A comprehensive study in selected watersheds of Cebu reported the presence of diverse but threatened anurans (amphibian group of frogs and toads), further highlighting the need to conserve these ecologically important species and their critical habitat.
This is according to a recently completed project, “Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation Status of Anuran Species in Mananga and Kotkot Watersheds, Cebu, Philippines.” The project was implemented by the Cebu Technological University (CTU) and supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
About nine species of Anurans were recorded in Mananga Watershed Forest Reserve in Talisay City, Minglanilla, while eight species were identified in Kotkot Watershed Forest Reserve in Liloan, Compostela.
Among these is the Philippine Wart Frog (Limnonectes visayanus Inger, 1954), a ‘Near-Threatened’ species found only in the remaining forests of the islands of Cebu, Negros, Masbate, Panay, and Siquijor. Another species endemic to the Visayas and Cebu, the Leyte Wart Frog (Limnonectes leytensis Boettger, 1893), was also recorded at the project sites.
Despite their limited distribution and threatened conservation status, these species, along with other anurans, face risks from human-caused disturbances such as logging, excavation, coal mining, construction, improper waste disposal, agriculture, sand and gravel extraction, and, in some areas, local consumption.
In addition, the sites are reported to be threatened by invasive anuran species, including the South American Cane Toad (Rhinella marina Linnaeus, 1758) and the Malaysian Narrowmouth Toad (Kaloula pulchra Gray, 1831). These species spread quickly and compete with native species for food and habitat.
To date, the project team has produced baseline distribution maps for monitoring studies and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign materials to raise awareness among the local community. They are also in close coordination with local government units and other stakeholders to push for the conservation of these threatened species and their habitats through a Municipal Ordinance.
These accomplishments were discussed during a project terminal review held at CTU on April 13-15, 2026. The monitoring team from the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD) of DOST-PCAARRD was headed by its Director, Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral. She was joined by Dr. Christine D. Santiago, S&T Program Manager for Biodiversity and Mr. John Benrich M. Zuniga, FERD Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head. The project team is represented by its project leader, Dr. Archiebald B. Malaki and project staff, Dr. Esperanza Del Fierro and Ms. Jemaima Casas.