IUCN assessment of selected pachyrhynchus germar 1824 species in Davao Region

Abstract

In the Philippines, the genus, and the majority of the Pachyrhynchus group are still poorly investigated, facing various threats such as loss of forest habitats, climate change, poaching, and habitat alteration. As a way of searching for the key strategy for conserving the selected Pachyrynchus Germar 1824 species, specifically the Pachyrhynchus miltoni and Pachyrhynchus pseudamabilis, the researchers aimed to conduct an entomological assessment using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria on the threatened taxa Red List, including the species’ status, habitat situation, ecological threats and conservation implementation needed. The specimens used in the study were obtained through purposive field sampling using the Visual Encounter Method (VES) and transect walks. VES and the transect walk method were used in the study collecting seven species of Pachyrhynchus pseudamabilis and three species of Pachyrhynchus miltoni. Pachyrhynchus miltoni is assessed as endangered according to B1ab(i, ii, iii, iv,v), the population being very small or restricted in terms of population size while Pachyrhynchus pseudamabilis is assessed as vulnerable under criterion B1ab(i, ii, iii, iv,v) as its global population was observed to not more than 10 locations and remains endemic on Mindanao Island. The results of the study suggested that Pachyrhynchus may be threatened by the slash-and-burn agriculture used by locals in the area. Pachyrhynchus is not now the focus of any conservation efforts. To maintain the forest life in Barangay Carmen, which is quickly becoming to be a popular tourist destination in the area, locals and the government agency has to collaborate and continue to enforce Mt. Karilongan policies enforced by the Obu-Manuvu community.