A Revised Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles in Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental, Mindaanao, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines is listed as one of the worlds megadiverse countries despite its small size. Conversely, it is also on the list of global biodiversity conservation hotspots. With the threat of extinction at an alltime high, better understanding of the archipelagos biodiversity will provide invaluable baseline information for proper conservation efforts. Here we provide an updated checklist on the herpetological biodiversity of Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. Field surveys and specimen collection from the municipality of Mambajao resulted in a total of 28 species (13 anurans, 11 lizards, and four snakes) - all well represented by voucher specimens. Our data provides seven additional species records, updating the islands total amphibian and reptile species count to 57, with about half Philippine-endemic. Included in the new records are three invasive alien species of amphibians: The Cane Toad Rhinella marina, the Greenhouse Frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris, and the Asiatic Painted Narrowmouth Toad Kaloula pulchra.

Headnote

Abstract The Philippines is listed as one of the worlds megadiverse countries despite its small size. Conversely, it is also on the list of global biodiversity conservation hotspots. With the threat of extinction at an alltime high, better understanding of the archipelagos biodiversity will provide invaluable baseline information for proper conservation efforts. Here we provide an updated checklist on the herpetological biodiversity of Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. Field surveys and specimen collection from the municipality of Mambajao resulted in a total of 28 species (13 anurans, 11 lizards, and four snakes) - all well represented by voucher specimens. Our data provides seven additional species records, updating the islands total amphibian and reptile species count to 57, with about half Philippine-endemic. Included in the new records are three invasive alien species of amphibians: The Cane Toad Rhinella marina, the Greenhouse Frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris, and the Asiatic Painted Narrowmouth Toad Kaloula pulchra.

Keywords Camiguin Sur, amphibians and reptiles, biodiversity, Conservation

1.Introduction

The Philippines is a relatively small country compared to global regional hotspots yet is considered a powerhouse in terms of endemism and biodiversity- being second only to Madagascar (Heaney et al, 1999; Mittermier et al, 1999; Myers et al., 2000). Over the years, the Philippines has gained the attention of biogeographers, population geneticists, conservation biologists, and phylogeneticists focusing on the countrys biodiversity and endemism as a model system relating to concepts of history and evolutionary island diversification (Heaney et al., 2005; Brown and Diesmos, 2009; Brown et al., 2013b). Conversely, the Philippines is also on the list of global biodiversity conservation hotspots (Vesilind, 2002). Major international conservation organizations regard the Philippine biodiversity as one of the highest in the world for conservation concern due to threats of over-harvestation, pollution, overpopulation, and high rates of deforestation and habitat loss (Mallari et al., 2001; Ong et al, 2002).

The countrys rich biodiversity is presumably explained by its complex geological history. Fluctuating sea levels during the glacial Pleistocene period caused adjacent smaller islands to repeatedly connect via land bridges, forming larger landmasses referred to as Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes (PAICs) now considered to be primary biodiversity regions (Brown and Diesmos, 2002; Diesmos et al., 2002). The island of Camiguin Sur belongs to the Mindanao PAIC, one of the five major PAICs formed.

Much of the recent comprehensive herpetological surveys have focused on the Luzon biogeographic region with only a little documenting the southern islands- including Mindanao (Sanguila et al., 2016). Recent studies show that the island of Mindanao supports high levels of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism (Delima, 2007; Relox et al, 2011; Diesmos et al, 2015; Plaza and Sanguila, 2015; Sanguila et al, 2016; Supsup et al., 2017).

The first assessment done on Camiguin Sur's herpetofaunal diversity was conducted by Brown and Alcala (1967) describing only 9 species of amphibians and no reptiles. The most recent update was conducted by Sanguila et al. in 2016 wherein a total of 50 species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded. They suggested that the herpetofauna of the volcanic island is assumed to be distinct from that of mainland Mindanao. The study of Mallari et al., (2001) highlights the approximately 120 key biodiversity areas in the Philippines, with the island of Camiguin among the conservation priorities.

The islands of Camiguin and Mantigue in the province of Misamis Oriental have been proposed under the National Integrated Protected Areas Act of 1992 (NIPAS Act), the basis for the establishment and management of protected areas in the country (Mallari et al., 2001), as two of the Philippines' biodiversity conservation priority areas, having a priority level of extremely high and critical (Ong et al., 2002). In Camiguin Sur, Mounts Timpoong (1630 m asi) and Hibok-hibok (1332 m a.s.l.) serves as primary water sources for island residents and are regarded as a suitable habitat for native flora and faunal biodiversity.

