIn this Luzon.paper we We present include speciesresults accountsof the first for intensive our own data from surveys at nine sites and summarize all available Mt.(18.438° Pao, Barangay N, 120.878° Adams, E; surveyed Municipality by usof Adamson 15–20 (18.430° June, 2011; Figures 6–11); Location 2: 1,150–1,200 m elevation, which past collections were taken in Ilocos Norte Province. Figures 12, 13); Location 3: 350-400 m elevation, Adams Finally,historical we museum canvassed records museum from collections five additional for information areas from N, 120.859° E; surveyed by us on 19–23 June, 2011; from the surrounding provinces and report these records Town Proper, Barangay Adams, Municipality of Adams new data provide an ideal opportunity to review and, in Pao,(18.460° Barangay N, 120.910° Adams, E;Municipality surveyed byof Adamsus on 23–25 (18.449° June, N, manyto provide cases, biogeographical revise the formal context conservation for our report. status (IUNCThese 2011; Figures 3, 4); Location 4: 475–510 m elevation, Mt. 4); Location 5: sea level, Municipality of Bangui, northwest coast120.894° of Luzon E; surveyed (18.533° by usN, on120.766° 25 June–1 E; surveyedJuly, 2011; by Figure E. H. of2010; Ilocos 2011) Norte of all Province included species.and to Thisconsider paper the represents unique assemblagethe first attempt of amphibian to synthetically and reptile review species the herpetofauna inhabiting west coast of north Luzon (18.006° N, 120.510° E; visited the mountains of extreme northwest Luzon Island. byTaylor, G. F. June Lopez, 1919); date Location unknown); 6: Municipality Location 7: ofMunicipality Currimao, of Solsona, east of Laoag City (18.099° N, 120.765° E; Materials and Methods visited by G. H. Lopez, April 1934); Location 8: vicinity of Santa Praxedes, coastal road along N. Luzon coast, at of new distribution records for Ilocos Norte Province, and, approximate boundary between Ilocos Norte and Cagayan The collections summarized in this inventory consist Figure 1. Map of northwestern Luzon Island, Philippines. Elevation contours are indicated with darkened incremental shading. On the left panel, the of Ilocos Norte Province, with each sampling locality marked with numbered circles, corresponding to localities listed in the Materials and Methods. general position of the Municipality of Adams is marked with a large black dot (encompassing sampled localities 1–4 on middle panel). Middle: close-up Provincial boundaries are indicated with dashed lines. The inset (at right) shows the location of Luzon Island (darkly shaded) within the Philippines. 470 Brown et al. | Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, northern Philippines Provinces (18.583° N, 120.988° E; surveyed by RMB and ACD, May 2000); Location 9: Municipality of Cabugao (17.813° N, 120.438° E); Location 10: Danao Barrio, 18 km NE of Vintar City, Municipality of Vintar (18.273° N, 120.592 E; surveyed by C. A. Ross and M. Lorenzo, 1985); Location 11: Barangay Santa Maria, La Paz Road, Municipality of Laoag, Laoag City (18.200° N, 120.579 2011); Location 12: Barangay 25, Municipality of San Matias,E; surveyed Laoag by CityACD (18.199° and MLDD, N, 120.60029 August–1 E; surveyed September, by 13: Barangay Nagbalacan, Municipality of Batac (18.011° ACD and MLDD, 29 August–1 September, 2011); Location September, 2011); Location 14: Barangay Barong, Figure 4. View (to the southeast) of the southern end of the Municipality MunicipalityN, 120.631 E; of surveyed Dingras (18.117° by ACD N,and 120.700 MLDD, E; 29 surveyed August–1 by of Adams, from foothills east of town. Mt. Pao is visible at right. Photo by RMB. N,ACD 120.617° and MLDD, E; Location 29 August–1 16: Barangay September, Bobon, 2011); Municipality Location of15: Burgos Barangay (18.348° Tulnagan, N, 120.647° Municipality E); Location of Pasuquin 17: Barangay (18.333° Paayas, Municipality of Burgos (18.335° N, 120.629° E); Location 18: Barangay Magarutung, Municipality of Davila V.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 1
    Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 1 Species suited to Conservation Education 42 species Species that are specifically selected for management – primarily in zoos and aquariums - to inspire and increase knowledge in visitors, in order to promote positive behavioural change. For example, when a species is used to raise financial or other support for field conservation projects (this would include clearly defined ‘flagship’ or ‘ambassador’ species). Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Sanguirana everetti 8.659490771 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into availability of founders needs to be prioritised. Known in the area it was first collected like Mt. Apo. Threat: Habitat loss. It is not seen in great numbers anymore in Mindanao and chytrid may already affected them – hard hit (Diesmos). New genetic data suggest that real S. everetti is a SW Mindanao species...not sure what the Apo population would be since it has not be included in a phylogenetic study (Brown). No inferences can be made on the basis of habitat or forest cover. Need actual surveys of populations (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient, for its distribution. Data Deficient because no studies can be conducted in that region due to security issues (Brown). Hylarana similis 7.692704126 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Chytrid infected, effects cannot be reversed in time, high priority, but (Diesmos) they are quiet common on other mountain areas in Luzon, one of the hardest hit frog.
