A study in selected watersheds of Cebu reported the presence of diverse but threatened anurans (amphibian group of frogs and toads), further highlighting the need to conserve these ecologically important species and their critical habitat.
This was reported in a recently completed comprehensive study, ‘Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation Status of Anuran Species in Mananga and Kotkot Watersheds, Cebu, Philippines.’
The project was implemented by the Cebu Technological University and supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
About nine species of anurans were recorded in Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve in Talisay City, Minglanilla, while eight species were identified in Kotkot Watershed Forest Reserve in Liloan, Compostela.
Among the species is the near-threatened Philippine wart frog (Limnonectes visayanus Inger, 1954) that is found only in the remaining forests of the islands of Cebu, Negros, Masbate, Panay, and Siquijor.
Another species endemic to the Visayas and Cebu, the Leyte wart frog (Limnonectes leytensis Boettger, 1893), was recorded at the project sites.
Besides their limited distribution and threatened conservation status, the species, along with other anurans, face risks from human-caused disturbances-such as logging, excavation, coal mining, construction, improper waste disposal, agriculture, sand and gravel extraction, and in some areas, consumption for food.
In addition, the sites are reported to be threatened by invasive anuran species, including the South American cane toad (Rhinellamarina Linnaeus, 1758) and the Malaysian narrow mouth toad (Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831). These species spread quickly and compete with native species for food and habitat.
To date, the project team has produced baseline distribution maps for monitoring studies and information, education, and communication campaign materials to raise awareness among the local community.
The team is in close coordination with local government units and other stakeholders to push for the conservation of the threatened species and their habitats by passing municipal ordinances.
Online information indicate that anurans are a diverse order of tailless amphibians encompassing over 7,700 species of frogs and toads, making up roughly 90 percent of all living amphibians.
They range from the tiny thumbnail-sized cricket frog to the massive American bullfrog and play vital roles as ecosystem indicators.
The Philippines boasts of a high rate of endemism among its anurans. Local ecosystems-such as the Mananga and Kotkot watersheds in Cebu or riverine areas in Mindanao-support diverse populations of both native and endemic frogs.
Because of their highly permeable skin, anurans are incredibly vulnerable to water pollution, habitat loss, and climate change, the online information claims.
The study report was discussed during a recent project terminal review by project leader was Dr. Archiebald B. Malaki with project staff Dr. Esperanza Del Fierro and Ms. Jemaima Casas.
The monitoring team from the Forestry and Environment Research Division of DOST-PCAARRD was headed by Director Dalisay E. Cabral, with Dr. Christine D. Santiago, SandT Program Manager for Biodiversity; and John Benrich M. Zuniga, FERD Program Monitoring and Evaluation section head.