Tropical Natural History 21(1): 119–145, April 2021 ©2021 by Chulalongkorn University

Biodiversity in Forests over Limestone in Paranas, Island Natural Park (SINP), A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Nominee

ELAINE LOREEN C. VILLANUEVA1*, DESAMARIE ANTONETTE P. FERNANDEZ1, MARJORIE D. DELOS ANGELES1,2*, PAUL JOHN S. TOLENTINO1, REN DIVIEN R. OBEÑA1 AND INOCENCIO E. BUOT, JR.1,3

1Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Los Baños, College, Laguna, PHILIPPINES 2Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, CHINA 3Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Laguna, PHILIPPINES *Corresponding authors. Elaine Loreen C. Villanueva ([email protected]) and Marjorie D. Delos Angeles ([email protected]) Received: 4 June 2020; Accepted: 10 February 2021

ABSTRACT.– This study provides a checklist of the vascular flora and terrestrial vertebrate fauna in forests over limestone in Paranas, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Philippines, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site nominee. Nine 20x20m plots and 18 line transects were established for the floral inventory. The faunal assessment was conducted in transects laid in three sites within Paranas. Secondary data was collected from published articles regarding biodiversity in Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). The list shows 99 species representing 63 genera and 44 families. Eighteen species were identified as non-endemic and 38 species were Philippine endemics. New island records of Tectaria calcarea (C. Presl) Copel., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb. and Hancea wenzeliana (Slik) S.E.C.Sierra, Kulju & Welzen were also reported. Eleven are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List and/or DENR DAO 2017-11. Also, 106 vertebrates were recorded in a faunal inventory, including 4 , 9 reptiles, 84 avifauna, and 9 species, with overall endemism of 71 (67%). A new locality record of Platymantis bayani was noted in Paranas. Twenty-one vertebrate species were listed as threatened in the IUCN Red List and/or DENR DAO 2019-09. This biodiversity information strengthens the nomination of SINP as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, as this supports SINP’s outstanding universal value. The checklist is also essential for the formulation of policies and management strategies for the conservation and protection of kaigangan (forest over limestone).

KEY WORDS: ecotourism, endemic species, kaigangan, Paranas, Philippines, protected areas, threatened species, UNESCO World Natural Heritage

(NIPAS) Act of 1992 (Republic Act No. INTRODUCTION 7586). It has a total land area of 330,300

hectares plus a buffer zone of 124,500 Samar Island houses an extensive area of hectares. A forest over limestone is a forest karsts (Restificar, 2006). Some of the karst formation type thriving on limestone karsts, landscapes are part of the Samar Island which are outcrops mainly composed of Natural Park (SINP), a forest reserve on the calcium carbonate. Limestone karsts cover third-largest island of the Philippines. It was about 10% of the total land area of the declared as a protected area under Philippines and are notable for having high Proclamation No. 442. 2003, pursuant to the species endemism due to their unique flora National Integrated Protected Areas System and fauna (Fernando et al., 2008). 120 TROPICAL NATURAL HISTORY 21(1), APRIL 2021

