Inventory of Herpetofauna in the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines

A recent herpetofauna survey in the buffer zone of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Philippines, documented 25 species, including 10 anurans and 15 reptiles, with a significant portion being endemic to the Philippines. Notably, threatened and near-threatened species were also observed, underscoring the buffer zone's critical role in supporting biodiversity beyond the core protected area. The study employed standard sampling techniques such as cruising along 1-km transect lines and pitfall trapping for reptiles. These findings highlight the importance of buffer zones in conservation strategies, advocating for sustainable practices to maintain herpetofauna diversity while balancing community needs.

Rosales, J., Yu, J. A., Nanual, B., & Ponce, A. (2023). Inventory of Herpetofauna in the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Davao Research Journal, 14(2), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v14i2.45