Ruth C. Maminta , Jesha
Mea P. Sagario , and Monaliza Joy Zaragoza-Magsayo, from the different
institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Anuran Species
Diversity and Microhabitat Preferences in Secondary Forest and Riverine Areas
of Tangub City, Philippines. Entitled, Diversity and microhabitat preferences
of anuran species in the secondary forest and riverine areas in Tangub City,
Misamis Occidental, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES). an open access scholarly
research journal on Biodiversity. under the affiliation of the International
Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary
research journal publisher.
Abstract
The research study
focused on the diversity and microhabitat preferences of anuran species in
secondary forests and riverine areas in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental. It was
particularly conducted in three different elevations (upper, mid, and lower) at
Barangay Manga and Barangay Hoyohoy. Visual Encounter Survey and
Capture-mark-release methods were used. Fifteen (15) species belonging to six
(6) families were identified from 276 individuals captured,
namely: Ansonia mcgregori, Ansonia muelleri, Ingerophrynus
philippinicus, Rhinella marina, Fejevarya vittigera, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus,
Limnonectes leytensis, Limnonectes magnus, Kalophrynus sinensis, Kaloula
pulchra, Leptobrachium lumadorum, Megophrys stejnegeri, Leptomantis
bimaculatos, Polypedates leucomystax, and Pulchrana grandocula, of
which eleven species are endemics and four species are non-endemics. Both study
areas attained moderate species diversity, however Barangay Hoyohoy showed a
higher similarity index among all sampling sites. Most anuran species
encountered preferred aquatic microhabitats, with Pulchrana
grandocula as the most abundant species (69.99%) observed. Relative
humidity as an environmental factor influenced its abundance in each sampling
area. Primary threats such as human disturbances and habitat destruction were
observed in Barangay Manga. Thus, researchers recommend conservation strategies
and enforcement of policies to protect the study areas as well as anurans
assemblage.
Introduction
Anurans are crucial in the food web, particularly for insect control, and serve as natural bioindicators of ecosystem health (Mohagan et al., 2018). Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them valuable indicators of ecological integrity and watershed health. The Philippine archipelago is one of the most mega-diverse countries in the world, hosting a large number of endemic plant and animal species, particularly in its rainforests (Lavides et al., 2004). Mindanao, situated in the southern region of the Philippines, is considered home to various endemic species (Diesmos et al., 2015). According to Solania and Fernandez-Gamalinda (2018), there were 141 individuals of anurans recorded, of which 73% were Philippine endemics, and 36% were Mindanao faunal endemics. However, a large portion of Mindanao remains unexplored (Dela Torre and Nuñeza, 2021), and many new species are still being described (Siler et al., 2009).
Anurans utilize both terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats, exhibiting overlap in microhabitat preferences (Plaza and Sanguila, 2015). Anurans are most likely to seek cooler microhabitats with lower temperatures and higher relative humidity (Aureo and Bande, 2019). Their dependence on moist conditions and high humidity means that amphibian diversity is highest in regions with high precipitation and lower evaporative water loss (West, 2018). For decades, amphibian populations faced decline due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, quarrying, land conversion, and alteration of habitat that favors invasive species, which threaten native amphibian species (Mapi-ot et al., 2015). Currently, more than 150,300 species are recorded according to the IUCN Red List (2023), with over 42,100 species considered threatened with extinction, including 41% of amphibian species. Thus, the presence of potentially threatened anurans implies a need for conservation measures for species protection.
Research beyond Mt. Malindang to lowland areas, where
anuran populations are more vulnerable to disturbances, is needed (Nuneza et
al., 2010). Tangub City, sheltered by Mt. Malindang and Panguil Bay, faces
threats to its anuran habitats due to human population growth and deforestation
(Nuneza et al., 2010). Barangay Hoyohoy shows potential as a tourist
destination, while Barangay Manga is crucial for irrigation and water quality
maintenance. Understanding anurans in these areas is essential for ecosystem health
and conservation. To bridge this gap, researchers undertook a comprehensive
study aimed to identify the diversity and microhabitat preferences of anuran
species in secondary forest and riverine areas of Tangub City, Misamis
Occidental. The findings serve as baseline data for the policymakers to improve
conservation and management efforts and highlight local awareness as to their
role in maintaining anuran diversity.
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