Mt. Timpoong is characterized by a mixture of secondary forests from 500-700 m asl and old growth forests and mossy forest at 700-1200 m a.s.l. An ultramafic enriched soil with rich vegetation further characterizes the area housing different species of ferns, floral shrubs, emergent perennials, and is dominated by dipterocarps at the canopy layer of secondary and old-growth forest. In terms of biodiversity, it is home to endemic species of birds, mammals, and frogs: the famous Colasisi, the Camiguin Hanging Parrot Loriculus camiguinensis; the Camiguin Forest Mouse Apomys camiguinensis; the Camiguin Hawk-Owl Ninox leventisi-, and the Camiguin Cross Frog Oreophryne nana (Balete et al, 2006; Brown and Alcala, 1967; Heaney and Tabaranza, 1997, 2006a, b; Heaney et al., 2006; Tello et al, 2006; Rasmussen et al,, 2012).

The need for site revisiting and reassessment fills in gaps of knowledge on the full extent of the country's biodiversity (Delima et al., 2007). Recent descriptions of newly discovered species, new distribution records, and the growing number of undescribed, potentially new species warrants further studies to provide better estimates of the archipelago's biodiversity (Sanguila et al, 2016). Furthermore, effective species-specific conservation planning and intervention (Supsup et al, 2017) can only be done with the necessary baseline information such as species records and profiling.

In this paper, we report species accounts and additional findings of our own data from a joint survey of the Philippine National Museum of Natural History (PNMNH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the island of Camiguin Sur, Mindanao. The new data gathered provide baseline information in reviewing the conservation status and the biogeographic range of included species, the extent of invasive alien species, and the conservation of the island's biodiversity.

2.Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area Camiguin Sur is a steeply mountainous, actively volcanic island located 10 km of the north coast of Misamis Oriental, Mindanao (Figure 1). The island has an area of approximately 265 km2 divided into five municipalities which includes Mambajao, Catarman, Sagay, Mahinog, and Guinsiliban (Heaney and Tabaranza, 1997, 2006a; Figure 2). Geographically, towards the center of the island, four mountains can be found: Mt. Timpoong, Mt. Hibok-Hibok, Mt. Tres Marias, and Mt. Mambajao. Together with the PNMNH and DENR, field work was conducted on four sites in Camiguin Sur Island, Municipality of Mambajao, specifically the three sites on Mount Timpoong: the nursery area - Sitio Campana, the base camp at Sitio Pamahawan, and a midmontane forest between 900-1200 m a.s.l.. The fourth site was conducted within the vicinity of DENR-Mambajao compound (summarized in Table 1). Herpetofaunal inventories were done for potential new records of amphibians and reptiles in the island province. Gratuitous permits were obtained from the local government (DENR-Mambajao, Camiguin). Field collection survey was done during the rainy season from 24 February to 1 March 2017.

Brief description of our sampling sites are as follows: 1) Nursery area, Sitio Campana, Barangay Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao (elevation: 650 m a.s.l., coordinates: 09.2047° N, 124.7102° E). A small residential area at the base of Mount Timpoong with a large area dedicated for agricultural livelihood. Chainsaw activities (eg. coco-lumber), road-building, and forest rehabilitation projects (eg. plant nursery) were also observed.

2) Sitio Pamahawan, Barangay Pandan, Municipality of Mambajao (elevation: 738 m a.s.l., coordinates: 09.19273° N, E124.70837° E). The general habitat for the area is a mixed artificial forest (Gmelina arborea Roxb. and large-leafed mahogany Swietenia macrophylla King) transitioning to a secondary lower montane forest dominated by dipterocarps. Decaying tree stumps, logs, and slabs were observed. Sampling was done from an elevation of 738 m a.s.l. to about 900 m a.s.l.

3) Montane to old-growth forest (1200 m a.s.l., coordinates: 09.18139° N, 124.71648° E). Survey was conducted along existing trails by steep hillsides, slopes, and ridges at altitudes between 900-1200 m asl, and established monitoring plots by the DENR Mambajao. Sampling area was characterized as a mossy forest dominated by ferns, rattan palms, and dipterocarps. Emergent trees were also present and dominated the mid-montane forest. Several decaying stumps and logs were also observed.