Recent biological assessments conducted vertebrates from the municipalities of Taft, in SINP by scientists have proven the Can-avid, and Suribao in , richness of the biodiversity of the area. in Samar, and Catubig in Northern Floral (Quimio, 2016) and faunal (Patindol, Samar and documented 182 species 2016) assessments were conducted in five including 18 , 23 reptile, 121 , watersheds of SINP, where 212 tree species and 20 mammal species. and 182 terrestrial vertebrate species were To further enhance the protection of documented. Most of the tree individuals SINP, the area was nominated as a assessed were dipterocarps (Family Diptero- UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This carpaceae). However, continuous forest is a huge opportunity and challenge for the fragmentation and destructive anthropogenic stakeholders of SINP, as the UNESCO activities have led to a decline in biodiversity. World Heritage Convention seeks the Defining conservation priorities is of high conservation of landscapes that possess importance since it safeguards biodiversity outstanding universal value, which means and ultimately halts biodiversity loss (Brooks that its significance should go beyond et al., 2006). national boundaries and benefit all of The Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) humanity (Williams 2011). approach was initiated by the Philippine Southeast Asia is composed of about government to aid the agency and 10% karst in terms of land area (Day and stakeholders prioritize conservation action Urich, 2000). In this region, there are eight and devise geographically specific strategies UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites that protect the individual species and situated in terrestrial karst formations: safeguard representative habitats (Edgar et Gunung Mulu National Park (), al. 2008). Samar Island, as a Key Lorentz National Park (), Dong Biodiversity Area, has its share of notable Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex biodiversity. Early records in Merrill’s (Thailand), Thungyai-Hua Kha Khaeng Enumeration of the Philippine Flowering Wildlife Sanctuaries (Thailand), Ha Long Plants (1923-1926) noted 406 endemic Bay (Vietnam), Phong Nha-Ke Bang species, represented by 200 genera and 65 National Park (Vietnam), Trang An families in Samar Island (Madulid, 2000). Landscape Complex (Vietnam), and Puerto Moreover, additional species of palms Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Adorador and Fernando, 2017; 2019; (Philippines) (Clements, 2006; Day and Adorador et al., 2020), orchids (Meneses et Urich, 2010; Day, 2011; UNESCO, 2020). al., 2018; Meneses and Cootes, 2019), These natural heritage sites feature their rich Pyrostria (Alejandro et al., 2013), and and unique biodiversity as their outstanding Gomphandra (Schori and Utteridge, 2012) universal values, including their scenic karst were recently documented. A total of 30 landforms. In the same way, SINP can mammal (Heaney et al, 2010), 172 bird contend to be included in this natural (eBird, 2021), 24 amphibian (Diesmos et al., heritage list if it has enough data on its 2015; Diesmos et al., 2020), and 31 snake unique biodiversity, as well as on its (Leviton et al., 2018; Weinell et al., 2020) physical characteristics such as geological species from extensive checklists and recent features and processes. Information on faunal discoveries were recorded from biodiversity is crucial for the IUCN, the Samar. Patindol (2016) assessed terrestrial advisory body of the UNESCO World VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 121

Heritage Convention (WHC), to ensure the targeted for the conservation of the coverage and conservation of the World threatened species and sustainable use of the Heritage Sites (Williams, 2011). economically important species. The Assessment and Conservation of SINP has already begun this action Forest over Limestone Ecosystem through some of its ecotourism initiatives. Biodiversity in Selected Municipalities of In the SINP Central Headquarters in Brgy. Samar Island Philippines (CONserve- Tenani, Paranas, the office has an eco-lodge KAIGANGAN) is a three-year research managed by the Protected Areas program of UPLB and Samar State Superintendent (PASu). The lodge helps University (SSU) which aims to assess and monitor the influx of visitors as it conserve the biodiversity in the forest over accommodates interested tourists and limestone ecosystems towards sustainable explorers. Moreover, the Paranas Eco-trail management of Samar Island, Philippines. and Birding Site was launched last August One of the main goals of this program is to 2019 by the Department of Tourism (DOT), conduct floral and faunal assessments in two DENR, local government units (LGUs), and municipalities within SINP: Paranas and POs (Amazona, 2019). Managed by the Taft. As a source of valuable biodiversity Tenani Association for Women and information, this study produced a checklist Development (TAWAD), the community- of Paranas flora and fauna, along with other based ecotourism activity serves as a source existing baseline information about SINP of livelihood for the residents of Paranas that can support its worth as a natural while promoting the biodiversity of Samar treasure that transcends national boundaries. kaigangan. This program is also assisted by Moreover, to qualify as a world natural Tour Guides and Boat Operators for River heritage site, SINP should also have Protection and Environmental Development concrete policies and sustainable management Organization (TORPEDO), another PO strategies for its protection and conservation composed of boatmen and river guides. (UNESCO, 1972; Williams, 2011). Its To illustrate the outstanding universal administration should be well-represented value of SINP as a nominee of UNESCO by various stakeholders and site managers World Natural Heritage status, on-site from different sectors and genders, as evidence of the biodiversity of SINP is UNESCO promotes a human-rights based needed. Thus, the baseline data from this approach in managing world heritage study is highly significant for this pursuit as properties (UNESCO World Heritage it globally highlights the protection and Committee, 2019). It should include local conservation of the biodiversity and and national government units, peoples’ landscapes of SINP. This study aims to organizations (POs), academic institutions, provide new records and a checklist of the non-government organizations (NGOs), and vascular plants and terrestrial vertebrate more importantly, the local communities of of the forest over limestone eco- the national park. Aside from providing systems in Paranas, a municipality situated information on biodiversity, the outputs of in SINP, while highlighting the conservation this checklist can also aid the formulation of concerns of its threatened species. This science-based policies and regulations for study also explained the importance of this the management of SINP. Through this list, biological assessment for the nomination of localized efforts can also be organized and SINP for the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 122 TROPICAL NATURAL HISTORY 21(1), APRIL 2021

