Conservation Actions

The Calbiga Cave System in the Samar Island Natural Park is declared as a protected and key biodiversity area with Class II cave classification. This means that the cave systems is only open to experienced cavers or to guided educational tours, thereby protecting it from further human disturbance and exploitation. However, there are no existing conservation measures specific for this species. Future conservation actions should include habitat management and strong implementation and enforcement of the laws under the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems.

This species is data poor. Research gaps include population size and trend, life history and ecology, utilization and other major threats to this species.


Location Information

This species is known only from its type locality in Calbiga Cave System, Calbiga, Samar Island, Philippines (Larson 2001). It has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) estimated at 16 km2 and occurs at a single location.

Geographic Range

Extant

Philippines

Population Information

The population size and trend for this species are unknown given it is known only from four specimens (4.25, 5.85, 5.75 and 6.65 cm SL) from the Calbiga Cave System in Samar Island, Philippines (Larson 2001).

Threats

Calbiga Cave, classified as a Class II cave since 2014, is the only known habitat of this species. Caves under Class II classification have areas or portions that have hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, biological, archaeological, cultural, historical values, or high-quality ecosystems (The Philippine Clearing House Mechanism 2020). Calbiga Cave is in danger mainly due to the growing demand for recreational sites and tourism-related activities (Orale 2014, The Philippine Clearing House Mechanism 2020).

IUCN Red List Account Link

Please click here to see the species' IUCN Red List Account page.