Frog find in Apayao: Calanasan survey uncovers 15 species, 3 Platymantis may be new to Science

CALANASAN, Apayao — A biodiversity survey in Calanasan, Apayao has uncovered at least 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, including three Platymantis frog specimens that researchers are now examining for characteristics that could distinguish them from species already known to science.

The finding highlights the still largely unexplored biological wealth of Apayao and raises the possibility that the province could be home to frog species not yet formally documented.

Pinoy frogs found nowhere else

In an interview with Guru Press, Dr. Alvin Diesmos, wildlife biologist of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Herpetology Research Collection, explained that Platymantis is a genus of frogs found exclusively in the Philippines.

There are currently 33 known Platymantis species, all endemic to the country.

“This genus of Philippine frogs is found only in the Philippines. All of the presently known 33 species of Platymantis are endemic to the country. In other words, these frogs are Pinoy na Pinoy na mga frogs,” Diesmos said.

He said the genus reflects the remarkable complexity of Philippine biodiversity, with different species evolving across the country’s islands and many becoming restricted to particular habitats, mountains, mountain ranges, or island groups.

“They are very interesting because this group is a reflection of how complex Philippine biodiversity is in terms of evolutionary history, geographic distribution, morphologic variations of species, and natural history... These frogs evolved in the different islands of our country and many are only found in very restricted areas,” he said.

One characteristic that may have contributed to the diversity of Platymantis, Diesmos explained, is their ability to develop directly from eggs into froglets without passing through a tadpole stage.

Three frogs raise possibility of new species

What caught researchers’ attention about the three Platymantis specimens was not simply their appearance but their distinctive advertisement calls.

Diesmos said the calls had not been heard before in the researchers’ existing collection of Platymantis recordings.

“We haven't heard the calls of these three (or possibly four) species of frogs before, based on a library of advertisement calls of Platymantis that we have,” he said.

However, researchers are not yet declaring the frogs new species.

The specimens will undergo further examination and comparison with recognized Platymantis species. Researchers will consider their calls, body measurements, morphology, ecological information, and other evidence before determining whether they represent species previously unknown to science.

Discovery could strengthen Apayao conservation

If confirmed as new species, the findings could add another compelling reason to protect Apayao’s remaining natural habitats, according to Diesmos.

He said every newly documented species contributes to a better understanding of the country’s biodiversity and strengthens the case for protecting ecosystems where these species survive.

“The discovery of new species is always significant because the presence of new species, whether plants or animals, will add strength to the many reasons why we need to protect and save the remaining natural habitats that we have in the country,” Diesmos said.

He emphasized the need for continued research and exploration of the country’s remaining natural areas.

“It also means that we need to continue to do research, preferably by going out there and exploring our remaining natural world,” he added.

Once gone, a species is gone for good

Diesmos also called on researchers and scientists to continue reminding leaders and decision-makers of their responsibility to protect and properly manage natural resources.

He stressed that the loss of a species is permanent.

“Researchers and scientists need to keep reminding our leaders, especially those whose task is to oversee that our natural resources are being protected and managed, once a species is gone, it is gone for good. There is no way of bringing them back to life,” he said.

Beyond science and conservation, he noted that discovering species found only in a particular area can also give local communities a stronger sense of connection and pride in their natural heritage.

“Knowing that these species are only found in yABR, for example, adds a sense of ownership and pride to the people of the province because these natural resources are also part of their cultural identity,” Diesmos added.

The Calanasan survey offers another glimpse into Apayao’s biological wealth, showing that even amid the country’s long history of biodiversity research, there may still be hidden species waiting to be heard, documented, and protected.

For Apayao, these tiny frogs could be carrying a very big message: there is still much more of the province’s natural treasure left to discover.