MATERIALS AND METHODS from the sampled plants in the field and were processed deposited at the Plant Study area Biodiversity Division Herbarium (PBDH) of The study was conducted in Samar the University of the Philippines Los Baños Island Natural Park (SINP), a forest reserve (UPLB), Laguna for proper identification and a protected area in Samar Island, and documentation. Fern Flora of the Philippines (Figure 1). SINP covers 37 Philippines (Vol 1,2, and 3) were used in municipalities and one city, including the identifying fern species. These were municipality of Paranas, Samar. Samar is compared with the collections of PBDH and part of the Pleistocene Aggregate from available online resources such as Island Complex (PAIC), which also “Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines” includes the islands of , , and (Pelser et al. 2011) including a recent Mindanao (Ong et al., 2002). Samar Island botanical assessment in SINP (Quimio, exhibits affinities with these islands in terms 2016). Furthermore, experts from the of its fauna, thus grouped as a single PAIC Philippine National Museum were consulted (Heaney, 1986; 1993; Vallejo, 2011). to identify the unknown plant specimens. Paranas was chosen as the study site in For the assessment of diversity, SINP. It is a second-class municipality in fieldwork for the vertebrate fauna inventory the province of Samar with a human was conducted at three sites: a transect was population of 30,557 (Philippine Statistics laid in (Brgy.) San Isidro, Authority, 2019). Paranas, while the other two were in Brgy. Establishment of the sampling sites for Tenani, Paranas. Various trapping methods floral and faunal inventory were employed for the capture of animals The fieldwork for the inventory was following the DENR Manual on conducted from October 1-5, 2019. The Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring sampling sites were in the forest over System for Terrestrial Ecosystems (Cruz et limestone (locally known in Samar Island as al., 2017). All four major land vertebrate kaigangan) ecosystems in Paranas, Samar. groups (reptiles, amphibians, , and Plots established were based on the ) were covered in this inventory. biophysical characteristics of the area such Significant features of the specimens were as plant diversity heterogeneity, topographic noted, and they were photographed to aid in attributes, and the presence of anthropogenic their identification. Mist nets were disturbances in the area. The quadrat or plot strategically set to capture bats from around technique was used to assess the trees (≤1 1700-0500 h, for a total of 9 net-nights in 5 m), while the line intercept technique was days. Bird observations were made used for understory plant species. Nine whenever possible during the day while 20x20 meter plots were established in walking through the established transects to Paranas (Fig. 1). Trees within each plot set up cage traps and look for reptiles. were noted and identified. For the Purposive sampling was employed to understory species, two line transects per capture and observe reptiles and amphibians plot (a total of 18 transects) were laid within from 0700h to 0900h, 1100h to 1300h, and the 20x20 meter plots. Each transect had a 1900h to 2100h, for an average observation length of five meters with one-meter of 5-6 hours per day for 5 days. Lastly, a intervals. Voucher specimens were collected total of 62 trap-nights were set using cage VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 123

