New Discoveries to Bolster Biodiversity Conservation in Camiguin

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by Greg Borzo

http://www.haribon.org.ph

One of the small islands in the Philippines, Camiguin proved to be a treasure trove of biodiversity. In what is now described as the vanishing rain forest of Camiguin were discovered two new species - a parrot and a mouse - found nowhere else in the world.

Two new discoveries - a forest mouse and a hanging- parrot
Two new species were discovered in Camiguin Island as a result of recent and earlier field studies by Blas Tabaranza Jr. of Haribon Foundation and Dr. Lawrence Heaney of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. One species is a brightly plumaged hanging- parrot, which is locally-known as “colasisi”. The other one is a mammal, a long-tailed forest mouse. According to Dr. Heaney, local people had not previously known of the mouse, though they have known of the parrot because of its value in the pet trade.

As described in the Fieldiana: Zoology, a scientific journal of the Chicago-based National Museum of Natural History, the parrot has green feathers, bright blue throat and thighs, and scarlet-orange head and tail. Males and females have identical plumage, which is quite unusual in this group of parrots. The name of the new species is Camiguin Hanging Parrot or Loriculus camiguinensis.

The mouse on the other hand, is described in the same journal as having prominently large ears and eyes, a long tail and rusty-brown fur. It feeds mostly on insects and seeds. According to Tabaranza, when they conducted the biological survey in 1994 and 1995 in Camiguin, they discovered the mouse high on the steep slopes of one of the island’s volcanoes. This forest rodent is given the name Apomys camiguinensis.

Importance of Camiguin Island for conservation
Camiguin is a tiny volcanic island in northern Mindanao. Despite its area of only 265 square kilometers, Camiguin proves to be a treasure trove of biological diversity. It is home to 54 species of birds and at least 24 species of mammals. According to Heaney, “Knowing that some of these animals are found nowhere else on earth, makes us realize how important this island is in terms of conservation; and for these animals to survive, we’ve got to save the dwindling forests where they live.”

The rain forest of Camiguin indeed requires protection against logging, agriculture and conversion. Its forest cover has dramatically declined to barely 18% and half the island is now covered with coconut plantations.

“If no conservation measures are done now, both by local and national authorities, the remaining rain forest in Camiguin would not be able to protect thewatersheds - the source of drinking water for the people on the island,” explained Tabaranza. He added, “The forest also protects the coral reefs against excessive runoff and siltation and therefore, if deforestation continues, Camiguin’s fish production would be severely affected.”

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He also believes that the already decimated forest cover will further weaken its capacity to prevent another flashfloods or landslides. It can have a negative bearing on ecotourism, the highest income earner for Camiguin.

Renewed heed for conservation
The discovery of L. camiguinensis and A. camiguinensis strengthens the case for preserving the small area of natural rain forest still found on the island. In fact, the scientists have declared Camiguin’s rain forest to be a key global conservation priority.

Heaney and Tabaranza in their Fieldiana manuscript recommend that for Camiguin to conserve its remaining rain forests, “concerned authorities should continue to expand their enforcement efforts, restore the denuded forests using native trees, and cancel existing salvage cutting permits for dead and fallen trees because they have often been abused.” The scientists also believe that the local government can make a big difference by actively participating in conservation work

The author is the Media Manager of Scientific Affairs in The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA.