Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, , 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 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 , one of the hardest hit . H. similis may need to be sunk into grandocula (or vice versa). Brown and Siler (2013) identified a new, currently undescribed species which is known from only a single specimen...extinct? (Brown). H. similis is infected with chytrid and qualitative observations suggest numbers may be declining. No published data yet and Brown and Siler (2013) suggested that this species and H. grandocula may actually represent a single widespread form, which would impact its assessment if true; see: Brown, R. M., and C. D. Siler. 2013. Spotted stream frog diversification at the Australasian faunal zone interface, mainland versus island comparisons, and a test of the Philippine ‘dual-umbilicus’ hypothesis. Journal of Biogeography 41:182–195 (Brown). Infected with chytrid from Mt. Palay Palay. Husbandry analog for Hylarana. Near Threatened, because of chytrid fungus spread.

Barbourula busuangensis 26.39924392 Aspect of biology shared with <6 No No research dependent on this Yes other species species Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 2

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Endemic in Busuanga and (?) Coron but they are not present in all sites. They prefer pristine waters and riverine waters (Jakosalem, Afuang, Diesmos), in legally protected areas in but not really protected (Gonzales), threatened by means of logging, mining but especially water pollution (in Irawan river) since they are restricted in water (Afuang), in question: 'reliably' protected area but here in the Philippines, it is not really applicable. Legally, yes, but not in real context (Gonzales). Structurally unique with nasal parts and eyes on the upper part (Afuang, Gonzales), they have not been successfully bred in captivity. Philippine species not shown to be "lungless", as was previously thought. In recent years this species has been shown to be widespread and common when surveyed by experienced researchers in appropriate habitat (Brown). Ex situ research can be done in Avilon Zoo or UPLB. Research priority is breeding. Unknown if it’s a direct or indirect developer. Nobody knows the life history of this species. Only in Palawan even though it is common in Palawan. Given bureaucratic obstacles to research on Palawan, this and most other Palawan endemics might most appropriately be classified as Data Deficient (Diesmos in press). No data to actually show populations or range are in decline; species common in disturbed areas of Quezon, Aborlan, Irawan, Busuanga. Not endemic to Coron + Busuanga, widespread throughout Palawan PAIC - unconfirmed with genetic data due to bureaucratic obstacles to research...Data Deficient (Brown). Endangered (Afuang). Recent data should be published when made available. Recommended to be listed as Vulnerable.

Platymantis spelaeus 11.80525317 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Limited distribution in Negros (Jakosalem). The area is not protected. Reintroduction is not sure. Limestone is not protected and there is ongoing mining (Diesmos). Burning down of trees for charcoal is rampant in limestone forests of Negros (Jakosalem). Observation in mixed plantation (Jakosalem), protected by insurgencies. Used as flagship species in Negros and limestone forest (Jakosalem). Icon of limestone karst. the species has only been observed and collected on one occasion, so we know nothing of the extent of its range (Brown). Need more Isabela and Cagayan surveys! Recommended to be listed as Critically Endangered because of the (Diesmos). diesmosi 11.47085018 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species The protected area has not been pushed through in Mt. Malinao (Gonzalez). Has only been recorded twice; appears to be active in dry season (opposite of most local species). Research priority. We know the limestone species (like insulatus) are most likely OK, even though all forest cover is gone because they retreat into limestone karst and survive very well. Thus, paengi and bayani are even more "buffered" than diesmosi and taylor (Brown). In situ research: verify if it can still be found in Mt. Malinao as well as in other areas (distribution and ecology research). Platymantis polillensis 12.17011535 No aspect of biology known to be Yes No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 3

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Polilio people used it as their flagship frog because of its golden yellow color and also include as part of their fiesta (Afuang). Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, found in Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Cordillera Mountain Range. Red List status also argued by (1) Brown, R. M., C. H. Oliveros, C. D. Siler, J. B. Fernandez, L. J. Welton, P. A. C. Buenavente, M. L. D. Diesmos, and A. C. Diesmos. 2012. and Reptiles of Luzon Island (Philippines), VII: Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, Northern Cordillera Mountain Range. Check List 8:469–490....and (2) Brown, R. M., C. D. Siler, C. H. Oliveros, L. J. Welton, A. Rock, J. Swab, M. Van Weerd, J. van Beijnen, E. Jose, D. Rodriguez, E. Jose, and A. C. Diesmos.. 2013. The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Zookeys 266:1–120; and (2) McLeod, D. S., C. D. Siler, A. C. Diesmos, M. L. D. Diesmos, V. S. Garcia, A. O. Arkonceo, K. L. Balaquit, C. C. Uy, M. M. Villaseran, E. C. Yarra, and R. M. Brown. 2011. Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island, V: the herpetofauna of Angat Dam Watershed, Bulacan Province, Luzon Island, Philippines. Asian Herpetological Research 2011:177–198.

