Puerto Princesa Research Articles

First record of the elusive Freshwater snapper Lutjanus fuscescens (Valenciennes, 1830) in Palawan, Philippines

The Freshwater snapper (Lutjanus fuscescens) is a large species of snapper that inhabits freshwater and brackish water habitats (Martinez-Andrade, 2003). Unlike other snapper species, the complete lifecycle of the species takes place in freshwater habitats. The Freshwater snapper is known to grow up to 40 cm, making it one of the largest species of snapper (Allen 1985), and it is thought to act as a top predator feeding on different smaller fishes. Despite its large size, the species remains understudied and little is known about it. The species is known from Southeast Asia where it has been found in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Island, Timor-Leste and the Philippines (Miller and Cribb 2007; Polhemus et al. 2008; Larson et al. 2007). Within the Philippines, the species is mainly known from the island of Mindanao, which is in the southeast of the archipelago. As part of their work for a proposed conservation project in Cleopatra’s Needle mountain range, two local biologists trekking upstream along the Langogan River on the northern border of Puerto Princesa City encountered the Batak Tribe on 24 February 2015 with their newly caught fishes from the river. The Langogan River is one of the largest rivers which originated from the Cleopatra’s Needle forest (Figure 1) in the north eastern part of Puerto Princesa City (van Beijnen and Jose in press). Five large fish locally called “Magaragan” caught by the Batak Tribe in Langogan River were noted among others. They described the behavior of the fish as aggressive and none of the hunters dared to spearfish in its known habitat. They explained further that ever since they have not caught this species in the lower downstream of the river. The species approximately weighs between 5-25 kg and the total lengths ranged between 30 and 90 cm (Figure 2). Besides being a freshwater species, the fish has a truncated caudal fin with a prominent dark spot on the body right below the second dorsal fin, greyish-brown back and side colors, whitish on belly and bisected by lateral line below its anterior soft dorsal rays which are characteristics resembling that of Lutjanus fuscesens. The coloration of the freshwater snapper is lighter compared to Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) which is likewise known to reach lower freshwater habitats (Allen 1985). The identification of the species was further confirmed by fish experts in the Philippines. Lastly the Batak noted that their snapper species catch in this trip were medium sizes, as fully grown individuals can reach the same size as the stretch length of their two arms (approximately 120 – 140 cm), much higher that the reported 40 cm maximum length (Allen 1985). This was an opportunistic observation of the two local biologists so no actual measurements were made and no specimens were collected. The species status has not yet been assessed by IUCN while there are no official records in the province of Palawan. The fish could be easily overexploited by outsiders because of its limited distribution and large size. Additional threats to the population in Langogan River include illegal gold mining activities in the area and a proposed paved provincial road along the river to cross the island from the east coast to the west coast, which most probably would mean the end of this local fish population. Additionally, a hydropower project is proposed at the upstream portion of the Langogan River which needs to be planned well as a recently published study shows that about 1/3 of the world’s freshwater fish species are under threat due to hydropower development (Nam et al. 2016). Furthermore, there have been unconfirmed reports of Freshwater snapper in the upper portions of the Iwahig River in central Puerto Princesa that should be further investigated to get more clarity on the distribution of the species within Palawan. To further understand its biology and ecology, as well as its economic potential for fisheries in the province, it is highly recommended to obtain specimen/s of the species for further scientific studies and purposes while further researches and assessments of the species in this newly recorded geographical range and in the whole province of Palawan are necessary. Lastly, this new record of the species together with several new other discoveries for the area should provide sufficient arguments to enthuse the local government to provide the whole Cleopatra’s Needle Mountain Range with an official protective status.

The Second True TroglobiontHeteropodaSpecies from a Limestone Cave System in Palawan, Philippines (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)

Abstract A new cave-dwelling huntsman spider species from Palawan, Philippines is described: Heteropoda simoneallmannae sp. nov. (female) from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave system. It represents, besides H. steineri Bayer & Jager, 2009 from Laos, the second species within the genus with true cave adaptations like reduction of eye size and pigments.