FIGURE 1. Map of sampling plots in Paranas, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), Philippines. Established plots are marked with black circles. traps baited with roasted covered in anthropogenic disturbances, but landslides peanut butter to capture small non-volant were observed near the end of the transect. mammals. A third faunal transect was established in Several mist nets and rat traps were set Barangay San Isidro, Paranas, Samar at 210- near the SINP Headquarters at about 190 246 masl where a small area cleared for masl on the current ecotourism trail marked planting agricultural crops was observed at as the starting point of one of the established 232 masl. Availability of water was scarce faunal transects. Anthropogenic disturbances for all the transects surveyed. Several were observed such as the presence of a sinkholes were also present where some plant nursery, with a few occurring coconut animals such as bats and rats were observed. trees and rattan on the lower portion of the Secondary data collection trail. Other traps were set on strategic Published literature, monographs, and locations at higher elevations where there other checklists regarding biodiversity in were fewer anthropogenic disturbances, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) were also although traces of past logging were reviewed in relation to species occurrence observed at the end of the transect at about and endemicity for both flora and fauna. 385 masl. Another faunal transect was The endemic status of each species was established at 160-350 masl on an older verified by consulting available checklists, ecotourism trail which showed less related publications, and online resources. 124 TROPICAL NATURAL HISTORY 21(1), APRIL 2021

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION list shares some similarities in terms of plant taxa representation. For instance, in Floral diversity Island, the karst flora is mostly represented Table 1 shows the list of plants inventoried by Moraceae and Araceae in Mt. Tabunan in Paranas, Samar based on field collections (Cadiz and Buot, 2010), and Sapotaceae and and published literature. Ninety-three (99) Moraceae in Mt. Lantoy (Lillo et al., plant species representing 63 genera and 44 2019a). There was also notable similar plant families were documented. Among these family representation of Moraceae, Euphor- species, 84 were identified at least up to the biaceae, and Clusiaceae in in family level, composed of 72 angiosperm, northeastern Mindanao (Lillo et al., 2019b). eleven pteridophyte, and one lycophyte Meanwhile, at the level, Garcinia was species. The plant families with the most highly represented in Mt. Tabunan (Cadiz species represented were Arecaceae (11 spp.), and Buot, 2010), and Palaquium in Mt. Euphorbiaceae (5 spp.), Diperocarpaceae (5 Lantoy (Lillo et al., 2019a). spp.), Tectariaceae (4 spp.) Myristicaceae (4 The forest over limestone flora of spp.), Araceae (4 spp.), and Sapotaceae (3 Paranas, SINP shares similarity with some spp.), Rubiaceae (3 spp.). Several families plant taxa in other forests over limestone of were represented by two species, such as Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Gunung Mulu Annonaceae, Clusiaceae, Moraceae, Thyme- National Park has its forests over limestone lacaceae, Sapindaceae, Apocynaceae, Acan- ecosystems dominated by the following thaceae, and Stemonuraceae. Nine genera plants families (in terms of basal area and were noted to have more than one species species abundance): Dipterocarpaceae, represented: Calamus, Pinanga, Horsefieldia, Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Meliaceae and Alocasia, Hopea, Garcinia, Kibatalia, Myrtaceae. Some genera in Gunung Mulu Gomphandra, and Palaquium. Thirty-eight that also occur in SINP include Shorea and species were identified as Philippine Palaquium (Proctor et al., 1983). Meanwhile, endemics, while 18 are native but non- in Vietnam, the limestone flora in Ben En endemic species; 15 could not be identified National Park is mostly represented by to species level (Table 1). The list also Lauraceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Meliaceae, shows the first record in Paranas, Samar and Sapindaceae (Nguyen, 2015). Based on Island of Tectaria calcarea (C. Presl) Copel taxa representation of the two forests over (Fig. 2.A)., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb. limestone ecosystems, SINP shares more (Fig. 2.B) and Hancea wenzeliana (Slik) similarities with Gunung Mulu National S.E.C.Sierra, Kulju & Welzen (Fig. 2.C). T. Park than with Ben En National Park. calcarea (C. Presl) Copel is reported to be Notable plant species in the islands of Polillo, Bohol, and Leyte Among the species (Copeland EB, 1960; Pelser et al., 2011- recorded in Paranas, Samar, 39 have a onwards). A. rubrovenius has a known conservation status in the International distribution throughout , while H. Union for Conservation of Nature and wenzeliana is known to be distributed in Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Mindanao, Philippines (Pelser et al., 2011- Threatened Species (2020) and/or DENR onwards). Administrative Order (DAO) 2017-11, also Compared with other studies of forest known as the Updated National List of over limestone flora in the Philippines, the Threatened Philippine Plants and Their VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 125

TABLE 1. List of vascular plants inventoried in Paranas, Samar Island, Philippines.