4)DENR compound, Municipality of Mambajao (elevation: 32 m a.s.l., coordinates: 09.24537° N, 124.72618° E). Sampling site was in the built-up area around the vicinity of the municipal office and the office of the DENR. Heavy rain falls resulted in temporary mud-ponds around the offices. Nearby houses and buildings, and agricultural areas also surrounded the area.

2.2. Sampling Technique Field techniques included a combination of timed searches, microhabitat sampling, and tape recording of advertisement calls of male frogs (Heyer et al., 1994). Opportunistic sampling technique was carried out since no transect could be established due to inclement weather conditions that lasted throughout the sampling dates of our fieldwork. Sampling collection was done at 14:00-16:00 and 18:00-24:00, working in small groups of three to six persons. Habitats and microhabitats such as tree holes, burrows, rotten logs, tree buttresses, tree foliage, leaf litter, and isolated pools were targeted (Figure 3). Adult specimens were hand-caught, while tadpoles were collected through dip netting. Specimens were photographed live on white background, and following standard preservation protocol (Heyer et al., 1994; Simmons, 2002) were fixed using a 10% buffered formalin solution and preserved in 70% ethanol. Liver samples were extracted from all specimen and persevered in absolute ethanol-filled cryogenic tubes. Specimens collected were authenticated by the curator of the Philippine National Museum of Natural History-Dr. Arvin C. Diesmos. All voucher specimens were tagged and deposited in the PNMNH. Taxonomic identification for accepted and correct scientific names were checked and verified using up to date guidelines of existing Philippine herpetofaunal checklist for amphibians and reptiles (Diesmos et al., 2008, 2014, 2015; Leviton et al, 2018; Taylor, 1922, 1923; Uetz et al, 2016) including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status and endemicity of each species listed in this study. Each of the recorded species' conservation status were based on the updated 2019 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and were indicated for each figure corresponding to the individual recorded during the survey. Several herpetofaunal checklists conducted throughout the archipelago were also consulted for taxonomic purposes and distribution guidelines (see Brown et al, 2000, 2012, 2013a; Delima, 2007; Devan-Song and Brown, 2012; Diesmos et al, 2005; McLeod et al, 2011; Oliveros et al, 2011; Plaza and Sanguila, 2015; Relox et al, 2011; Sanguila et al, 2016; Siler et al, 2011, 2012; and Supsup et al, 2016, 2017). Morphometric measurements (Snout Vent Length SVL, Tail Length TL, Total Length, and weight) were obtained for each specimen collected.

3.Results

The herpetofaunal survey conducted resulted to a total of 28 amphibian and reptile species including 13 species of frogs, 11 species of lizards, and four species of snakes. Seven of the 28 species are new records to the island of Camiguin Sur: three invasive alien anuran species, three species of native lizards, and one native species of snake. These additional records increase the total herpetological diversity count recorded for the island of Camiguin Sur to 57 species, 47% of which are endemic to the Philippines. New records include two Philippine endemic species of lizards (Lepidodactylus herrei and Lamprolepis smaragdina philippinica), a widespread non-endemic house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) and an endemic species of ratsnake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum). Conversely, three invasive alien frog species (Rhinella marina, Eleutherodactylus planirostris, and Kaloula pulchra) were found to be well established in the town of Mambajao of Camiguin Sur. The spread of these frogs poses a huge threat to populations of endemic species (Diesmos et al, 2006). An updated checklist on the herpetofauna of the island of Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental, Philippines is provided in Table 2. Accounts for each species recorded in this study were also included with notes on their natural history and distribution.

Species Account

AMPHIBIA

Anurans

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina (Linneaus 1758)

Cane Toad

Remarks: Introduced. The species was found abundant in agricultural plantations and built-up areas in the town of Mambajao. Adult male specimens were observed calling in temporary ponds in front of the DENR Camiguin Office. This is the first record of Rhinella marina (Figure 4) in the island province of Camiguin Sur. The Cane Toad was introduced in 1934 to control pest populations of sugarcane crops and has successfully established breeding populations throughout the country (Meriño, 1934; Diesmos et al., 2006). R. marina are widely distributed in the country and are commonly found near rice paddies, plantations, and near human settlements. Specimens were not collected.

