Is Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) Efficient in Studying Nocturnal Mammals in the Philippines?

Authors: Wojciechowski FJ

DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000613

Volume 7, Issue 5

Abstract

The Philippines is one of the biodiversity hotspots and one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. Its remarkable wildlife species diversity attracts many visitors to the country. Mammals are no exception, with 214 native terrestrial species, of which 125, or 58%, are endemic to the Philippines. Some of them are very unique to the archipelago-for example nocturnal cloud rats-arboreal herbivorous rodents, or the Philippine colugo (Cynocephalus volans), one of the two extant Dermoptera species. Due to their nocturnality little is known about Philippine mammals.

Keywords: Cryptic Species; Population Threats; Biodiversity Monitoring

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