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Categories. The plants are listed in Table 2, limestone habitat and is used for piles, showing their corresponding conservation posts, poles, and rafters. It is also used as a status at global and national levels, source of fuelwood (Diem and Dommergues, respectively. 1990). The plant is categorized as Other Shorea negrosensis Foxw. Threatened Species (OTS) in DENR DAO Shorea negrosensis is a Philippine 2017-11. endemic tree species in Family Diptero- Faunal diversity carpaceae. This species, together with other A total of 106 terrestrial vertebrates dipterocarp species, are exploited due to its composed of 4 amphibian, 9 reptile, 84 bird, excellent source of wood for lumber and 9 mammal species were recorded during (Ghazoul, 2016), for general construction, the fieldwork (Table 3) with 71 (67%) veneer, hardboard, cabinet, and furniture endemic to the Philippines. All four (100%) making (Garcia et al., 2013). It is species of amphibians recorded are endemic categorized as Least Concern (LC) by the to the Philippines, 3 (75%) of which are IUCN, however, it is listed as Vulnerable Mindanao PAIC endemics. Of the 9 reptiles, (VU) in DENR DAO 2017-11. 4 (44.44%) are endemic to the country, 3 Wallaceodendron celebicum Koord. (33.33%) of which are endemic to the This species (Fig. 2.D) is categorized as greater Mindanao PAIC. Fifty-six (66.67%) Vulnerable in DENR DAO 2017-11. This of the species of birds are endemic to the species is distributed in the Philippines and Philippines, 20 (23.81%) of which are Sulawesi. The wood of this tree is used for endemic to the Mindanao PAIC. Of the 9 furniture making in Leyte (Mangaoang and mammals, 6 (66.67%) are endemic to the Pasa, 2003). country, 4 (44.44%) are endemic to the Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb. greater Mindanao faunal region. As there The species (Fig. 2.B) is endemic to the are no other published studies of faunal Philippines (Luzon and Mindoro), and is diversity in Paranas, most of these represent listed as Other Threatened Species (OTS) in new locality records for the municipality. DENR DAO 2017-11. This is the first local All amphibian species recorded in the record of this species from Samar Island. Its study site belong to the genus Platymantis. softwood is used for woodcarving in Ifugao These species, namely Philippine (Hayama, 2000). Wrinkled Ground Frog (Platymantis Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl. corrugatus), Gunther's Wrinkled Ground Aquilaria cumingiana (Fig. 2.E) is Frog (Platymantis guentheri), and Rabori's known as a source of agarwood, a highly Forest Frog (Platymantis rabori) were prized resin with multiple economic uses documented in Paranas with a suspected (Lee and Mohamed, 2016). This species new locality record of Walter’s limestone distributed in the Philippines and Indonesia frog (Platymantis bayani; Fig. 3.A) from the and is listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the site. All forest recorded are highly IUCN and in DENR DAO 2017-11. terrestrial (Brown et al. 1997; Siler et al., Gymnostoma rumphianum (Miq.) L.A.S. 2009). Rabor’s horned tree frog (Platymantis Johnson rabori) and Walter’s limestone frog The species is widely distributed in the (Platymantis bayani) are both listed as Philippines, Sulawesi, and Moluccas. This Vulnerable in the Updated National List of Casuarinaceae species commonly grows on Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 129

FIGURE 2. Photos showing some of the limestone flora of Paranas, Samar: A) Tectaria calcarea (C. Presl) Copel., B) Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb., C) Hancea wenzeliana (Slik) S.E.C.Sierra, Kulju & Welzen, D) Wallaceodendron celebicum Koord., and E) Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl.

