Preliminary report on the amphibians and reptiles of Lake Mainit watershed, Northeastern Mindanao, Philippines

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Research Paper 01/03/2021
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Preliminary report on the amphibians and reptiles of Lake Mainit watershed, Northeastern Mindanao, Philippines

Meconcepcion Ngilangil- Lansang, Richie P. Lador, Romell A. Seronay
J. Bio. Env. Sci.18( 3), 54-62, March 2021.
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Abstract

Lake Mainit is honored with plentiful assets in both upland and lake ecosystems and is one of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) in the Philippines. A field survey of amphibians and reptiles was conducted in the four municipalities comprising Agusan del Norte portion of Lake Mainit Watershed to determine the species richness, endemicity and conservation status. The methods used were a combination of field observation, reconnaissance survey, pitfall trap method and opportunistic collection. The study found out that 17 species belonging to 13 families, with a total of 69 individuals in the four sampling areas. Polypedates leucomystax recorded the most common species and highest number of individuals followed by Platymantis corrugatus. Highest species diversity index was recorded from Santiago with H’= 1.5. Philippine endemic species were H. pustulatus, P. corrugatus, N. samarensi, M. stejnegeri, H. granducola, P. mindanensis, and S. fasciatus while the two recorded vulnerable species were H. pustulatus and M. Stejnegeri, along these lines, the event of these two species qualifies the area to be protected. In this manner, the low species richness in Lake Mainit watershed could probably go to be archived if the place is completely assessed. Conservation action is still essential to protect and conserve biodiversity in the entire areas.

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