Rare Biak-na-Bato limestone frogs spotted in Bulacan park

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — Several Biak-na-Bato limestone frogs or Platymantis biak were recently spotted in the Biak-na-Bato National Park in Bulacan.

The species is among those listed as vulnerable by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Dennis Vergara, chief of the Baliwag community environment and natural resources office, said the discovery was documented during a recent biodiversity monitoring system activity intended to assess wildlife populations and habitat conditions within the protected area.

“The limestone frogs were seen in Suklib Kabayo Cave, perching on depressions of a cave pillar,” Vergara said.

DENR-Central Luzon executive director Ralph Pablo said the presence of the species indicates the ecological significance of the Biak-na-Bato park, particularly its cave and limestone ecosystems, to endemic wildlife.