3 possible new species found in Apayao forests

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN, Philippines — Three Platymantis specimens that may represent species previously unknown to science were among at least 15 amphibian and reptile species documented in the forests of Calanasan, Apayao, environment officials said.

The findings came from a scientific survey conducted Aug. 13 to 19 by the University of Santo Tomas-Herpetological Research Collection and Kyoto University, in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Calanasan.

The three specimens will undergo further taxonomic examination by specialists before their identities can be confirmed.

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“Still, their discovery offers a glimpse into the biological richness that remains to be fully documented in Apayao’s forests,” the CENRO said.

The research team documented snakes, geckos, skinks, frogs and other amphibians and reptiles, providing baseline information for wildlife conservation and forest management.

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Dorothy Joy Cayab, officer-in-charge of CENRO Calanasan, said the findings highlighted the need for continued biodiversity research and habitat protection.

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“The documentation of at least 15 herpetofaunal species, including specimens that may potentially be new to science, demonstrates how much more there is to discover in our forests,” Cayab said.

The survey contributes to biodiversity documentation in the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area and the wider Apayao Biosphere Reserve. /cb