Potential for developing tourism in a sub-regional growth area (Roxas-Dumaran-Taytay) in northern mainland Palawan

The majority of the tourism industry on mainland Palawan is located in the north of the province. El Nido and Puerto Princesa are the most visited tourist areas in Palawan. The municipalities between these areas are considered to be sub-regional growth areas (Roxas, Dumaran and Taytay) since they serve as transition areas from one tourist hot spot to another. This study explores the tourism potentials of the sub-regional groregionwth areas using a potential analysis. By exploring the cases of Roxas, Dumaran and Taytay, various potentials were identified that could contribute to the development of this region of the island. Characterization resulted in the identification of the competitive advantages of each municipality, which were used to develop this region in a way that assures a sustainable growth of this subregion that complements that occurring in the tourist hot spots.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan, Philippines): some peculiar features of a tropical, high-energy coastal karst system

Abstract The Puerto Princesa Underground River, amongst the largest caves of the Philippine Islands, is the most visited show cave in the country, even though it has undergone no tourism adaptation at all. Its scientific importance primarily relies on the fact that it is one of the largest known underground estuaries in the world, and the effect of tides is visible along more than 7 km of the cave length. The complex relationships between sea and freshwater influence not only the hydrodynamics of the system and the speleogenetic processes presently active, but also its climate and its ecosystem. The systematic exploration and research of this coastal karst system started some 40 years ago and have shown that the Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the most important caves in the world with regard to many different scientific fields. Speleogenesis concerns the initial phreatic solution followed by vadose erosion with periodical marine invasion, and subsequent saline/freshwater-mixing processes during sea-level highstands. The hydrodynamic behaviour of the water flowing inside the cave is rather complex, being simultaneously controlled by allogenic recharge and tides. Speleothems abundantly occur with several forms, some of which have never been described before. Several minerals, some of which are very rare, are present, together with palaeontological remains exposed by differential corrosion on rock walls. Last but not least, two large populations of bats and swiftlets sustain a complex subterranean ecosystem.

INTEGRATION OF ECOTOURISM IN SMALL-SCALE COASTAL FISHERIES: LESSONS LEARNED IN HONDA BAY, PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

This study examines the ecological and economic benefits derived in transforming a small-scale fishing village of Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City into a community-based sustainable tourism site catering to about 1,000 visitors a day during the peak season from February to May. The establishment of Honda Bay Boatowners Association was vital in this community’s transformation. Before (Year 2007) and After (Year 2014) study method, which involved key informant interviews, household interviews, focus group discussion and site validation were used. Results indicate that the present condition of mangroves (+25%), beaches (+23%), and coral reefs (+14%) are progressively improving during the past seven years; however, seagrass beds (-2%) near the Sta. Lourdes Wharf are deteriorating due to oil spill from confiscated boats. There is a general view that the bay’s reef ecosystem is gradually restored as dominant catch composition are reef-associated species such as Coastal trevally, Dusky batfish and Golden-lined spinefoot, among others. Majority of fishers’ income source has shifted from fishing to tourist boat service. In 2007, fishing was the major source of income with 54% of boat owners and 61% of boatmen. However in 2014, tourist boat service has become the major income source of about 86% of boat owners and 93% of boatmen. A shift to higher income and more affluent material style of life is evident particularly on the part of boat owners. For inclusive economic growth, the association should establish spin-offs for the benefit of other community stakeholders.

ROLE OF SUB – REGIONAL GROWTH CENTER TO ECOTOURISM GROWTH POLES OF NORTHERN MAINLAND, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Majority of the ecotourism industry in Palawan are located in northern mainland part of the province. El Nido and Puerto Princesa city act as ecotourism growth poles by ranking as the most visited tourist areas in Palawan. The municipalities between the growth poles are considered as sub – regional growth centers (Roxas, Dumaran and Taytay) since they serveas transition areas from one growth pole to another. The study intends to explore the basic role of the sub – regional growth center to the existing growth poles in terms of ecotourism industry. Through secondary data gathering and key informant interviews, the following results were obtained: a) agriculture (e.g. crop production, livestock, poultry, fisheries etc.) is the main economic driving force of the sub–regional growth center; b) the agriculture sector in the sub–regional growth center supports the development of the ecotourism growth poles; and c) following the growth pole theory, there are existing “spread” and “backwash” effects from the growth poles to the sub–regional growth centers. Moreover, the study suggested general strategic regional directions to complement and assure a sustainable growth of the sub–regional growth center along with the growth poles in terms of ecotourism development.