    [Show full text]
  • Ceratobatrachidae: Cornufer) from New Britain Island, Constituting the First Record of the Subgenus Batrachylodes from Outside of the Solomon Archipelago
    Zootaxa 4370 (1): 023–044 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) http://www.mapress.com/j/zt/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2018 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4370.1.2 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:949E6268-A4B7-4528-859C-482E1F3652D9 A new miniature Melanesian Forest Frog (Ceratobatrachidae: Cornufer) from New Britain Island, constituting the first record of the subgenus Batrachylodes from outside of the Solomon Archipelago SCOTT L. TRAVERS1, STEPHEN J. RICHARDS2, TAYLOR S. BROADHEAD1,3 & RAFE M. BROWN1 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Dyche Hall, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd, Law- rence, KS 66045-7561, USA. E-mail: SLT: [email protected]; RMB: [email protected] 2Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, S.A. 5000, Australia. E-mail: [email protected] 3Current address: Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 203 South Martin Jischke Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1971, USA. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract We describe a new species of Cornufer, subgenus Batrachylodes, from high-elevation forests of New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago of Eastern Melanesia. The new species, Cornufer exedrus sp. nov., is a biogeographically disjunct member of the Batrachylodes clade, representing the first record of the subgenus from outside of the Solomon Archipel- ago. The new species is a small terrestrial form from dense, closed-canopy forests above 1500 meters elevation in the Na- kanai Mountains of eastern New Britain. It differs from its closest relatives, the other members of the subgenus Batrachylodes, on the basis of its minute body size, degree of digital disc expansion, reduced subdigital tuberculation, color pattern, and other traits related to its small size.
    [Show full text]
  • Herpetological Assemblages in Tropical Forests of the Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines
    Philippine Journal of Science 3rd Draft: 17 pages 150 (S1): 415-431, Special Issue on Biodiversity Corrected: 05 Apr 2021 ISSN 0031 - 7683 04:20 PM Date Received: 04 Oct 2020 31_MS_20-266B Herpetological Assemblages in Tropical Forests of the Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines Marites B. Sanguila1,2*, Jeszianlenn L. Plaza1,2, Marjorie Y. Mahinay2, Roger C. Edma Jr.2, and Rafe M. Brown3 1Biodiversity Informatics and Research Center, Father Saturnino Urios University San Francisco Street, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 8600 Philippines 2Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, Arts and Sciences Program Father Saturnino Urios University, San Francisco Street Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 8600 Philippines 3Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA Tropical watershed ecosystems support heterogeneous habitats and diverse non-human species assemblages, together providing ecosystem services to humans. Amphibians and reptiles are recognized as sensitive indicators of ecosystem “health,” related to beneficial services (provisional, regulating, cultural, structural, functional) human societies receive from terrestrial watersheds. The Taguibo Watershed supplies fresh drinking water to Butuan City in the Caraga Region of northeast Mindanao Island. However, very little is known about the herpetofauna of the area. Here, we synthesize biodiversity data from historical (1971, 1979) and recent (2013, 2017) herpetological surveys from the region. We utilize specimen-associated occurrence records and natural history information to produce a species inventory, analyze their habitat utilization, and characterize diversity metrics to describe herpetological communities of the watershed – resulting in 44 species (27 new records). A number of historically-documented species persist, having partitioned riparian and terrestrial habitat types in dipterocarp and secondary-growth forests of Taguibo.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites
    Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites (Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Upper Marikina-Kaliwa Forest Reserve, Bago River Watershed and Forest Reserve, Naujan Lake National Park and Subwatersheds, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and Mt. Apo Natural Park) Philippines Biodiversity & Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy & Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) 23 March 2015 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc. The Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience Program is funded by the USAID, Contract No. AID-492-C-13-00002 and implemented by Chemonics International in association with: Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. Ecological Assessments in the B+WISER Sites Philippines Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program Implemented with: Department of Environment and Natural Resources Other National Government Agencies Local Government Units and Agencies Supported by: United States Agency for International Development Contract No.: AID-492-C-13-00002 Managed by: Chemonics International Inc. in partnership with Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Haribon Foundation World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) 23 March
    [Show full text]
  • Frogs of Mt. Maquiling and Mt. Banahao Arvin C
    WEB VERSION Luzon Island, Philippines 1 Frogs of Mt. Maquiling and Mt. Banahao Arvin C. Diesmos, Wildife Conservation Society of the Philippines Illustrations by: A.C. Diesmos. Photos by: A.C. Diesmos, J.L. Sedlock, R.V. Redor. Produced by: R.B. Foster, A.C. Diesmos, M.R. Metz, N.R. Ingle, J.L. Sedlock with support from the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Charles Stearns Fellowship of the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, and the Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas, Austin. © A.C. Diesmos and Environmental & Conservation Programs, The Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. [[email protected]] Rapid Color Guide #51 version 1.1 Bufo marinus Hoplobatrachus rugulosus Rana cancrivora (above) Rana erythraea (left) Occidozyga laevis (below) Polypedates leucomystax (right) Limnonectes macrocephalus Platymantis corrugatus Platymantis dorsalis Platymantis luzonensis Platymantis mimulus Platymantis montanus Rana luzonensis Rana similis Guarding its eggs. A female. Rana vittigera Rana woodworthi Philautus surdus Rhacophorus pardalis Mating. The smaller green frog is the male. Rhacophorus appendiculatus Kaloula conjuncta Kaloula kalingensis Kaloula picta This plate shows some of the representative species of frogs known from Mt. Maquiling and Mt. Banahao. Colored circles denote taxonomic families: yellow = Bufonidae, brown = Ranidae, green = Rhacophoridae, red = Microhylidae. These figures are not to scale. Body size measurements and other diagnostic characters to aid in the identification of genera and species are found on the other page. More information about these frogs can be found in the books Philippine Amphibians, An Illustrated Field Guide (Alcala & Brown, 1998) and Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna: Amphibians and Reptiles (Alcala, 1986). WEB VERSION.
    [Show full text]
  • Yol.42 No. I 2001 I Ll/3 Jtule Uj I Tllllpltlc L T't Yclvw6j - ^ 20 Brown, Diesmos E Ahaln
    l The State of Phtllptne Herpetolagl 19 THE STATE OF PHILIPPINE HERPETOLOGY AND THE CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT DECADE Daring tbe tatne perirtd. tbere bat been let.r actiuity in ecological research and conteruatittu. ancl little or no actiuity in disciplines tach at behaaior, nicroeao/ution, reproductiue Reru M. BnowN, Anvnv C. Dtrslros, aNo ANcn C. biol- lgy, 0r popalation biologl'. Ix thit paper we reaiew a nodel Ar-cnt-e fetu studies and point out where others are hadly needed. Auailable biogeographic analyset, combined with new, First, there is a great need for more new basic re- unpa[tlished data, dent.on.rtrclte thdt the distributions of anphib- searc h focused on b iodive rs i ry conservat io tt, includittg system- iant and reptiles in tbe Pbilippines haue been ttrongly influ- atics, ecology, behavior, and current patterns of distibution enced by the nid- to late-P /ei.ttlcene format ion of seuera/ aggre- and ab u ndanc e. W itho ttt s uc h fundantenta I info r nat io n, c o n- gate island complexes at well at by clinatic gradients attociated servatton planning will be incornplete at best. with eleaation and a,ttbrlp0geTtic distarbances (priraarily cle- Heaney et al., 1999:315. forestation). Each Plei-rtocene aggrega.te island complex it a major center of biologica/ diaersity, and within tbese najor (and seu- The information needed to make sense of Asian eral other rninor) Iand nass amalgamatilnt, there exist numer- herpetology is not lurking in tlrc Literature; it is still out tlrcre in ous tub-centers of endernism and diuersitl centered on itolated tlrc rice padtlies and in the vanishing patches of nontane for- ntountains or mountain ranget.
