The Philippines
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The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,500 islands in Southeast Asia, is a captivating tapestry of diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Home to more than 110 million people, Filipinos' rich cultural heritage is a fusion of indigenous traditions, Spanish influences from the period of colonization, and influence from neighboring Asian nations. The archipelago's natural environment is equally diverse, featuring pristine beaches, dense rain forests, and towering mountains. The Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, known as the epicenter of marine biodiversity, hosting a staggering variety of marine life in its vibrant coral reefs.
Biodiversity flourishes in the archipelago, with unique species like the Philippine tarsier and the Philippine eagle capturing the imaginations of wildlife enthusiasts. The Chocolate Hills in Bohol, a geological formation of over 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills, adds a surreal touch to the country's landscape. The Philippines is also seismically active due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, contributing to both the beauty of landscapes like the Taal Volcano and the necessity for disaster preparedness. With a cultural mosaic shaped by its people and an environment brimming with biodiversity, the Philippines stands as a gem in Southeast Asia, offering a vibrant and multifaceted experience to those who explore its islands
The Philippines has one of the highest rates of amphibian endemism on the planet. 80% of frog and toad species of the Philippines are endemic. This biodiversity hotspot is currently under threat; 46% of native amphibian species have been declared in imminent risk of extinction. Furthermore, many species of endemic amphibians are listed by the IUCN as “Data Deficient”; as more data is gathered, it is likely that many of these species will be reclassified under some form of protected status. The main threats faced by Philippine herpetofauna are habitat destruction, deforestation, water pollution, and poaching. One method of conservation that has potential for ensuring the survival of endangered species of amphibians is the implementation of sound captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Project Palaka (Tagalog for "frog") is the first, and currently only, project of its kind in the Philippines. Starting in 2015 as Norman Greenhawk's Fulbright Award project, Project Palaka focuses on in-situ (field work) and ex-situ (captive breeding) conservation of threatened Philippine amphibians. To ensure the success of our efforts, Project Palaka is partnering with Ocean Adventure and Wildlife in Need, both located in Subic Bay, Zambales. Ocean Adventure has generously provided an aquarium facility to house our captive assurance colony of Platymantis insulatus. Both Ocean Adventure and Wildlife in Need staff care for the frogs on a daily basis, ensuring that the frogs are properly fed, healthy, and safe.
Since 2021, our main efforts have focused on Platymantis insulatus, the Gigantes Limestone Frog. This species is the only species of amphibian in the Philippines to be listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN. In October 2022, Project Palaka bred the species for the first time in captivity. Since that time, there have been six additional successful breeding events. We are planning on releasing the captive-bred offspring back on the Gigantes Islands in 2024. Project Palaka is committed to continuing our work to protect Platymantis insulatus. In December 2023, we will also be submitting permit applications to relevant DENR offices to begin work with other threatened amphibian species in the Philippines.