Distribution: Alabat, Bohol, Calayan, Catanduanes, Cebu, Cocomo, Dinagat, Gigantes Norte, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Polillo, Romblon Island Group, Sicogon, Samar, Ticao, Verde (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Ceratobatrachidae

Platymantis corrugatus (Dumeríl, 1853)

Masked Wrinkled Brown Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Eight specimens of P. corrugatus (Figure 5)were collected from Mt. Timpoong (700-1000 m a.s.l.). Specimens were found on leaf litter on the forest floor, with adult males being easier to find as they made their advertisement calls. Males are smaller (SVL: 30.3-36.8 mm; Weight: 3.1-3.8 g) as compared to females (SVL: 43-48 mm; Weight: 7.1-9.0 g).

Distribution: Widely distributed in the Luzon PAIC, Bohol, Cagaray, Camiguin Sir, Catanduanes, Cebu, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Panay, Polillo, Samar, Siquijor (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10036, 10047, 10057, 10058, 10077, 10078, 10081, 10082.

Dicroglossidae

Fejervarya vittigera (Weigmann, 1834)

Philippine Grass Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Only one juvenile F. vittigera (Figure 6) was collected (SVL: 29.9 mm; Weight: 2.1 g) near temporary ponds in front of the office of DENR Camiguin where mating calls of adult males were heard during the heavy down-pour of rain. Locals were observed with bag-fulls of the species for consumption, hunting them in pools and canals around the town. This species can be found in wetlands and nonforest areas up to 600 m a.s.l. (Diesmos et al., 2014) and have a habitat overlap between invasive anuran species in the country (Diesmos et al., 2006).

Distribution: Found in Bohol, Cagraray, Caluya, Camiguin Sur, Cocomo, Dinagat, Guimaras, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Pan de Azucar, Panay, Polillo, Romblon Island Group (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimen: PNM 10095.

Limnonectes leytensis (Boettger, 1893)

Philippine Swamp Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Limnonectes leytensis (Figure 7) were seen in the secondary forests of Mt. Timpoong in sites 1 and 2. Specimens were seen in temporary pools left by rains during the sampling period. Mating calls were also heard within the area. No specimens were collected.

Distribution: Basilan, Bohol, Camiguin Sur, Cebu, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Negros, Romblon Island Group, Sulu Archipelago (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Limnonectes magnus (Stejneger, 1910)

Philippine Fanged Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Limnonectes magnus (Figure 8) were documented from streams in secondary growth forests in site 2 and in temporary ponds and agricultural areas in site 1. Like F. vittigera, locals were observed hunting this frog species for consumption. Local consumption with the addition of continuous habitat fragmentation raises the conservation status of this endemic to near threatened (Diesmos et al, 2006).

Distribution: Basilan, Biliran, Camiguin Sur, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar (Diesmos et al, 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10045 and 10096.

Eleutherodactylidae

Eleutherodactylus planirostris (Cope, 1862)

Greenhouse Frog

Remarks: Introduced. A good number of E. planirostris (Figure 9) were found inside the compound of DENR Camiguin. Males were heard calling behind buildings and open storage areas, hidden among potted plants, confiscated wood planks, and stored equipment. The invasive Greenhouse Frog was first recorded in Mindanao by Olson et al. in 2014 and has never been recorded in the island of Camiguin Sur. Despite the rapid expansion of distribution records of this small invasive frog, it was still surprising to find that it has now reached the island.

Distribution: Native: Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands; Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao (Olson et al., 2014; Sy et al., 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10089, 10090, 10091, 10092, 10093, 10098.

Microhylidae

Kalophrynus sinensis (Peters, 1867)

Rufous-sided Sticky Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Two male K. sinensis were collected at around 1200 m asl near the transects set by DENR Mambajao on Mt. Timpoong. Two color morphs were observed: blunt green and brown coloration. Both were found on a dried-up streambed surrounded by large stones and boulders (Figure 10).

Distribution: Basilan, Bohol, Camiguin Sur, Culion, Dinagat, Leyte, Mindanao, Samar (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10079 and 10080.

Kaloula conjuncta (Peters, 1863)

Mindanao Narrow-mouth Toad

Remarks: Endemic. Kaloula conjuncta (Figure 11) currently previously has three subspecies with allopatric distributions (K. c. conjuncta, K. c. negroensis, and K. c. merdionalis). However, phylogenetic studies (Blackburn et al., 2013) suggest a reassessment of its taxonomy where Sanguila et al. (2016) highlights the importance of independent assessments of its conservation status. Currently accepted as one species by the most recent account by Diesmos et al., 2015. Only 1 adult male specimen was found and collected at site 2.

