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Pit viper team

Nikki Dyanne Realubit Willem van de Ven

Joni Acay Jenn Acay

Fleur Panga Jessica Baroga

Normandy Barbecho

With thanks to

Protected Area Management Board - Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PENRO)-Batanes

George R. Reyes, CESO V, PENRO Sammy Telan, Chief, PAWCZMS

Lilia Inez Homigop, Ecosystems Management Specialist Ariel Agabin, Park Maintenance Foreman

Zafra Hazel Baldovino, Admin Aide VI

Provincial Tourism Office (DOT)-Batanes Hegel Ruiz Valones, PTO designate

Mr. Roger Sweeney, Assistant Director – Virginia Zoo

Phoenix Zoo – Arizona Centre for Nature Conservation

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Contents

1 Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Rationale .................................................................................................................................. 4 2.3 Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 4

3 Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Ocular trip ................................................................................................................................ 5 3.2 Equipment testing .................................................................................................................... 5 3.3 Field survey in Batanes ............................................................................................................. 5

4 Results and Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 9 4.1 Pit viper morphometrics and color morphs .............................................................................. 9 4.2 Population distribution, density and size ................................................................................ 10 4.3 Habitat analysis ...................................................................................................................... 11 4.4 Camera trapping .................................................................................................................... 13 4.5 Trade and persecution of snakes ............................................................................................ 13 4.6 Species delimitation ............................................................................................................... 14 4.7 Other wildlife species ............................................................................................................. 15

5 What was learned .......................................................................................................................... 22

6 Follow up research and conservation activities .............................................................................. 23 6.1 Pit viper activity, diet, range and distribution ......................................................................... 23 6.2 Pit viper species delimitation.................................................................................................. 23 6.3 Apply for IUCN red list assessment ......................................................................................... 23 6.4 Interview regarding pit viper trade ......................................................................................... 23 6.5 Insect diversity survey ............................................................................................................ 23 6.6 Snake awareness and conservation ........................................................................................ 23

7 Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 25

8 References ..................................................................................................................................... 26

9 Financial report ............................................................................................................................. 27

10 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 28 10.1 PAMB resolution .................................................................................................................... 28 10.2 Habitat assessment data sheet ............................................................................................... 29 10.3 Itemized expense report ........................................................................................................ 30 10.4 The Ivatan .............................................................................................................................. 32

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1 Abstract

The McGregor’s pit viper Trimeresurus mcgregori is listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN red list, as very little information is published about the species. The Philippine Red List Committee considers the species to be Endangered, based on reports from local experts visiting the islands and doing herpetological surveys. This study aimed to determine the population size on the only two known islands where this species exists; Batan and Sabtang islands of the Batanes group of islands, Philippines.

Visual encounter surveys were employed to find snakes, between 19:00 and 23:00 hours each night for a total of 10 nights, covering 9.5 km. Upon spotting a pit viper, the individual was captured and snout-to-vent length as well as tail length was measured. Selected individuals, which were perched in convenient locations, were not captured but instead a camera trap was trained on them to determine up to what hour the snakes would be active, and possibly capture other behaviors.

A total of 23 pit vipers were encountered, of which 21 were captured, either straight away or upon rediscovering the snake upon recovering the camera trap. Average encounter rate was 2.4 / km though heavily dependent on the weather of the day preceding the survey. Color morphs, for which this snake is particularly known, were found ranging from white to dark brown.

Anecdotal information and personal observations lead us to believe that international, illegal, wildlife trade in the species is still ongoing and affecting the

McGregor’s pit viper population size is still difficult to estimate as not enough individuals were encountered for analysis with specific software. Although found to be locally common, it was encountered only in specific habitats (along creeks), which will need to be further delineated and measured. We suspect a small population, which, combined with a suspected population size reduction due to hunting, as well as a loss of habitat over the past 30 years, would lead us to guess the species to fall at least under the Endangered category.

We recommend follow up research specifically into home ranges to further determine population size, as well as studies into the illegal pet trade to determine threats to the species existence.

