Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 1

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1 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 1 requiring In Situ Conservation 36 species for which mitigation of threats in the wild may still bring about their successful conservation. Barbourula busuangensis Threats are reversible in time frame No Endemic in Busuanga and (Culion?) Coron but they are not present in all sites. They prefer pristine waters and riverine waters (Jakosalem, Afuang, Diesmos), in legally protected areas in Palawan 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

2 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 2 Platymantis insulatus Threats are reversible in time frame No Research into availability of founders needs to be prioritised. Maybe gone extinct because of the high threats in the habitat like logging (Jakosalem). Gigantes is not a protected area (Diesmos). Possible reintroduced in mainland limestone in Panay. Tourism, cutting of trees are some the threats in the habitat (Diesmos). Only in one tiny island (Jakosalem). Distribution is very small. This species has survived at high densities and is commonly located (if surveys follow precipitation) at several sites in Gigantes. that retreat into limestone crevices have been shown repeatedly to do fine with complete removal of surface vegetation (precisely because they have a place to go when it gets hot an arid). We have made strong statements about limestone species conservation threats in the past and have been incorrect every time. This species requires more field research conducted in the appropriate times of day and year at least, I would argue, this is necessary before any increased threat level can be justifiably applied. I would consider it Data Deficient until actual surveys are conducted. With only a handful of several- Platymantis spelaeus Threats are reversible in time frame No 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 habitat destruction (Diesmos). Kaloula baleata Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. threats: Palawan mining, can stay in secondary growth. See Blackburn, D. C, C. D. Siler, A. C. Diesmos, J. A. McGuire, D. C. Cannatella, and R. M. Brown An adaptive radiation of frogs in a Southeast Asian island archipelago. Evolution 67: ; looks like endemic Palawan species (Brown). Common (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient, might be species complex/ distribution.

3 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 3 Sanguirana sanguinea Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Common in Palawan, Mainland, can be found in forest areas only. "Mainland" records now known to be in error. This is a Palawan PAIC endemic (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient, habitat threats, limited area can be found. Forest areas only. Data Deficient because of bureaucratic obstacles to research on Palawan (Brown). Platymantis bayani Threats are reversible in time frame No Ineffectively protected area for the species (Diesmos). Only recorded once, widespread Samar surveys have not been conducted, impossible to know true range (Brown). 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). Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Vulnerable. Platymantis biak Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Seen in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, still limestone (Sol). Biak na bato is accessible to people (ecotourism) (M. Diesmos). The main threat is habitat destruction not the collection for food (Afuang). Only recorded once, Bulucan surveys have been conducted at two localities only. Impossible to estimate the true range, should be high research priority (Brown). Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Vulnerable. Platymantis diesmosi Threats are reversible in time frame Unknown 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 lawtoni Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Rampant mining in the area. is doing well and we have more data now. Recommended to be listed as Vulnerable, found in Sibuyan, good population. Occurs in good numbers. Also, in well protected area (Diesmos). Platymantis levigatus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Rampant mining in the area. is doing well and we have more data now.

4 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 4 Platymantis panayensis Threats are reversible in time frame No Limited distribution in montane forest (Afuang). Declared as critical area but not yet protected. The habitat is naturally protected because of its high elevation (Diesmos). I honestly do not think we know enough about P. halelae, negrosensis, and panayensis to justify "endangered" (Brown). Suggested to be listed as Vulnerable. Platymantis rabori Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Forest species, cannot tolerate reforestation, found in lowland forest. Strangely patchy distribution. Seems to be associated with primary forest but not always (Brown). Ingerana mariae Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Found in Palawan. Has been collected on three occasions. Unknown distribution and no extensive research on the area. We know the threats but we don't know how effective the protection has been (Mae). Needs to be classified in family Ceratobatrachidea as per recent phylogenetic studies, AmphibiaWeb, and Amphibian of the World. See: Wiens, J. J., J. S. Sukumaran, R. A. Pyron, and R. M. Brown Evolutionary and biogeographic origins of high tropical diversity in old world frogs (Ranidae). Evolution 64: and Bossuyt, F., R. M. Brown, D. M. Hillis, D. C. Cannatella, and M. C. Milinkovitch Late Cretaceous diversification resulted in continent-scale regionalism in the cosmopolitan frog family Ranidae. Systematic Biology 55: Limited information that we have so we can keep as Data Deficient (Diesmos). Limnonectes ferneri Threats are reversible in time frame No Only known from its type locality, and has only been collected once. Threats: logging, mining and being collected as a food source. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Data Deficient. Limnonectes visayanus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Some areas are not protected. Occidozyga diminutiva Threats are reversible in time frame Unknown Research into availability of founders needs to be prioritised. Not enough information because of insurgencies. Threats: loss. Found to be common in S. Zamboanga (Diesmos & Brown, unpubl.). Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient, updated information.