Distribution: Alabat, Borocay, Caluya, Catanduanes, Cebu, Guimaras, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mndoro, Negros, Pacijan, Panay, Polillo, Poro, Romblon Island Group, Semi-rara, Siquijor, Sulu (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimen: PNM 10056.

Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831

Asiatic Painted Narrow-mouth Toad

Remarks: Introduced. Kaloula pulchra (Figure 12) were found within and around the compound of DENR Camiguin. Adult males were observed floating in temporary ponds, calling for females right after rainfall. Members of the species are often found in ponds and canals near human settlements and disturbed areas, and are more commonly encountered during the rainy season. This species is easily recognized by locals due to their distinct and loud mating call. The invasive K. pulchra was introduced to the country possibly thru pet trade with the first specimen recorded in Laguna in 2003 (Diesmos et al., 2006). Accidental introduction to agricultural and horticultural products supports the rapid spread and increase in the population of K. pulchra in the Philippines (Diesmos and Brown, 2011; Sy et al., 2014). This is the first record of K. pulchra in the island of Camiguin Sur.

Distribution: Cebu, Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimen: PNM 10094.

Oreophryne nana Brown and Alcala, 1967

Camiguin Cross Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Oreophryne nana (Figure 13 was previously thought to be a microendemic frog species known only from the island of Camiguin Sur. However, Sanguila et al. (2016) currently suggests referring to all Oreophryne specimens found in north-east Mindanao as "O. cf. nana" prior to further molecular and morphological studies. First documented in the Philippines by Brown and Alcala 1967, only female specimens were used to describe the new species. In our study, nine adult males were captured and are now deposited in PNMNH, the first collection of male specimens in Camiguin Sur. Males are smaller (SVL 14.0-16.8 mm) as compared to females (eight females with SVL 17-20 mm; see Brown and Alcala, 1967). Males were found perched on leaves calling for females in all sites on Mt Timpoong. Advertisment calls were recorded.

Distribution: Camiguin Sur Island, north-east Mindanao (Sanguila et al., 2016).

Specimens: PNM 10037, 10063, 10064, 10065, 10066, 10067, 10086, 10087, 10088.

Ranidae

Pulchrana grandocula (Taylor, 1920)

Mindanao Striped Stream Frog

Remarks: Endemic. Two specimens of P. grandocula (Figure 14) were collected by a flowing stream in a secondary growth forest at approximately 700 m a.s.l. Populations of this species are widely distributed in the Mindanao PAIC (Sanguila et al., 2016).

Distribution: Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin Sur, Dinagat Leyte, Mindanao, and Samar (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10038 and 10042.

Rhacophoridae

Polypedates leucomystax (Gravenhorst, 1829)

Asiatic Tree Frog

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. Polypedates leucomystax (Figure 15) is widely distributed throughout the Philippines and neighboring countries. The species is commonly encountered near rivers, ponds, and streams, with established populations even in disturbed and agricultural areas. Only tadpole specimens were obtained from a pond in site 2.

Distribution: Batan, Bohol, Cagayan, Cagaray, Calagna-an, Camiguin Norte, Camiguin Sur, Catanduanes, Cebu, Dinagat, Fuga, Gigantes Norte, Gigantes Sur, Guimaras, Inampulugan, Jolo, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon, Mactan, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Pacijan, Palaui, Palawan, Pan de Azucar, Panay, Polillo, Romblon Island Group, Samar, Semirara, Sicogan, Verde (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Rhacophorus pardalis Günther, 1858

Emerald Flying Frog

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. Rhacophorus pardalis (Figure 16) were observed attached to leaves of trees about 5-10 m from the ground. Two specimens were found on leaves of a tree directly over a temporary pool of water. During the surveys, we caught two specimens in amplexus, heard male advertisement calls, and found eggs in one of our specimen bags, highlighting the breeding season of the species.

Distribution: Basilan, Bohol, Camiguin Sur, Catanduanes Dinagat, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Negros, Romblon Island Group, Samar, Siquijor (Diesmos et al., 2015).

Specimens: PNM 10043, 10044, 10046, 10083, 10084, 10085.