UGONG ROCK – ECOTOURISM THAT BEGINS IN A PADDY FIELD

Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is endowed with rich natural resources and high cultural diversity. This is the main reason its tourism products and services are geared towards ecological tourism. Relative to its geographical location, the City has six tourist destination circuits (Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office 2011). Ugong Rock is in the northwest circuit along with the Puerto Princesa Underground River or PPUR (one of the world's 7 new wonders of nature) and seven others.

MANGROVE PADDLE-BOAT ECOTOURISM: CONSERVING CENTURY-OLD GROWTH FOREST AT CABAYUGAN, PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) has emerged as a popular tool for biodiversity conservation. The Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour (MPBT), a CBET located in the village of Sabang, Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City, is a strategy to protect and conserve the century-old mangrove forest along the Cabayugan River, which is part of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) reservation.

ECOTOURISM IN A COMMUNITY-BASED MANGROVE AFFORESTATION IN TAGPAIT, ABORLAN, PALAWAN

Tagpait is a rural coastal community in Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines where fishing and farming are the primary sources of livelihood. It is located 72 kilometers south of the capital city of Puerto Princesa in the eastern seaboard of mainland Palawan adjacent to the West Sulu Sea. Its afforested mangroves serve as a major coastal habitat and natural source of livelihood of the local people.

Possible occurrence of the sea cucumber Actinopyga spinea (Cherbonnier 1980) in Arreceffi Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Sea cucumbers under the genus Actinopyga are among the commonly exploited species in the Philippines. At present, there are five species belonging to this genus in the country namely, A. echinites, A. lecanora, A. mauritiana, A. miliaris and A. obesa (Schoppe 2000, Akamine 2005, Kerr et al. 2006, Olavides et al. 2010, Purcell et al. 2012, Jontila et al. 2014). Recent surveys in different sites in Palawan did not show the occurrence of other Actinopyga species (Dolorosa and Jontila 2012, Collantes 2013, Pitong 2013, Sabay 2013, Saclet 2013, Dolorosa 2015). During the monthly monitoring of sea cucumbers in Arreceffi Island Resort and Spa on June 5, 2015, one individual of Actinopyga, suspected to be A. spinea was documented. The Island is located in Honda Bay (9°54’47.66″N, 118°52’35.64″E) about 16 km away from Sta. Lourdes Wharf, Puerto Princesa City (part of the mainland Palawan). It has approximately 20 ha land area, 30 ha mangrove forest and 170 ha intertidal and shallow subtidal areas, serving as safe habitats for diverse wildlife. Since its establishment in 1991, the island resort implemented no fishing or hunting activities that enabled the once overharvested species to recover. The substrate where the specimen was collected is mainly composed of sand and rubble, but patches of seagrasses (Cymodocea rotundata, Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprechii) and stands of Rhizophora stylosa were also present in the area. The site is around 80 m away from the drop off and is exposed to moderate to strong wave action during high tide. The specimen was encountered during low tide in waters between 0.1 to 0.2 m deep. The specimen was first identified as A. miliaris due to its resemblance in external appearance and similarity in habitat with A. spinea (Figure 2). However, further examination of its external features based on the photos revealed that it is more likely to be A. spinea. Both species have brown to dark brown or blackish brown coloration, but A. miliaris has a lighter ventral part whereas A. spinea is entirely uniform in color. Similarly, the papillae of both species are long and slender but such are numerous on the dorsal of A. miliaris while it is only moderate in A. spinea (Figure 2) (Purcell et al. 2012). In addition, A. miliaris’ anal teeth are generally simple and conical in shape. In contrast, the specimen’s anal teeth are triangular with distinct nodules (Figure 3) that is a key feature of A. spinea (Conand 1998, Purcell et al. 2012). Actinopyga spinea is also similar in color with A. palauensis but the latter has textured dorsal surface with bumpy appearance, and the mouth is often projected as trunk-like (Purcell et al. 2012). Also, the papillae of A. palauensis on the dorsal are small and conical while they are long and slender in A. spinea. Furthermore, the anus of A. palauensis is more terminal while that of A. spinea is sub terminal. However, this feature of A. spinea was not noted when the specimen was collected. Further visual examination of the mouth position was also done on the specimen, which was collected and frozen for future studies, but such was difficult to determine for the sample has already collapsed after ejecting its internal organs during transport in 2015. Further search was made then in the area to look for other individuals of A. spinea but none was encountered. The specimen measured only 9 cm. This is far below the mean length of A. spinea that is 25 cm (Purcell et al. 2012). Thus, the individual could be in its juvenile or sub adult stage. However, this is difficult to ascertain due to lack of information on its growth and maturity (Purcell et al. 2012). Information on its distribution and population trend is also limited (Conand 1998). In fact, A. spinea is classified as a least concern species (Conand et al. 2013, IUCN 2016). Despite of the resemblance of A. spinea to A. miliaris and A. palauensis, the nodular anal teeth, the uniformly colored body, and the sparse conical papillae on the dorsal strongly suggest that the specimen is A. spinea. These characteristics were assumed to be sufficient for reasonable certitude but to complete the identification, ossicles examination is being undertaken for further examination of experts. If needed, DNA testing could also be done for the sample is kept viable for such procedure.