    [Show full text]
  • Herpetological Assemblages in Tropical Forests of the Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines
    Philippine Journal of Science 150 (S1): 415-431, Special Issue on Biodiversity ISSN 0031 - 7683 Date Received: 04 Oct 2020 Herpetological Assemblages in Tropical Forests of the Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines Marites B. Sanguila1,2*, Jeszianlenn L. Plaza1,2, Marjorie Y. Mahinay2, Roger C. Edma Jr.2, and Rafe M. Brown3 1Biodiversity Informatics and Research Center, Father Saturnino Urios University San Francisco Street, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 8600 Philippines 2Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, Arts and Sciences Program Father Saturnino Urios University, San Francisco Street Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 8600 Philippines 3Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 1345 Jayhawk Blvd., University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA Tropical watershed ecosystems support heterogeneous habitats and diverse non-human species assemblages, together providing ecosystem services to humans. Amphibians and reptiles are recognized as sensitive indicators of ecosystem “health,” related to beneficial services (provisional, regulating, cultural, structural, functional) human societies receive from terrestrial watersheds. The Taguibo Watershed supplies fresh drinking water to Butuan City in the Caraga Region of northeast Mindanao Island. However, very little is known about the herpetofauna of the area. Here, we synthesize biodiversity data from historical (1971, 1979) and recent (2013, 2017) herpetological surveys from the region. We utilize specimen-associated occurrence records and natural history information to produce a species inventory, analyze their habitat utilization, and characterize diversity metrics to describe herpetological communities of the watershed – resulting in 44 species (27 new records). A number of historically-documented species persist, having partitioned riparian and terrestrial habitat types in dipterocarp and secondary-growth forests of Taguibo.
    [Show full text]
  • Zootaxa,Two New Species of Platymantis
    TERM OF USE This pdf is provided by Magnolia Press for private/research use. Commercial sale or deposition in a public library or website site is prohibited. Zootaxa 1639: 41–55 (2007) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2007 · Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) Two new species of Platymantis (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from the Admiralty Archipelago, Papua New Guinea STEPHEN J. RICHARDS1,4, ANDREW L. MACK2 & CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN3 1Vertebrates Department, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, S.A. 5000, Australia. 2Wildlife Conservation Society, P.O. Box 277, Goroka, EHP, Papua New Guinea. Current address: Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677, USA. E-mail: [email protected] 3Department of Biological Sciences and Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA.70803-3216, USA. E-mail: [email protected] 4Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Two new species of the ceratobatrachid frog genus Platymantis are described from the Admiralty Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Platymantis admiraltiensis sp. nov. and P. latro sp. nov. have been confused with P. gilliardi Zweifel, 1960 which is known with certainty only from New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago. Platymantis admiraltiensis sp. nov. differs from P. gilliardi in its much longer legs (TL/SV 0.54–0.60 vs 0.51 in the holotype of P. gilliardi), and from all species of the morphologically conservative P. papuensis complex by its advertisement call, a long series of slowly- repeated (~ 0.4–1.9/s) yapping notes lasting up to 44 seconds.
    [Show full text]
  • Philippine Amphibians and Reptiles: an Overview of Species Diversity, Biogeography, and Conservation
    1 Philippine Amphibians and Reptiles: An Overview of Species Diversity, Biogeography, and Conservation Arvin C. Diesmos, Rafe M. Brown , Angel C. Alcala!, Rogelio V. Sison", Leticia E. Afuang#, and Genevieve V. A. Gee$ Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, 4115 Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines; Section of Integrative Biology and Texas Memorial Museum, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA; !Silliman University- Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, SU Marine Laboratory, 6200 Dumaguete City, Philippines; "Herpetology Section, Zoology Division, Philippine National Museum, Padre Burgos Street, 1000 Manila, Philippines; #Conservation International-Philippines, Philam Homes, 1104 Quezon City, Philippines; $Haribon Foundation, Teachers Village, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines 6he Philippine Archipelago is home to a spec- flat-headed frog (Barbourula busuangensis), a fully tacular and diverse assemblage of amphibians and rep- aquatic species inhabiting unpolluted mountain streams tiles. Situated at the interface between the Oriental and and rivers of Palawan. It is one of the only two known Australian faunal zones, the herpetofauna of this largely species of this genus. Frogs of the genus Platymantis oceanic island archipelago has captured the attention are the most diverse; the number of Philippine species and imagination of systematists and biogeographers for currently stands at 26 but dozens of newly discovered nearly 200 years. Previously thought of as having a species are still awaiting description. depauperate herpetofauna, the Philippine archipelago is now recognized as one of the most important center The fauna includes four species of frogs that have of herpetofaunal diversity in Southeast Asia. Informa- been introduced by man either intentionally (Bufo tion generated from recent field surveys coupled with marinus, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, Rana catesbeiana) analyses of available data on diversity, points to over- or inadvertently (Rana erythraea).