REPTILIA

SAURIA (Lizard)

Agamidae

Bronchocela cf. cristatella (Kuhl, 1820)

Green Crested Lizard

Remarks: Endemic. Brochocela cf. cristatella (Figure 17) specimens were found sleeping on branches of trees and shrubs in secondary growth forests with one around 10 m directly over a stream. Widely referred to as "hunyango," locals mistake it as a type of Chameleon as it has the ability to change from a bright green coloration to a dark brown when captured. Sanguila et al. (2016) suspects taxonomic problems within the genus regarding populations found on the Mindanao PAIC and those from the Luzon PAIC and other Sunda landmasses. For taxonomic remarks on B. cf. cristatellla, see Brown et al. (2012), Mcleod et al. (2011) and Supsup et al. (2016).

Distribution: Palawan, Calamian Islands, Panay, Luzon, Mindanao, Sulu, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros, Samar, Mindoro, Masbate, and Agusan del Norte.

Specimens: PNM 10041 and 10068.

Gonocephalus sp.

Philippine Forest Dragon

Remarks: Taxonomy for Gonocephalus species (Figure 18) is uncertain mainly due to the lack of scientific studies for this genus and the absence of specific type localities in the original species descriptions (Brown et al, 2000; Sanguila et al., 2016). The phylogentic analysis conducted by Welton et al. (2016) with the three Philippine species of Gonocephalus (G. semperii, G. sophiae, and G. interruptus) was unable to fully resolve the taxonomic issue of the genus where they suggest use of more robust datasets and analyses. This species was found abundant throughout Mt. Timpoong, seen asleep on the trunks of small, slender trees around 1-3 m from the ground.

Distribution: Luzon, Cebu, Panay-Negros, Mindanao, Pollilo, Mindoro, Bohol, Samar, Leyte (Welton et al, 2016).

Specimens: PNM 10050-10055, 10059-10062, and 10069.

Gekkonidae

Cyrtodactylus annulatus (Taylor, 1915)

Annulated Bow-fingered Gecko

Remarks: Endemic. Cyrtodactylus annulatus (Figure 19) were found active at night on tree trunks in secondary forests in sites 1 and 2. We collected three adult males and one gravid female.

Distribution: Mindanao, Sulu Archipelago, Bohol, Cebu, Pacijan, Siquior, Inampulugan.

Specimens: PNM 10039, 10049, 10070, 10071.

Lepidodactylus herrei (Taylor 1923)

Negros Scaly-toed Gecko

Remarks: Endemic. This is the first record of L. herrei (Figure 20) in Camiguin Sur. Only a single gravid specimen was observed. It was found on a tree clinging to a leaf around 5 m high at around 800 m a.s.l.

Distribution: Negros, Lazuarriaga, and Cebu, Camiguin Sur

Specimen: PNM 10072.

Gekko gecko (Linnaeus, 1758)

Tokay Gecko

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. Gekko gecko (Figure 21) are found throughout the archipelago. The species is well recognized in the country due to its large size, abundance near and in human settlements, and its distinct call earning it the local name "tuko." Members of the species are common in built up areas and tree plantations.

Distribution: Widely distributed in Asia.

Hemidactylus frenatus Duméril and Bibron, 1836

Common House Gecko

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. Hemidactylus frenatus (Figure 22) are widely distributed in Asia. The species coexists with humans in built-up areas.

Distribution: Widely distributed in Asia.

Specimen: PNM 10701.

Hemidactylus platyurus (Schneider 1797)

Asian House Gecko

Remarks: Endemic. H. platyurus (Figure 23) is another common house lizard species in the Philippines. Despite being a widespread species, this is the first record of H. platyurus in the island of Camiguin Sur. The species was observed inside homes and establishments near site 4 but were not collected.

Distribution: Southeast Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea.

Scincidae

Brachymeles orientalis (Brown and Rabor, 1967)

Southern Burrowing Skink

Remarks: Endemic. An adult female B. orientalis (Figure 24) was collected during day time under a decaying log near site 2. The species is tolerant of disturbance and is common in the soil of residential areas and coconut plantations (Sanguila et al., 2016).

Distribution: Bohol, Mindanao, Samar, Leyte, Dinagat, Camiguin Sur islands.

Specimen: PNM 10073.

Eutropis multicarinata multicarinata (Gray, 1845)

Philippine Mabuya

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. Eutropis multicarinata (Figure 25) is a common skink species found in disturbed areas to secondary growth forests. A single specimen was observed moving along leaf litter near site 2 during day time. Sanguila et al. (2016) highlight the probability of cryptic speciation among the populations of the species.

Distribution: Malaysia (Borneo), Philippines (incl. Bohol, Mindanao), Indonesia (Talaud archipelago), Palau (Belau) islands, Taiwan (Lanyu) China, Micronesia.