First myxomycete survey in the limestone forest of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines

First myxomycete survey in the limestone forest of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan, Philippines

Structure, Hierarchy and Kin. An Ethnography of the Old Market in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

Every day, thousands of customers patronize hundreds of vendors at the Old Market in Puerto Princesa, seeking the highest quality products at the most affordable price. It is a “buyer’s market” as the variety of available products is limited to mostly locally produced goods. Why does a customer patronize one vender rather than another? Do social relationships influence this decision? Or, is price king? Does the relationship between customer and employee affect the vendor’s success? This paper attempts to shed light on the kinship ties and social stratification between vendors, customers and employees and its effects, if any, on the market’s economic success. After more than 6 months of participant observations, my findings show that the fictive kinship ties which develop between the regular customer and vendor, and the social stratification between customer and employee provide a structured functionalism to support the overarching economic theme of the public market.

The ribbed drapery of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan, Philippines): morphology and genesis

The ribbed drapery of the Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan, Philippines): morphology and genesis

Diversity and structural complexity of mangrove forest along Puerto Princesa Bay, Palawan Island, Philippines

Abstract The paper describes the diversity and structural complexity of mangrove forest along Puerto Princesa Bay, Palawan Island, Philippines. Occurrence of 28 mangrove species and 11 floral associates were found, which identifies the entire bay as one of the most diverse mangrove forests in the country. Of the six coastal barangays surveyed, San Pedro had the highest diversity index, H′ = 0.912 while Sta Monica had the lowest, H′ = 0.349. Mangrove stands are structurally simple with two types of vegetation, fringe and riverine that further constitute five distinct mangrove zones named according to dominating species, Rhizophora - Sonneratia ; Rhizophora-Sonneratia-Lumnitzera ; Rhizophora-Lumnitzera-Xylocarpus ; Rhizophora-Xylocarpus ; and Rhizophora-Avicennia . Commonality among these zones is obvious as revealed in Bray-Curtis cluster analysis. Structural features differed across zones. Trees of larger dbh, 104.5 cm and higher species richness, a total of 15 species, were found in zone 1 while those that comprised the highest basal area, 438 m −2 ha −1 and density, 8100 ha −1 from zones 2 and 4, respectively. Zones 1 and 4 are fringing mangrove forests. Degrees of perturbations greatly depend on human access to mangrove areas. Garbage dumping, occasional cutting of trees, soil erosion, and encroachment of human settlers were identified as potential threats to mangrove forest along the bay.

필리핀 습지의 특성, 위협 및 관리

The Philippines is a naturally water-rich archipelago capable of sustaining its ecological goods and providing services and needs of its people. Several waterbodies have been declared as natural wetlands in the country supporting the needs of community like water and food. In this study, 65 natural wetlands were considered including six sites that were identified as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ such as Naujan Lake National Park, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There are 22 wetland types presented in this research categorizing the Philippine wetlands. Philippine wetlands are now facing tremendous challenges such as land use conversion, abuse of resources, pollution coming from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities, and climate change. This paper provides an overview of Philippine wetlands in terms of their characteristics and components, impacts in the ecosystem, and the challenges they are dealing with. Moreover, the preservation measures that the government and private agencies implements to these wetlands were discussed and assessed. The enforcement of local and national laws concerning wetlands is found to be inadequate resulting in poor quality wetlands. The preservation and utilization of these wetlands can be maximized with a voluntary participation of whole Philippine community.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Comparison of Three Screening Test Kits for G6PD Enzyme Deficiency: Implications for Its Use in the Radical Cure of Vivax Malaria in Remote and Resource-Poor Areas in the Philippines