Categories (DENR-DAO 2019-09; Gonzalez Order Squamata. The families Agamidae, et al., 2018). Scincidae, and Colubridae are represented The 9 reptilian species recorded from the by 2 species each, with the remaining study site (Table 3) belong to 6 families in families representing only 1 species each. 130 TROPICAL NATURAL HISTORY 21(1), APRIL 2021

TABLE 2. Vascular plants in Paranas, Samar Island with available conservation status from IUCN and/or DENR DAO 2017-11.

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TABLE 3. Terrestrial vertebrate fauna recorded from the forest over limestone study sites in Paranas, Samar.

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The snakes were represented by 3 families, Notable animal species namely Colubridae, Lamprophiidae, and Platymantis bayani Siler, Alcala, Diesmos, Pareidae. Most of the species are listed as and Brown 2009 least concern in the IUCN Red List, but a Walter’s limestone frog (Fig. 3.A) is a large percentage has not yet been evaluated, species of forest frog that is highly implying that further research is urgently associated with limestone karst habitats. It is needed to be able to conserve and protect known only from Taft on the eastern side of these valuable animals and the habitat. Samar (Siler et al., 2009), and this study The 84 bird species recorded in the study presents a new locality record for the site belong to 43 families under 12 orders. species in Paranas on the western part of the The Order Passeriformes is best represented, island. An adult individual was hand- with 49 species belonging to 26 families. captured in Brgy. Tenani on a rocky outcrop Some of the avian species observed during at 314 meters above sea level (masl), higher the fieldwork categorized as Vulnerable in than its previous known upper elevation the IUCN red list include the Southern limit of 140 masl (Siler et al., 2009). Very Rufous ( mindanensis ssp. little is known about this species which is semigaleatus; Fig. 3.C) and Steere’s Pitta (Pitta why it is categorized as Data Deficient in steerii ssp. coelestis). Moreover, Amethyst the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable under Brown-dove (Phapitreron amethystinus) the DENR DAO 2019-09. and Samar hornbill (Penelopides affinis ssp. Buceros mindanensis semigaleatus samarensis) which were also observed Tweeddale, 1878 during the fieldwork are listed as Critically The southern rufous hornbill (Fig. 3.B) is Endangered and Endangered in the DENR- endemic to the Mindanao PAIC, specifically DAO 2019-09, respectively. Samar, Calicoan, Buad, , Leyte, A total of 4 volant mammal species Bohol, and Panaon (del Hoyo et al., 2020). belonging to family Pteropodidae under An assemblage of 5 adults and 1 juvenile order Chiroptera were recorded in the study was photographed resting on a yakal tree in site. All species are listed in the IUCN Red Brgy. Tenani. It is categorized as List as Least Concern. Also, 5 non-volant Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List and mammal species belonging to 3 families Endangered under the DENR DAO 2019-09 under 3 orders were recorded. The as Buceros hydrocorax ssp. semigaleatus. Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is Draco ornatus Gray, 1845 considered Near Threatened in the IUCN The white-spotted flying lizard (Fig. 3.C) Red List and categorized as Other is endemic to the Mindanao PAIC, Threatened Species in the DENR-DAO specifically the islands of Bohol, Dinagat, 2019-09. The most represented order for Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar. An adult non-volant mammals was Rodentia with 3 individual was hand-captured on the trunk species belonging to belonging to Family of a coconut tree in Brgy. San Isidro on the Muridae, but this includes the Oriental same tree as an adult Draco reticulatus. The house rat (Rattus tanezumi), an introduced species is known to inhabit coconut species that is considered an agricultural plantations as well as primary and pest and poses a threat to other animals that secondary forests (McGuire and Alcala, are native in the forests over limestone. 2000). It is categorized as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List. VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 139

FIGURE 3. Photos of some notable forest over limestone fauna of Paranas, Samar: A) Platymantis bayani B) Buceros mindanensis semigaleatus, C) Draco ornatus, and D) Cynocephalus volans. Photographs by P.J.S. Tolentino (A, B, C) and J.T. Adorador (D).