Lamprolepis smaragdina philippinica (Mertens, 1829)

Green Tree Skink

Remarks: Endemic. Specimens of Lamprolepis smaragdina philippinica (Figure 26) were found in day time perched on a coconut tree near the area of DENR Camiguin. This species is frequently encountered in coastal areas and coconut plantations throughout the country. Although known to exist in the Mindanao PAIC, this is the first record of this species in Camiguin Sur.

Distribution: Southeast Asia.

SERPENTES (SNAKES)

Colubridae

Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Reinwardt in F. Boie, 1827)

Red-Tailed Green Ratsnake

Remarks: Endemic. A single Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Figure 27) was sighted dead on the road leading up to site 1. The fastarboreal snake species is widespread in the Philippines but is rarely encountered. This is the first report of O. oxycephalum occurring in Camiguin Sur. Specimen was in a state of decomposition and was no longer collected.

Distribution: Babuyan Ids. (Calayan, Camiguin Norte), Balabac, Batan, Bohol, Dinagat, Leyte, Lubang, Luzon (Prov.: Aurora, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Sorsogon, Zambales), Marinduque, Mindanao (Prov.: Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga City), Negros, Palawan, Panay (Prov.: Aklan, Antique, Iloilo), Sabtang, Sibuyan, Sulu Archipelago (Bongao) (Leviton et al., 2018).

Lamprophiidae

Oxyrhabdium modestum (Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854a)

Philippine Shrub Snake

Remarks: Endemic. Individuals of Oxyrhabdium modestum (Figure 28) were encountered at night perched on branches and vegetation, on tree stumps, and on the forest floor. This species is endemic the the Mindanao PAIC.

Distribution: Basilan, Biliran, Bohol, Camiguin Sur, Catanduanes, Dinagat, Leyte, Maripipi, Mindanao (Prov.: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur [Zamboanga City]), Samar (Leviton et al, 2018).

Specimens: PNM 10040, 10048, 10074, 10075.

Psammodynastes pulverulentus (H. Boie in F. Boie, 1827)

Philippine Mock Viper

Remarks: Native, non-endemic. A single specimen of the widely distributed P. pulverulentus (Figrure 29) was encountered at night perched on a small tree. The species is found all throughout South East Asia and is considered of least concern.

Distribution: Balabac, Basilan, Batan Ids. (Batan, Sabtang), Bohol, Calamian Archipelago (Busuanga), Camiguin Sur, Cebu, Dinagat, Leyte, Luzon (Prov.: Albay, Aurora, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Sorsogon), Mindanao (Prov.: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur [Zamboanga City]), Negros (Prov.: Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental), Palawan, Panay, Polillo, Samar, Siargao, Sulu Archipelago (Bongao, Jolo) (Leviton et al., 2018).

Specimen: PNM 10076.

4.Discussion

The earliest checklist on the herpetological biodiversity of Camiguin Sur was from a survey and collection done by Brown and Alcala in 1967. They recorded nine species of frogs from Mt. Hibok-Hibok. It is through this collection that they first described the Camiguin Cross Frog Oreophryne nana based on all female voucher specimens. Our collection of male specimens will prove useful in future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies for the species between populations of Camiguin Sur and of northeast Mindanao (see Sanguila et al., 2016).

A more recent and more robust biodiversity checklist for the island was provided by Sanguila et al. (2016). They targeted the entire northeast Mindanao in their surveys and included adjacent islands such as Camiguin Sur. A total of 126 species of reptiles and amphibians were documented with 50 species represented in Camiguin Sur (Table 2). Of the 50 they documented, we were able to record only 21 of the same species possibly due to continuous rains during the span of our surveys. However, this may also be the reason we documented 7 species records new to the island of Camiguin Sur, bringing the total herpetological biodiversity count of Camigiun Sur to 57 species.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are known as non-native species that have the ability to establish and dominate in a new area, spreading quickly while outcompeting other species, often ending in extinction (Clavero and Garica-Berthou, 2005; Clout and Williams, 2009). Currently, there are six invasive amphibian species known to be established in the country: the American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus [Shaw, 1802]), the Asiatic Painted Toad (Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831), the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina), the Chinese Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus [Wiegmann, 1834]), the Green Paddy Frog (Hylarana erythraea [Schlegel, 1837]), and the Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) (Diesmos et al. 2006; Olson et al. 2014). Of the six, three have now invaded the small island of Camiguin Sur. However, there is still a large gap of knowledge on the impacts of these invasive alien frogs on the ecology of native biodiversity despite growing global attention on the implications of these problematic species to conservation (Alcala and Brown 1998; Brown and Diesmos, 2002; Brown et al. 2012a; Diesmos et al. 2014).

