Diverse frogs, reptiles documented in Apayao amid conservation efforts

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Apayao’s rich biodiversity has once again come into focus after a recent wildlife survey documented a wide variety of frogs, lizards, snakes, and other amphibian and reptile species thriving in the province’s forests, rivers, and mountainous areas.

The documentation survey, conducted last month in the towns of Calanasan, Luna, and Pudtol, was led by Filipino herpetologist Emerson Sy in partnership with personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Calanasan headed by officer-in-charge Dorothy Joy Cayaba.

The survey recorded numerous amphibian and reptile species across different ecological settings, adding to the growing body of information on Apayao’s wildlife.

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“It is important that we protect and give importance to wildlife species, just as we do more charismatic faunal groups such as birds and mammals,” Sy told the Inquirer in an online interview on June 10.

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“These species are part of our national heritage, and many of them are found only in the Philippines.”

According to DENR-CENRO Calanasan, the presence of diverse amphibian and reptile populations is an indicator of healthy ecosystems and well-preserved habitats.

Amphibians, particularly frogs, are among the most environmentally sensitive wildlife groups and are often used as indicators of ecosystem health and environmental quality.

“Most of the frogs are not being eaten because they are too small,” Sy noted.

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Environmental workers said the survey’s findings could serve as a valuable reference for future biodiversity assessments, conservation planning, environmental education, and long-term wildlife monitoring programs in the province.

Sy also pointed out that several reptile species continue to face threats from exploitation for food, traditional medicine, zoological displays, and the pet trade.

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The findings further underscore the ecological importance of Apayao, home to the Biosphere Reserve of the Apayaos (BRyA), the country’s fourth UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.

The provincial government said conservation initiatives, including the indigenous Lapat System—a traditional resource management practice regulating the use of forests, watersheds, and wildlife resources—have helped preserve vast tracts of forest and critical wildlife habitats.

“Over the years, these conservation measures have protected 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 said.

While large mammals and birds often receive greater attention, environmental advocates stressed that amphibians and reptiles play equally vital roles in maintaining ecological balance and are key indicators of the health of forests and waterways.

Apayao has long been recognized for its extensive forests, river systems, and mountainous landscapes that support a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

“The province contains extensive forest ecosystems, river systems, and mountainous areas that provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species,” the Apayao Provincial Information Office said.

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“These environments support a rich variety of wildlife and contribute significantly to regional conservation efforts.” /gsg