ObjectiveWe evaluated a battery of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase diagnostic point-of-care tests (PoC) to assess the most suitable product in terms of performance and operational characteristics for remote areas.MethodsSamples were collected in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines and tested for G6PD deficiency with a fluorescent spot test (FST; Procedure 203, Trinity Biotech, Ireland), the semiquantitative WST8/1-methoxy PMS (WST; Dojindo, Japan) and the Carestart G6PD Rapid Diagnostic Test (CSG; AccessBio, USA). Results were compared to spectrophotometry (Procedure 345, Trinity Biotech, Ireland). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each test with cut-off activities of 10%, 20%, 30% and 60% of the adjusted male median.ResultsThe adjusted male median was 270.5 IU/1012 RBC. FST and WST were tested on 621 capillary blood samples, the CSG was tested on venous and capillary blood on 302 samples. At 30% G6PD activity, sensitivity for the FST was between 87.7% (95%CI: 76.8% to 93.9%) and 96.5% (95%CI: 87.9% to 99.5%) depending on definition of intermediate results; the WST was 84.2% (95%CI: 72.1% to 92.5%); and the CSG was between 68.8% (95%CI: 41.3% to 89.0%) and 93.8% (95%CI: 69.8% to 99.8%) when the test was performed on capillary or venous blood respectively. Sensitivity of FST and CSG (tested with venous blood) were comparable (p>0.05). The analysis of venous blood samples by the CSG yielded significantly higher results than FST and CSG performed on capillary blood (p<0.05). Sensitivity of the CSG varied depending on source of blood used (p<0.05).ConclusionThe operational characteristics of the CSG were superior to all other test formats. Performance and operational characteristics of the CSG performed on venous blood suggest the test to be a good alternative to the FST.

ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICINES OF HOUSEHOLDS IN SELECTED ECO TOURISM BARANGAYS IN PUERTO P RINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Puerto Princesa welcomed around half a million tourists in 2011 making Tourism Industry the leading source of the City Government‘s income; thus, there is a need to protect the eco-tourism communities. By making sure community residents have access to their basic rights and needs, including the right to health, tourists‘ basic rights and needs are likewise guaranteed. To describe the access to essential medicines of Barangays Iwahig, Sta. Lourdes, Bacungan, Tagabinet and Cabayugan, descriptive quantitative research was utilized. The most accessible health facility or providers are the public health dispensary, traditional healer, and drug seller. Most of the households get selected medicines for free at the public health facility. They believe medicines are more expensive at private pharmacies than at public health facilities and that they can usually afford the medicines they need, considering how long they need to take the medicine and how much it costs. Moreover, they will not obtain prescribed medicines even if their insurance reimbursed part of the cost, primarily because the majority‘s health insurance doesn‘t cover out-patient medications. Majority of the household members who were acutely ill sought a doctor or nurse as the source of information about medicine, and got their medicines from private pharmacies. Medicines available at home are mostly over-the-counter medicines for acute illness. Researchers conclude that essential medicines are not accessible for the households of the selected eco-tourism barangays. This poses great hazard not only for permanent residents of the selected communities, but also to tourists. Should tourists need essential medicines, over-the-counter medicines can be given by the households, but if it‘s a chronic one, tourists have to travel by foot or vehicle for more than one hour to reach the nearest health facility where both the prescriber and source of medicine are available.

Factors Associated with Non-compliance with Anti-malarial Treatment among Malaria Patients in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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Three new species of Begonia endemic to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan

Background Begonia is a mega-diverse genus of flowering plants prone to generating micro-endemic species, especially on limestone habitats. During fieldwork in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Palawan (Philippines), three species were encountered which did not match any previously described from the region.ResultsFollowing morphological, anatomical, molecular phylogenetic and cytological investigation a hypothesis of three new species is supported. The three new species belong to a clade endemic to Palawan and Borneo.ConclusionsThe limestone habitats in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park environs support a unique flora. The description of three new species from a small area within the park demonstrates how much remains to be discovered there, and the importance of its continued protection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40529-015-0099-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.