Species on the list (Table 2) but not included in the species accounts are the following: Varanus cumingi Martin, 1839 and Naja samarensis Peters, 1861. Records were based from interviews with a personnel from the local DENR office and from photos of a V. cumingi rescued from hunters. Species that may possibly occur in the island but were not included due to uncertainty are the following: Philautus sp. and Cuora amboinensis (Daudin, 1801). Advertisement calls of a Philautus species were heard during the survey in site 1. The possible occurrence of the Southeast Asian Box Turtle (Cuora amboinensis) was based from interviews from DENR stating that the species can be found around the Ardent hot springs of Mambajao. It is necessary to include them as supplemental information for future studies in Camiguin Sur.

Emerging threats to the island's endemism and biodiversity

The island of Camiguin, despite its small size, is a species rich island that contributes to the Mindanao PAIC's biodiversity with 51% island endemicity for amphibians and reptiles. Most of the invasive alien species (IAS) of amphibians observed on this Northern Mindanao island, Rhinella marina, Eleutherodactylus planirostris and Kaloula pulchra, are new records of anurans that are potential threats to the native wildlife (Diesmos et al., 2006). Native species that directly overlap in terms of habitat with the IAS are the endemic lowland anurans Fejervarya vittigera, Limnonectes magnus and Pulchrana grandocula. Moreover, both F .vittigera and L.magnus are being hunted for local consumption. Additionally, the possibility of these IAS penetrating forests will have a tremendous effect on Philippine amphibian conservation as over 80% are forest obligates (Brown et al., 2001).

Much of the forest remains of Camiguin were removed by commercial logging in the 1980s followed by clearing for agricultural purposes (Heaney and Tabaranza, 2006). Reforestation efforts in Mt. Timpoong resulted in the introduction of non-native Mahogany, observed in both the nursery area (Site 1) and Sitio Pamahawan (Site 2).

Another factor threatening local ecosytem is the growing population of locals in Camiguin. During the 1980s, there were only 57 000 inhabitants in the area, which was projected to double by the year 2020 (Heaney and Tabaranza, 2006). The growing population of Camiguin directly affects resource use within the area. Majority of the population rely on the resources given freely by the mountains of Camiguin, and unsustainable use of these resources will greatly affect not only the people, but also the island's biodiversity. In response to these environmental threats, the local government together with the DENR have moved steadily in recent years to have the upland areas where forest remains declared the Timpoong-Hibok-hibok Natural Monument (Heaney and Tabaranza, 2006a). Recently, Mount Timpoong Hibok-Hibok National Monument has been declared a protected ASEAN Heritage Park in the Philippines by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).

The data collected on the surveys are limited to the selected localities on Mount Timpoong and in the municipality of Mambajao and is insufficient to provide a quantitative analysis on abundance and species richness, herpetofaunal diversity index, or analysis of spatial and elevational variation as no transects, nor quadrats were performed. For future conservation and management efforts, more herpetofaunal surveys and biodiversity studies are highly recommended.

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following for making this field expedition possible and successful: the Philippine National Museum of Natural History (PNMNH), the local government of Camiguin Sur, Mindanao and the Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesMambajao for the logistics support and permit to collect, allowing us to conduct herpetofaunal assessment in Mount Timpoong Hibok-hibok National Monument (MTHHNM) and other areas within the island. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the our colleagues who assisted us, for support and company: Dave General, Rolly Urriza, Cecilia Banag-Moran, Sarah Grace Zamudio, and the local guide Jhoner Abian for his extensive effort and support during our field survey.

Sidebar

Received: 3 July 2019 Accepted: 12 November 2019

How to cite this article:

Russell E. L. V., Yñigo L. C. D. P., Rhim A. C. K., Marlon N. B., Arvin C. D. A Revised Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles in Camiguin Sur, Misamis Oriental, Mindaanao, Philippines. Asian Herpetol Res, 2020, 11(1): 28-43. DOI:10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.190036

Footnote

* Corresponding author: Mr. Russell Evan L. Venturina, from De La Salle University-Manila, with his research focusing on systematics, ecology and conservation of Philippine amphibians and reptiles.

E-mail: [email protected]

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