LUNA, Apayao — A wildlife documentation survey here recently has revealed the presence of various species of frogs, lizards, snakes and other reptiles and amphibians, indicating the province’s rich biodiversity.
The documentation survey conducted last month in Calanasan, Luna, and Pudtol towns by Filipino herpetologist Emerson Sy and workers from the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-Cenro) Calanasan led by officer-in-charge Dorothy Joy Cayaba, showed variety of amphibian and reptile species thriving in Apayao’s forests, rivers, and other natural habitats.
For environmental workers and conservation advocates, the presence of these species is considered an indicator of healthy ecosystems and well-preserved habitats, the DENR-Cenro Calanasan said in a statement.
Amphibians, particularly frogs, have been considered among the most sensitive wildlife groups and are often used as indicators of environmental quality, it added.
The survey expanded available information on amphibians and reptiles in the province by documenting species found in different ecological settings in Calanasan, Luna, and Pudtol.
The data gathered through field observations and photographic records may serve as a valuable reference for future biodiversity assessments, conservation planning, environmental education, and long-term wildlife monitoring programs in the province, the environment workers said.
The findings highlighted the ecological importance of Apayao, home to the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayaos (BRyA), the country’s fourth Unesco-recognized biosphere reserve.
Environmental conservation efforts in the province have long been supported by government programs and indigenous practices, including the Lapat System, a traditional resource management practice that regulates the use of forests, watersheds, and wildlife resources, the Apayao provincial government said.
“Over the years, these conservation measures have helped protect large forest areas that continue to provide refuge for wildlife found nowhere else or rarely seen in other parts of the country,” the provincial government added.
While much attention is often given to large mammals and birds, environmental workers note that amphibians and reptiles are equally important components of Apayao’s ecosystems. Their presence is an indicator of the condition of forests and waterways and helps maintain the ecological balance of the province’s natural environment, the DENR environment workers said.
The Apayao provincial government has reported that the province has been recognized for its vast natural areas and exceptional biodiversity.
“The province contains extensive forest ecosystems, river systems, and mountainous areas that provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. These environments support a rich variety of wildlife and contribute significantly to regional conservation efforts,” the provincial government information office said.
