IUCN assessment of Thopeutica wiesneri endemic in Mindanao Region Philippines

Abstract

Thopeutica, commonly known as tiger beetles, belongs to the family Cicindelidae in the order Coleoptera. This study presents the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment of Thopeutica wiesneri, which is endemic in the Mindanao Region, Philippines. Based on the literature review and ocular inspection in Barangay Catigan, Toril District, Davao City, the following are the assessments of the researchers: (a) the biological hierarchy of Thopeutica wiesneri are the following: Domain Eukarya, Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Arthropoda, Class Insecta, Order Coleoptera, Family Cicindelidae, Genus Thopeutica, and Species wiesneri, (b) assessment information is still subject for approval of the tiger beetle experts: Dr. Jürgen Wiesner and Dr. Michael Bohm, (c) geographic range is between 800 to 1,300 meters above sea level (masl), (d) habitat and ecology of T. wiesneri favor higher elevations, old-growth secondary rainforests, and that their diet is most likely an opportunistic generalist, (e) no proof of use and online trading of T. wiesneri, (f) threats to the vicinity of T. wiesneri are land conversion and infrastructure development, and (g) there are still no conservation actions for Thopeutica species in Barangay Catigan. The current status of T. wiesneri in Davao City is critically endangered. Recommendations to the IUCN policymakers, the people of Barangay Catigan, and the future researchers are also discussed.