Diversity and Conservation of Herpetofaunal Species in Masiag Karst and Caves, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat

The Philippine archipelago hosts highly diverse herpetofauna with many endemic species. However, herpetofaunal diversity and distribution in unique habitats such as karsts and caves, especially in Mindanao, still need to be explored. This study assessed the species diversity and threats to the conservation of herpetofauna in three cave systems in Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan, Province of Sultan Kudarat in South-Central Mindanao. The study employed a combination of opportunistic and purposive, time- limited sampling. A total of 100 herpetofaunal individuals resolved into two taxonomic orders, 10 families, 14 genera, and 17 species were documented. Of these species, nine were reptiles, and eight were amphibians. Moreover, 11 species were endemic to the country, equivalent to 65% endemicity for cave herpetofauna found in the area. Among these were seven amphibian species (i.e., Pelobatrachus stejnegeri, L. lumadorum, Philautus of acutirostris, Philautus of leitensis, Limnonectes leytensis, Kalophrynus sinensis, and Pulchrana grandocula), equivalent to 86% endemicity, and four reptilian species (i.e., Tropidophorus partelloi, Pinoyscincus abdictus, Cyrtodactylus, annulatus, and Naja samarensis), with C. annulatus found only in Mindanao, equivalent to 44% endemicity. Further, P. grandocula was listed as a vulnerable species by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2019-09, suggesting a growing threat to the conservation of this species. All caves showed low herpetofaunal diversity. Anthropogenic activities, primarily agricultural farming using synthetic chemicals and capturing herps for consumption and trading, threaten the cave habitats and herpetofaunal species. These underline the need to expand and strengthen local biodiversity awareness and conservation initiatives.