Herpetofauna of selected caves in Marinduque Island,Philippines.

Date

3-2012

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Leticia F Afuang

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public and to those bound by the confidentiality agreement. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser.

Abstract

Philippine cave biodiversity is an important area of biodiversity conservation where there is dearth of information. Cave-dwelling amphibians and reptiles are also uncommonly studied. This study of nine caves in five municipalities of Marinduque Island was a pioneer study to provide for this needed information. Caves were characterized based on number and size of entrance, cave length, chamber height and width, water type present, vegetation and predominant land use of their vicinity. Light intensity (kfc), relative humidity (%) and temperature (CC) outside and inside caves were noted. Survey of herpetofauna outside the caves was done with standard transect and thorough opportunistic catch was done inside. Twenty one species of herpetofauna composed of 10 amphibians and 11 reptiles were collected. Ten out of 21 species collected or 47.6% were endemic to the Philippines. Plaiymardis dorsalis, Limnonectes woodworihi, Limnoneeles macrocephalus, Hylarana similis and a new probable Platymantis species are new records as cave occupants. P. dorsalis and Gekko mindorensis were most common. Lamesa Cave had the highest species richness while Bungoi Cave had the lowest. Further studies on cave herpetofauna, caves and their attributes should be conducted to better understand and effectively conserve and manage caves as unique habitat types.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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