Ansonia mcgregori 7.164698042 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Husbandry analog for Ansonia muelleri. Outside the Philippines: yes. Inside the Philippines: no. The group is undecided whether they have educational purposes because of the appearance and size (though they are cute according to Gonzales). Appears to be restricted to the southern tip of Zambaonaga Peninsula (Sanguila et al., 2011) (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Vulnerable. Ansonia muelleri 7.164698042 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Husbandry analog for Ansonia mcgregori. Outside the Philippines: yes. Inside the Philippines: no. The group is undecided whether they have educational purposes because of the appearance and size (though they are cute according to Gonzales). Still has taxonomic status issues. Shown by Sanguila et al 2011 to be composed of several more range restricted mitochondrial clades. Whether these constitute ESUs or cryptic species has not been determined (Brown). Data Deficient because of taxonomic uncertainty but shown by Sanguila et al 2011 to be composed of several more range restricted mitochondrial clades (Brown).

Pelophryne albotaeniata 4.882380532 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Molecular studies are being done - still unpublished. The group is undecided whether this species has potential educational purpose - contrasting ideas. No recent studies of this complex in the Philippines (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient (Diesmos) - unpublished. Platymantis hazelae 12.17011535 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Part of the biodiversity education. In Negros, it is used for conservation awareness. I honestly do not think we know enough about P. halelae, negrosensis, and panayensis to justify "endangered". Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient (Brown). Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 4

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Platymantis negrosensis 12.53098835 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Used as flagship species in Southern Negros (Jakosalem). Not good looking for breeding (Jakosalem). I honestly do not think we know enough about P. halelae, negrosensis, and panayensis to justify "endangered" (Brown). Suggested to be listed as Vulnerable. Rhacophorus pardalis 6.149289717 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Education potential: its color. Genuine research priority! One species or four?? (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient, taxonomic issues. Chaperina fusca 57.47065912 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this No exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Widespread in Jolo, Tawi tawi, Mindanao, Palawan, needs for taxonomic studies.

Limnonectes macrocephalus 15.48197189 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Captured for food and marginalized by Hoplobatrachus. Collection for food is the major threat and this may lead to further declines (Afuang). Investigation required to determine if ex situ breeding is a potential solution (Sy). Good for conservation education because it is big and represents all the islands. Good for husbandry. Tried to farm for food previously, but it did not succeed. Limnonectes magnus 14.37599567 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Captured for food and marginalized by Hoplobatrachus. Collection for food is the major threat and this may lead to further declines (Afuang). Investigation required to determine if ex situ breeding is a potential solution (Sy). It only exists in the Philippines.

Leptobrachium mangyanorum 16.16461136 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Named after tribe from , same as L. lumadorum. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern, Near Threatened suggested by Afuang. Leptobrachium tagbanorum 16.16461136 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species from Palawan. Same as the two other L. lumadorum and L. mangyanorum, Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern, Near Threatened, restricted occupancy in Mainland Palawan, in forest area (Gonzalez). Megophrys ligayae 18.9666318 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 5

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Extremely widespread and detected as part of every survey effort on Mindanao and/or Palawan. What we know now is that they are only detectable in the rainy season and only call, actually during rain — this means that the ability to record this species is severely limited, and yet we always find them, whenever we do surveys on the Palawan or Mindanao PAICS, throughout all the islands concerned (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Vulnerable, widespread (workshop group). This species needs to be downgraded to Near Threatened or even Least Concern. They are very much akin to Leptobrachium. I'm not sure how/why they ever were assessed as Vulnerable or above (Brown). Sanguirana aurantipunctata 8.659490771 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Good for education purposes because its cute. Present at three sites, including two protected areas (Brown). Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern, Near Threatened (Diesmos). Sanguirana igorota 8.659490771 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Good for education purposes because of its color and pattern. Extremely common in N. Ilocos Prov: see Brown, R. M., C. H. Oliveros, C. D. Siler, J. B. Fernandez, L. J. Welton, P. A. C. Buenavente, M. L. D. Diesmos, and A. C. Diesmos. 2012. Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island (Philippines), VII: Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, Northern Cordillera Mountain Range. Check List 8:469–490 (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, type locality and outside can be found. Nyctixalus pictus 10.38289517 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Has good education potential because of its color and shape. Nyctixalus spinosus 10.38289517 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Has good education potential because of its color and shape. Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, widespread, tolerant, prefer forest areas, enough information. Ichthyophis glandulosus 15.65622821 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. Abundant in Mindanao but not really on the island where it is collected (Tampakan, its mined already). Threat: Mining. Very common in Pasonanca Natural Park protected area (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened.