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2 Introduction

2.1 Background

Pit vipers belong to the family Viperidae, one of the two families of dangerously venomous snakes represented in Philippine herpetofauna. They are terrestrial species favoring arboreal habitats, can swim and are typically found around sources of water like rivers and streams (Leviton et al., 2014). Pit vipers, like all snakes, play diverse roles in terrestrial ecosystems, not in the least as predators, influencing structure, function, and evolution of ecological communities (Greene, 1997). Despite this, snakes in the Philippines are still being indiscriminately persecuted because of fear.

The McGregor’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus mcgregori) is one species that should be paid particular attention to because it is only found on the islands of Batan and Sabtang, both part of the Batanes Protected Land and Seascape, found in the northernmost part of the Philippine archipelago. Individuals have been observed in different habitats on the islands, ranging from tropical forests to agricultural areas. The species is an important one based on which conservation priority areas in the Batanes islands can be designated (Gonzalez et al., 2008). However, no systematic studies on its population distribution have been done, and thus the current population trend is unknown. Unfortunately, the species is well known in the international pet trade because of its unique color morphs (yellow, white) compared to the common Philippine pit viper species (green). Although wildlife trade in this species is illegal, the species is widely found outside the country and it breeds well in captivity, making it hard to track down the origin of the animals (Sy et al., 2009).

2.2 Rationale

With the extremely small range of this species and its pet trade status, it is imperative to shed light on its unknown population in the wild. This study aims to determine baseline ecological information on the species to be used for species conservation assessment following the IUCN Red List of Threatened species criteria (IUCN, 2016). This in turn, will help increase legislative protection of the species in the wild and improve chances to find funds for its conservation.

2.3 Objectives

Determine population status (distribution, density, size) of the Data Deficient McGregor´s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus mcgregori)

Identify important habitat characteristics that may affect McGregor’s Pit Viper population status Document behavior of animals in the wild using camera traps

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3 Methods

3.1 Ocular trip

In the month of February 2016, project leader Ms. Nikki Dyanne Realubit travelled to Basco, Batanes to present the project to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS). The PAMB approved the project unanimously and issued a resolution (Resolution 2016-16) to allow the conduct of the research entitled, “Baseline ecological information for the

McGregor’s Pit Viper” (appendix 10.1). After project presentation, Ms. Realubit went around Batan and Sabtang island to scout possible transect survey sites and arrange for guides for the upcoming field trip.

3.2 Equipment testing

When all equipment arrived in the Philippines, thanks to Mr. Roger Sweeney of Virginia Zoo, a one-day field trip (February 28, 2016) was organized to Subic Bay Forest Reserve where Philippine pit vipers (Trimeresurus flavomaculatus) are known to occur. The purpose of the trip was to familiarize the team members, not all of whom are herpetologists, with the equipment and with catching snakes. Unfortunately, the area proved too dry for spotting snakes that day. However the team was able to place camera traps and test the laser range finder as well as get an introduction to pit viper studies by the project leader.

3.3 Field survey in Batanes

From March 19-26, the group conducted a field trip to Batanes Province, visiting the islands of Batan and Sabtang to conduct pit viper surveys in four municipalities (Basco, Mahatao, Uyugan, and Sabtang).

Itinerary

The group was able to take advantage of several free flights from a previous overbooked trip. This made scheduling a bit complicated due to the airline policy of staggering free flights. The team members could not all arrive at the same date, and had to leave again on different dates. Also, because of the Philippine

Figure 2: sample picture taken during testing. As no

animals can be spotted, it is likely the wind that

triggered the camera in this instance.

Figure 1: BPLS-PAMB members and PENRO-Batanes staff

during project presentation

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celebration of Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter), no project activities were performed for Holy Friday. Table 1 shows the details of the itinerary of the whole trip.