    [Show full text]
  • Additions to the Herpetofauna of Panay Island, Philippines1
    Additions to the herpetofauna of Panay Island, Philippines1 MAREN GA ULKE, ARNOLD DEMEGILLO, JoCHEN REITER & BENJAMIN T ACUD Zusammenfassung Ergänzungen zur Herpetofauna der Insel Panay, Philippinen. Während biologischer, auf der nordwestlichen Panay-Halbinsel durchgeführter Untersuchungen wurden der Ruderfrosch Rhacophorus pardalis, die Gekkoniden Luperosaurus cf. cumingi und Pseudogekko cf. brevipes, und die Schlangen Dryophiops philippina und Ophiophagus hannah erstmals für die Insel Panay nachgewiesen. Damit erhöht sich die Zahl der für Panay nachgewie­ senen Amphibien (von denen einige noch unbeschrieben sind) von 22 auf 23 und die Zahl terrestrischer Reptilien von 57 auf 61. Ein zweites Exemplar der kürzlich beschriebenen Wolfs­ zahnnatter Lycodon fausti wurde untersucht. Während Rhacophorus pardalis und Ophiophagus hannah eine weite Verbreitung in Südostasien haben, sind die anderen drei Arten seltene und fast unbekannte Endemiten der Philippinen. Beschreibungen der seltenen Arten und Informationen zur Variationsbreite und Biologie von R. pardalis und der Verbreitung von 0. hannah werden gegeben. Schlagwörter: Philippinen, Insel Panay, Rhacophorus pardalis, Luperosaurus cf. cumingi, Pseudogekko cf. brevipes, Dryophiops philippina, Lycodonfausti, Ophiophagus hannah, Verbrei­ tungsneunachweise, Taxonomie, Biologie. Abstract During biological investigations on the northwestern Panay Peninsula the rhacophorid frog Rhacophorus pardalis, the gekkonid lizards Luperosaurus cf. cumingi and Pseudogekko cf. brevipes, and the snakes Dryophiops philippina and Ophiophagus hannah were recorded for this island for the first time. This raises the number of amphibians (some of them still undescribed) reported for Panay from 22 to 23 , and the number of terrestrial reptiles from 57 to 61. A second specimen of the recently described wolf snake Lycodon fausti was examined. While Rhacophorus pardalis and Ophiophagus hannah are widespread in Southeast Asia, the other three species are rare and little known Philippine endemics.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Baseline Assessment in the REDD-Plus Pilot and Key Biodiversity Area in Mt
    Biodiversity baseline assessment in the REDD-Plus pilot and key biodiversity area in Mt. Nacolod, Southern Leyte Final technical report in collaboration with Imprint This publication is by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the Climate-relevant Modernization of the National Forest Policy and Piloting of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Measures Project in the Philippines, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) under its International Climate Initiative. The BMU supports this Initiative based on a decision of the German Parliament. For more information, see http://www.international-climate-initiative.com. As a federally owned enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. This study was undertaken by Fauna & Flora International commissioned by GIZ, with co-financing by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- Global Environmental Facility (GEF)-DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project (NewCAPP) and the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE). Statements from named contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Data and information generated from the study are within the possession of the Philippine Government through the DENR as mandated by law. Published by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Registered offices Bonn and Eschborn, Germany T +49 228 44 60-0 (Bonn) T +49 61 96 79-0 (Eschborn) Responsible For. Ricardo L. Calderon Director Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau Forest Management Bureau Building Visayas Avenue, Quezon City 1101 Philippines T: 63 2 928 9313 / 927 4788 F: 63 2 920 0374 Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Habitat Alteration on Amphibian Diversity and Species
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Impact of habitat alteration on amphibian diversity and species composition in a lowland tropical rainforest in Northeastern Leyte, Philippines Syrus Cesar Pacle Decena*, Carlo Aguirre Avorque, Ian Christopher Pacle Decena, Pol Delbert Asis & Bryan Pacle The impact of anthropogenic habitat alteration on amphibians was investigated, employing an investigative focus on leaf-litter and semi-aquatic species across diferent habitat alteration types. The habitat alteration types which include primary forest, selectively logged primary forest, secondary forest, abandoned farm areas and pasture (this represents a gradient of habitat alteration ranging from least altered to most altered, respectively) also encompass two habitat types: stream and terrestrial. Species assemblage was compared between habitat alteration types and habitat types, where a total 360 leaf-litter and semi-aquatic amphibians were observed (15 species, 6 families). It was found that amphibian abundance was signifcantly higher in both forest and stream habitat, and species richness did not difer with respect to habitat alteration type. It was determined, however, that species richness was highly dependent on habitat type (signifcantly higher in stream habitat). Meanwhile, diversity (Shannon–Wiener) was signifcantly higher in both forest and stream habitat, and species composition difered markedly between habitat alteration types for stream strip plots. Forest habitat exhibited domination by forest specialist species, while altered habitat
    [Show full text]