Ichthyophis mindanaoensis 15.65622821 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. Same habitat with glandulosus. Found in fragmented forest. Unknown distribution and Biology. Need Rafe's side on these two species Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, more data now. Fejervarya moodiei 14.64011208 No aspect of biology known to be Yes No research dependent on this No exceptional species Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 6

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Synonym for F. cancrivora, found in swamps and mangrove areas. One of the species that can tolerate saline environment. Indigenous people treat this species as one of their food sources (Afuang). Fejervarya vittigera 13.61911372 No aspect of biology known to be Yes No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Certain population is not affected but the threats need to be monitored but not really requiring conservation studies (consensus). Taxonomic status is problematic. Platymantis guentheri 12.53098835 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Not all in protected area status. Suitable for conservation education as it is common, and shows lifestyles of direct developers. Husbandry analog for arboreal dwelling Platymantis species. Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, found in 6 islands in Southern Philippines.

Platymantis pygmaeus 11.80525317 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species It is the smallest Platymantis (education potential). Direct developer, smallest Philippine group (Diesmos). Suitable for conservation education as it is tiny, looks like dirt, kids love playing in dirt. Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened. New records in Sierra Madre, Cordilleras and Ilocos Region. Can tolerate reforestation and Secondary growth. As in P. polillensis, three recent published studies have argues for its being downgraded on the basis of new data collected from field work and surveys of its populations (i.e., not indirectly inferred from forest cover or some other metric) (Brown). Red List status also argued by (1) Brown, R. M., C. H. Oliveros, C. D. Siler, J. B. Fernandez, L. J. Welton, P. A. C. Buenavente, M. L. D. Diesmos, and A. C. Diesmos. 2012. Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island (Philippines), VII: Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, Northern Cordillera Mountain Range. Check List 8:469–490....and (2) Brown, R. M., C. D. Siler, C. H. Oliveros, L. J. Welton, A. Rock, J. Swab, M. Van Weerd, J. van Beijnen, E. Jose, D. Rodriguez, E. Jose, and A. C. Diesmos.. 2013. The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Megophrys stejnegeri 18.9666318 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Widespread in Mindanao PAIC. Is in the pet trade-local market. Extremely widespread and detected as part of every survey effort on Mindanao and/or Palawan. What we know now is that they are only detectable in the rainy season and only call, actually during rain — this means that the ability to record this species is severely limited, and yet we always find them, whenever we do surveys on the Palawan or Mindanao PAICS, throughout all the islands concerned (Brown). This species needs to be downgraded to Near Threatened or even Least Concern...they are very much akin to Leptobrachium. I'm not sure how/why they ever were assessed as Vulnerable or above (Brown). Philautus poecilius 6.144913316 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. High elevation, species complex, good for educational purposes because its colourful and direct developers. Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, found in other places like Mt. Banahao. Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 7

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Leptobrachium lumadorum 16.16461136 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Named after tribe from Mindanao, lowland forest species. Vulnerable in mining and reforestation. Sensitivity to the environment (Afuang). Can use it for the conservation education (Afuang). This species has a very big tadpole. Husbandry for analog for Leptobrachium mangyanorum and tagbanorum. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern (Diesmos). Distribution about 2000 asl, widespread, population is ok. Suggested for Near Threatened (Gonzalez et al). Ingerophrynus philippinicus 4.929938809 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species No aspect known to be unique or exceptional even their cranial crests. They have potential educational purposes because of their resemblance to Rhinella marina. Recommended to be listed as Least Concern (Emerson Sy). Rhinella marina 4.137558004 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Taxonomic status is problematic. Suitable for conservation education as it embodies invasive species, and is commercially important. Suitable as a husbandry analog, has been bred in captivity (F2), they have potential educational purposes.

Platymantis corrugatus 11.80525317 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species This species is a direct developer. Husbandry analog for ground dwelling Platymantis (Diesmos). Platymantis dorsalis 11.80525317 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Widespread. Taxonomic revisions by Brown. Husbandry analog for ground dwelling Platymantis. Occidozyga laevis 15.18175864 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Used for biology experiments. Husbandry analog for Occidozyga diminutiva. Is captured for the pet trade, biology class experiments showing tadpoles to .

Hylarana erythraea 13.24156147 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Introduced species. Suitable for conservation education as it is an alien invasive, and is easy to procure. Lithobates catesbeianus 8.58388152 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Was seen in Central Luzon in the 1980s and then suddenly went extinct in this area because of captive breeding. Introduced species. Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 8

Phylogenetic Cultural/socio-economic Scientific Education Species Biological Distinctiveness significance importance Importance potential Staurois natator 17.07503965 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Restricted to Mindanao PAIC paper 2-3 years ago. Still with species complex. Flagging feet for courtship. Good for conservation education because it is good in images. Captive breeding. Staurois nubilis 17.07503965 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Widespread and abundant in every Palawan survey conducted single Everett's field work in 1800s (Brown). Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern. Philautus surdus 5.715801419 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Its easier to procure from the others, species complex. Husbandry analog for the group Philautus. Polypedates leucomystax 5.960530454 No aspect of biology known to be No No research dependent on this Yes exceptional species Species occurs in degraded areas but not in protected areas (JC Gonzales). Husbandry analog for genus Rhacophorus and P. hecticus