5 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 5 Oreophryne anulata Threats are reversible in time frame Yes I would argue that now that we have surveyed throughout Mindanao and observed Oreophryne everywhere, we are no closer to determining whether this group is a single species, two species (nana on Camiguin, anulata everywhere else) or 5 or 6 species. All the character differences have broken down now that we've seen them from throughout their range (Brown). Super high priority for some actual taxonomic studies (Brown). This is a Data Deficient complex. I would argue that is unknowable at present by which may represent a very real conservation urgency now that we know the Malabalay and Lumot populations are infected with critically high ( >3000 zoospore equivalencies) levels of chytrid fungus (Brown). Oreophryne nana Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Threats in Camiguin Norte. Distribution rate is small. Abundant in Mt. Timpoong (Jakosalem). Recommended to be listed as Vulnerable (Jakosalem). This is a Data Deficient complex. I would argue that is unknowable at present by which may represent a very real conservation urgency now that we know the Malabalay and Lumot populations are infected with critically high ( >3000 zoospore equivalencies) levels of chytrid fungus (Brown). Kurixalus appendiculatus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Compose of cryptic species, species complex. Looks like a complex of three endemic Philippine species or "ESUs"; see: Gonzales, P., Y.-C. Su, C. D. Siler, A. Barley, M. B. Sanguila, A. C. Diesmos and, R. M. Brown Archipelago colonization by ecologically dissimilar amphibians: evaluating the expectation of common evolutionary history of geographical diffusion in co-distributed rainforest tree frogs in islands of Southeast Asia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 72: Recommended to be listed as Data Deficient. Philautus alticola Threats are reversible in time frame Unknown Research into species validity needs to be prioritised. Research into availability of founders needs to be prioritised. Published 2000, that this species does not exist. No major expedition in Jolo and Tawi tawi. Needs updated information. Threat: habitat loss. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Data Deficient Philautus schmackeri Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Found only in Mindoro. Seems to be mid-high montane species; not collected in recent lowland surveys; Brown, unpubl. Caudacaecilia weberi Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Research into availability of founders needs to be prioritised. known from two localities, PA and well protected. Unknown. In situ research: verify since it has not been found in about years.

6 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 6 Kaloula kokacii Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Limited information on distribution. Is the kalingensis of the bicol peninsula according to Rafe Brown. loss in Bulusan is one of the major threats. Based on the data that we have, it is doing fine (Diesmos). More widespread than previously thought; see Blackburn, D. C, C. D. Siler, A. C. Diesmos, J. A. McGuire, D. C. Cannatella, and R. M. Brown An adaptive radiation of frogs in a Southeast Asian island archipelago. Evolution 67: (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, species complex Limnonectes macrocephalus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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. Limnonectes magnus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Named after tribe from Mindoro, same as L. lumadorum. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern, Near Threatened suggested by Afuang. Leptobrachium tagbanorum Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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).

7 Amphibian Ark Conservation Needs Assessment, Philippines, July 2014 Page 7 Sanguirana aurantipunctata Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Amphibians and Reptiles of Luzon Island (Philippines), VII: Herpetofauna of Ilocos Norte Province, Northern Cordillera Mountain Range. Check List 8: (Brown). Recommended to be listed as Near Threatened, type locality and outside can be found. Sanguirana luzonensis Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Very common, even though it is affected by mining (Diesmos). Nyctixalus pictus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes Has good education potential because of its color and shape. Nyctixalus spinosus Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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 Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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. Leptobrachium lumadorum Threats are reversible in time frame Yes 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. Not yet assessed. Proposed category is Least Concern (Diesmos). Distribution about 2000 asl, widespread, population is ok. Suggested for Near Threatened (Gonzalez et al).