Terrestrial Mammals In The Del Carmen Mangrove Forest Reserve, Siargao Island, Philippines
Anna Pauline O. De Guia | Louise Abigail De Layola | Khryss P Garcia | Ma. Niña Regina M Quibod
Discipline: Zoology
Abstract:
Field surveys for terrestrial mammals were conducted in the mangrove forests
of Del Carmen, Siargao Island in 2019 and 2022. Standard techniques were
employed across five sampling sites including netting, trapping and searches for
non-volant mammals. A total of 16 species were recorded consisting of five fruit
bats, five insectivorous bats, four rodents, colugo, and tarsier. Six of these are
endemic species, two Philippine endemics and four Mindanao endemics. One of
the highlights of both surveys is the discovery of a possible new rodent species
(Rattus sp.) likely specialized for living in mangrove habitats. The findings of this
study augment data on the mangrove-associated mammals and emphasize the
importance of mangrove ecosystems as important wildlife zones.
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