Table 1. Batanes pit viper field survey itinerary

Day Activity Results

Saturday, March 19, 2016 Arrival in Basco at 8am Check in at homestay Grocery shopping and visiting guides Nightsurvey in the foothills of Mt Iraya

5 snakes encountered

Sunday, March 20, 2016 Arrival of additional 2 team members Travel to Sabtang island Split up group to Sinakan and Chavayan

Group a: 2 snakes encountered Group b: 5 snakes encountered

Monday, March 21, 2016 Travel whole group to Sumnanga, Sabtang Split into two groups

Group a: 3 snakes encountered Group b: 3 snakes encountered

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Travel back to Uyugan, Batan island Survey along Imnajibu

4 snakes encountered

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 Departure of 1 team member Meeting with PENRO-Batanes Survey edge of Mt. Iraya Split up group for two transects

No snakes encountered

Thursday, March 24, 2016 Travel back to Batan centro Split up group to Chanarian and Hanib

No snakes encountered

Friday, March 25, 2016 No survey and project activities (Holy Friday)

Saturday, March 26, 2016 Departure of 4 team members Survey near Mt. Mahtarem

1 snake encountered

Sunday, March 27, 2016 Habitat analysis for Uyugan and Mahatao, retrieve camera trap

Monday, March 28, 2016 Flight cancelled due to tailwind Tuesday, March 29, 2016 Departure team leader

Visual encounter surveys

This study gathered baseline information on the ecology of McGregor’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus mcgregori) using visual encounter surveys along transects divided into 10x100-m segments. Number of individuals, perpendicular distance to the transect segment, height of vertical position for each encounter were determined. Coordinates for the start, middle and end of 100-m transect segments were obtained using a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. The weather conditions (cloud cover and precipitation) were also noted. Field observations, and time of day/night (start-end time for each transect) were documented. All activities were photo-documented. The target was to perform 40-man-survey-hours; we accomplished a total of 154-man-survey-hours for the whole expedition. We covered a total area of 0.094 km2, table 2 provides the details of each transect during survey hours.

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Table 2. Visual encounter survey transect characteristics

Transect Barangay Municipality Type Man-hours Weather

Habitat moisture

No. of segments

Length (m)

A San Antonio Basco Forest 20 Sunny Mixed 10 1000

B Chavayan Sabtang River 16 Sunny Dry 5 500

C Sinakan Sabtang River 8 Sunny Dry 10 1000

D Malakdang Sabtang River 2 Sunny Overgrown 2 200

E Sumnanga Sabtang River 16 Sunny Dry 9 900

F Sumnanga Sabtang Beach 2 Sunny Beach 2 200

G Sumnanga Sabtang River 16 Sunny Dry 8 800

H Imnajibu Uyugan River 20 Sunny Dry 9 900

I San Juaquin Basco River 12 Cloudy

Overgrown 5 500

J San Juaquin Basco Forest 12 Cloudy

Overgrown 10 1000

K Chanarian Basco River 9 Drizzling Wet 5 500

L Hanib Basco River 12 Drizzling Wet 10 1000

M Uvoy Mahatao Forest 9 Cloudy Wet 9 900

total 154

total 94 9400

Measurements

Aside from noting down encounters, pit vipers were also captured to gather morphometrics data, snout-vent length and tail length. Individuals were also assessed if they were juveniles, sub-adults or adults. The sex of the mature adults was also determined if possible.

Camera trapping

When pit viper encounters were of a docile nature, meaning the snake was spotted before the team members were spotted by the snake, camera traps were placed. The camera trap was attached to a branch, tree trunk or rock with a good vantage point and a maximum distance of a meter from the resting snake.

Habitat analysis

Sites were assessed according to broad habitat categories made by Mallari et al. (2011). These four categories include: cultivation (CVT), defined as areas with active or recently abandoned farmland including grassland, brush lands, agricultural plots, and small orchards with fruit tress < 4 m tall; early second growth forests (ESGF) are areas of newly regenerating forest (< 20 years old) dominated by saplings and other small to medium trees. Advanced second growth forests (ASGF) are ca. 20-40 years old, which have a less dense understorey and dominated by medium to large trees. Old growth forest (OG) i.e. primary forest or forests > 40 years old are dominated by large to very large trees and have a less complex understorey compared to ESG and ASG.

