Potential new amphibian, reptile species found in Apayao forest

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —The jungles of Apayao may be hiding species never before seen by science after researchers found three unusual amphibian and reptile specimens during a biodiversity survey in Calanasan town.

The specimens were among at least 15 species documented by researchers from the University of Santo Tomas and Japan’s Kyoto University, who explored the forest from Aug. 13 to 19 along with members of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Calanasan environment officials and Philippine herpetology experts Arvin Diesmos and Emerson Sy.

Researchers found frogs, snakes, geckos, skinks and other wildlife in select forest habitats, which provided new records and baseline data about the province’s rich but incompletely documented biodiversity, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The specimens were subjected to taxonomic examinations, but scientists said it is too early to call them new species. Once confirmed, the species can expand the country’s known biological diversity.

Local environment officer Dorothy Joy Cayaba said the discovery shows the Apayao forest has so much to offer to the world.