Systematics,
Ecology, and Conservation of the
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PROJECT SUMMARIES Herp Watch Palawan 2001 is a cooperative project of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Haribon Foundation, and Palawan State University. It aims to collect information on the biological diversity and ecology of amphibians and reptiles in the forested mountains of central and southern regions of Palawan Island in the Philippines, and promote their conservation. At present, knowledge on the conservation status of the herpetofauna on these regions is nonexistent. More over, there is a huge deficiency of knowledge on basic information about the biology, ecology, and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles nationwide. Like its birds and mammals, the herpetofauna of Palawan is similarly exposed to various threats and disturbances through continued forest clearance, habitat alteration, poaching, and trade. Although the Project's major thrust is field research and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, rapid assessment surveys of birds and mammals will also be performed to gather updated information in order to assess the present status most especially of IUCN (Threatened) and CITES species. An initial assessment of the human impacts on species and habitats will also be undertaken. The new information that will be generated will contribute significantly to current efforts by government agencies and local and international non-governmental organizations in pinpointing priority areas for conservation and inclusion in the existing protected areas system on Palawan. Conservation awareness campaigns will include community feedback sessions, classroom presentations and a field learning camp, and production and distribution of Palawan biodiversity information packages. OBJECTIVES Field Research · Systematic
inventories of amphibians and reptiles in poorly explored mountain
ranges of central and southern Palawan Island. Conservation Planning · Assess
the conservation status of Palawan's herpetofauna and generate updated
information on the status of Threatened (IUCN) and endemic birds
and mammals. Conservation Education · Produce
information packages on Palawan's biodiversity Capability Building · Train at least 12 persons among local academic institutions, government agencies and non-governmental organizations, in undertaking field studies of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals of Palawan. IMMEDIATE OUTCOMES · Enhanced
baseline data on the diversity, endemism, ecology, and biogeography
of the herpetofauna of the central and southern regions of Palawan
with an initial assessment of their conservation status.
PLANNED LONGTERM OUTCOMES · Indicative
mapping of additional sites in central and southern Palawan requiring
immediate conservation action. CONTACT DETAILS Mae Lowe S. Leonida
Arvin C. Diesmos
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