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After assessing the broad habitat category of the transect site, a 10x10 m plot was established at the 50-m mark of the 10x100 transect segment. Within a 10x10m plot, different types of important habitat variables that may affect presence and abundance of the species were determined based on Supsup (2014). Physical characteristics and habitat structure were measured as follows: number of tree individuals within the plot was counted according to diameter classes (see habitat datasheet in appendix 10.2); number of pandans, palms, dead woods, fallen trees, fruit tress and flowering tree were also counted; other environmental parameters such as moss, humus, ferns, grass, rattan, bamboo and leaf litter were recorded based on their coverage (percentage); coverage of canopy, understorey and midstorey growth was also recorded; ground coverage was measured depending on the rock cover and vice versa; (6) estimate of soil moisture per plot; (7) and distance of sampling plots from forest edge and bodies of water was also recorded.

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4 Results and Discussion

4.1 Pit viper morphometrics and color morphs

A total of twenty-three pit viper individuals were encountered. Most of these were mature adults (10), others were sub-adults (7), and one juvenile. The maturity of rest of the individuals we were unable to determine, either because the particular individual was subjected to camera trapping or we were unable to catch it. Snout-vent length (SVL) range of females were between 480-686 mm, with a mean average of 591.7 mm (SD = 61.9). This is consistent with the measurements taken by Leviton et al (2014) who measured the female individual to have a snout-vent length of 587mm and a tail length of 97mm.

Figure 3: Different color morphs encountered during transect surveys

A variation of color morphs were also observed for the individuals from the two islands, Batan and Sabtang. Batan Island hosted the most variation in color morphs with all variations present, while on Sabtang no white or gray individuals were found, and only one lighter individual besides the yellow morphs. Examples of the different color morphs can be found in figure 3.

Table 1: Color morphs of the pit vipers encountered

Batan Sabtang

Yellow 2 4

White 4

Beige 1 1

Cookies & Cream 1

Gray 1

Brown 2 7

11 12

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4.2 Population distribution, density and size

We encountered 23 pit vipers along a total 9.5 km of transects (figure 4). Transects were performed mainly along rivers and small access trails for locals living around the area. Transects were located in five barangays, under four municipalities of the province of Batanes. The first four days of the survey yielded 22 out of the 23 pit viper encounters. This may be due to the change in weather at the fifth day wherein there was a shift from hot, sunny weather to cold, rainy weather. Figure 5 shows the corresponding weather data during our short survey. This is corroborated by the study of Rocha et al., (2014) which compared sympatric species of Brazilian pit vipers and showed that minimum temperature as environmental variable had greatest influence on activity.

Our survey was necessarily short because of a restricted budget, and therefore dependent on best estimates to find as many individuals as possible in a short time period. To calculate pit viper density, we used the basic formula (Vitt and Caldwell, 2009): Density=number of pit viper encounters/area surveyed. Area surveyed is 9400 m in length and 10m in width, which would be 0.094 km2. Hence, Density=23 individuals/0.094 km2 would be 244.5 individuals/ km2. Using this density estimate and the total area of Batan and Sabtang (135.88 km2), we can calculate the estimated population pit viper size of 33,247 individuals. This is obviously an overestimate in that there are areas which would be unsuitable for the pit viper population and compounded by the encounter rate of the species. A better density estimate can be obtained from the software program DISTANCE if we were able to obtain at least 70 encounters (Buckland et al., 1993). Also, to have a finer resolution of population range, occupancy modelling can be used which addresses the assumption that suitable habitats for a species may be not completely occupied (Gibson et al., 2007).

Figure 4 Map of Batan and Sabtang islands, with transects indicated

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Figure 5: Pit vipers encountered vs climate data (www.accuweather.com)

4.3 Habitat analysis

Pit vipers were spotted in the three broad habitat categories: advance secondary growth, early secondary growth and cultivated areas in both islands of Batan and Sabtang. This can also be seen in figure 6 showing the land use classification of the province. Encounters were mostly along riverbanks with a cooler microclimate as we always spotted it near a small pool of water. It may be that the high encounter rate along river banks is due to the ecothermic nature of the pit viper (Huang et al.,

Figure 6 Map of Batan and Sabtang islands, with land cover indicated as well as

individual pit viper encounters

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2006). In other parts of the country, Dr. Arvin Diesmos (personal communication, March 30, 2016) explains the presence of pit vipers near the water in that they are waiting for frogs as prey items. However, in Batanes, there’s only one confirmed frog species, Polypedates leucomystax, which is a tree frog species (Gonzalez et al., 2008). It may be that the pit vipers would target the geckoes and skinks that were also spotted along the river banks.

On the other hand, when the habitat factors data were summarized and Plymouth Routines In Multivariate Ecological Research version six (PRIMER 6) was used to make a dendogram and a PCA plot. The transect segments where the pit vipers were sighted did not vary too much in terms of habitat characteristics (e.g. canopy cover, number of trees in different DBH categories, etc) were not significantly different from the segments where they were not found. The segments were relatively homogenous, as suggested by the cluster analysis dendrogram (Error! Reference source not found.7) that showed only about 10% distance among sites at most.

The PCA plot (

Figure 8), on the other hand, places sites with pit viper sightings on the axes coinciding with indicators of vegetation (e.g. trees, understory, etc.). These segments were also plotted opposite some correlates such as distance from the edge and percent grass, suggesting that vipers were found mostly inside the forests and not in the grasslands common in the islands. An exception is a segment in the grassland where a pit viper was spotted trapped on a concrete well, possibly trying to get a drink while outside the forest cover. This is similar to other pit viper species like Bothrops jararacussu also tend to avoid open areas, being found only inside and at the edges of the forest (Rocha et al., 2014). Specifically, adult pit vipers of Gloydius halys halys prefer rocky habitats (Simonov, 2009). Still, it should be of note that the graph can only account for 32.4 % of the variation (based on the eigenvalues). This is not surprising, though, because as described earlier, the segments are homogenous and variation is relatively low.

Figure 7. Cluster analysis dendogram for transect segments noting presence and absence of pit viper

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Figure 8. PCA plot showing principal components of segments where pit vipers were present or absent.

4.4 Camera trapping

Unfortunately, the camera traps did not gain any results. Preliminary tests were done during the day, and apparently the lighting is so much different from the night that it results in over lighting of the image when placed near rocks. As the pit vipers are commonly found on rocks, and the snakes are small, we placed almost all traps too close to the targets. The simple camera traps do not allow reviewing of data under field conditions, it has to be downloaded to a computer first. It is therefore only after the fieldwork that we discovered a lack of suitable material. While the film during the day are clear, there is nothing to see at those points as there are no snakes in view. During the night, these shots are overexposed. For future use, the camera traps will be places further from the target if the target includes rock formations.

4.5 Trade and persecution of snakes

Upon arriving in Basco on the ocular trip and looking for guides, project leader Nikki Dyanne was pointed to a certain local guide. Upon arriving at his place, there was in fact a pit viper in his house, a juvenile white morph. Although he reassured Nikki that he would release the individual back to the wild, the implication is of course that this individual was meant for the (international) pet trade.

Known to be a problem and likely source of decline of the wild population, it is unsure how big the trade currently is. Stories contradict each other. Apparently the trade route is via foreign nationals from Korea or Taiwan is what we heard, has been ‘closed’ or at least made more difficult, as no more direct travel from abroad to the islands is allowed. Though undoubtedly there are ways around this. The fact that our local guide, who is indeed very familiar with the species and where to find them, has an individual in his house, and later on revealed that a juvenile individual (white or yellow) will fetch around 3000 pesos, of

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course indicated that the trade is ongoing. What did seem strange though, is that most people we hired or talked to, including the sons of our local guide, seem absolutely terrified of the snakes, and will only very reluctantly handle it, without any sense of familiarity. This, to us, indicates that trade in the species is not a widespread phenomenon, perhaps limited to a few individuals who occasionally catch and sell some individuals.