Cynocephalus volans Linnaeus, 1758 and wide distribution (Gonzalez et al., The Philippine flying (Fig. 3.D) is 2018), but it is nonetheless important as one endemic to the Mindanao PAIC, specifically of the primary prey items of the Philippine Mindanao, , Biliran, Dinagat, Leyte, eagle (Ibañez, 2007). , Bohol, Samar (Heaney et al., 1998) Tarsius syrichta Linnaeus, 1758 and Mariripi (Rickart et al., 1993). An The Philippine tarsier is endemic to the individual was sighted during separate Mindanao PAIC, specifically Bohol, fieldwork conducted by Mr. Jiro T. Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar (Heaney Adorador in Brgy. Tenani. It is currently et al 1998), Basilan (Lawrence, 1939), categorized as Least Concern in the IUCN Biliran and Maripipi (Rickart et al., 1993). Red List, although Heaney et al. (1998) An individual was sighted in Brgy. San proposed it as Vulnerable due to widespread Isidro during the evening. It is categorized destruction of their habitat. The latest as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List assessment by the Philippine Red List and Other Threatened Species under the Committee has delisted the species from the DENR DAO 2019-09. DAO 2019-09 due to its stable population 140 TROPICAL NATURAL HISTORY 21(1), APRIL 2021

CONCLUSIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS This study is part of CONserve-KAIGAN This study revealed the diversity and GAN, a biodiversity program funded by the uniqueness of forests over limestone Department of Science and Technology ecosystem biodiversity in Paranas, Samar (DOST) through the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Island. Threatened species and their uses Program. The Philippine Council for were also noted in this checklist to highlight Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources the need for the conservation of these Research and Development (PCAARRD) species. Thus, it is essential to mainstream patiently guided the team in the proper this information to the localities in Paranas implementation of the research program. and SINP through Communication, The authors would like to thank the Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA). Department of Environment and Natural Since there are many unidentified plant Resources (DENR) Region 8; the Office of species, due to the lack of reproductive parts the Protected Areas Super-intendent (PASu) collected from Paranas, it is recommended and the Protected Areas Management to secure high-quality photographs of these Bureau of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) plants in future studies. These diagnostic for issuing the Gratuitous Permit (GP No. and scientific quality photographs in turn 2019-16); the Provincial Environment and will be deposited in public databases to Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in allow information sharing among botanical City, Samar; and Basaranan experts as well as employ citizen science in nga Organisasyon han San Isidro Samar possibly identifying these unknown species. (BOSIS) for assisting the program team in The current ecotourism initiatives in Paranas conducting the study in Paranas, Samar. can also serve as an avenue in promoting They also assisted the team during the this information to the public. Furthermore, conduct of this assessment. The first author more than gaining international support for would also like to thank the DOST Science conservation and protection, the inclusion of Education Institute (SEI) for providing her SINP in the UNESCO World Heritage List the opportunity to take part in this program can also highlight the biodiversity and through its Career Incentive Program (CIP). aesthetic values of the Philippine karst landscapes on a global stage. Thus, future LITERATURE CITED studies on karst biodiversity, especially in the other administrative municipalities Adorador, J.T. and Fernando, E.S. 2019. Orania within SINP, are recommended. zheae (Oranieae, Arecoideae, Arecaceae), a new To further support and strengthen its species from the Philippines, with notes on nomination for the UNESCO World Natural another slender-stemmed species. Phytotaxa, 391: 69-80. Heritage Site, further monitoring and https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.391.1.5. biodiversity assessments should be conducted. Adorador, J.T and Fernando, E.S. 2017. Palms of Additionally, assessments should be Samar Island, Philippines. Palms, 61(4): 161-195. conducted on the physical attributes Adorador, J.T., Meneses, Z.D. and Fernando, E.S. 2020. Pinanga gruezoi (Araceae), a new slender (geology and landforms) of Samar’s karst clustering palm from the Philippines with notes on landscapes and ecosystem services provided an amended description of P. samarana. by the forests over limestone. Phytotaxa, 429(2): 120-134. VILLANUEVA ET AL. — BIODIVERSITY IN FORESTS OVER LIMESTONE IN PARANAS 141

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