Informal interviews in at five different barangays in the municipalities of Basco and Sabtang yield an incomplete picture of pit vipers as they are regarded by the locals. Their local name for snake is vuday and the pit viper is specifically mayuhama vuday or maydaka vuday which refers to its color, white or yellow, respectively. Most interviewees were terrified of the pit viper because they have been known to cause the death or hospitalization of a few individuals in their area. They usually encounter the pit viper while clearing secondary growth for planting vegetables and they know the bite to be very painful. One interviewee confessed to catching one because there was a buyer for it but she was bitten and has not attempted any captures after the incident. One barangay official states that the common reaction of seeing this snake is to chop its head off with a bolo.

As we did not investigate specifically, it is difficult to say if there is really a big active trade currently. The large number of Batanes pit vipers in captivity and the fact that it breeds in captivity relatively easily, makes it hard to track their origins. We suggest doing more structured interviews for a follow up project, to be able to estimate how many pit vipers are captured and traded annually.

4.6 Species delimitation

Trimeresurus mcgregori has only recently been elevated to full species status (Gumprecht et al., 2004), based on genetic analysis of four individuals. Sanders et al., (2004) and Leviton et al., (2004), both agree with this decision, with the color variation between T. mcgregori and T. flavomaculatus as the starting point of the split. One reptile expert, Emerson Sy (personal communication, April, 2016) on seeing photos of our expedition on Facebook, expressed the concern that some of the snakes do look like T. flavomaculatus. We quote, “The white (or yellow) spots on the lateral side are a characteristic of T. flavomaculatus. Aside from the color morphs, there are no clear cut characteristics to distinguish between T. flavomaculatus and T. mcgregori. I wonder if T. mcgregori is indeed a valid species. It would be interesting to obtain tissue samples to settle the question”. As he mentions, collecting genetic material for further research might be a valuable tool for future research. Said research should focus on obtaining genetic material from all color morphs observed and mapped in their distribution. The nearest group of islands, according to Oliveros et al.(2011), still lists T. flavomaculatus for that area and may be the source of the population for Sabtang island.

Figure 9: Individual, caught on Sabtang Island, resembling T. flavomaculatus (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

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4.7 Other wildlife species

We have a reasonably good picture of the diversity of reptilian, avian, and mammalian fauna of the Batanes Islands due in part to a series of surveys conducted by Gonzales, Afuang, and Lacaste (2008). However, the same cannot be said for the insect fauna of the islands. In 2013, surveys were conducted by researchers from the National Museum of the Philippines in collaboration with Batanes Integrated Natural History Research Initiative (BINHI) to document the floral and faunal diversity of the island group. Nevertheless, no technical or popular articles which are readily available to the public have been published. We also inquired about the insects collected by Gonzalez, Afuang, and Lacaste in the safekeeping of the local DENR office but it could no longer be located. Species accounts and records of insects found in the islands have been provided for by independently conducted taxonomic studies and are scattered in the literature. Through the course of the survey, other wildlife species (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) were documented to obtain a species list observed by the researchers.

Birds

The bird list is based on the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines’ checklist of 2016 (WBCP 2016), which uses the IOC taxonomy. A total of 36 bird species were encountered during the trip, mostly through opportunistic sampling.

Figure 10: Japanese Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone atrocaudata, found from Japan up to Batanes and Babuyan islands, though not on Luzon or further south (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Figure 11: Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis, found from Russia to Taiwan and Batanes, not further south (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Table 2: Birds of Batanes

Bas=Basco, Mah=Mahatao, Iva=Ivatan, San=San Joaquin, Cha=Chavayan, Sum=Sumnanga, Sin=Sinakan.

Batan Sabtang

# English name* Scientific name IUCN Bas Mah Iva San Cha Sum Sin

63 Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 5 2

70 Pacific Reef Heron Egretta sacra 1 2

82 Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 2 1

103 White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 2

111 Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis 1

114 Plain Bush-hen Amaurornis olivacea 4

115 White-breasted Amaurornis 2 1

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Waterhen phoenicurus

136 Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus 1

137 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 20

144 Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii

1

170 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 1 1

191 Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum 3

225 Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris

1 4 2 2

226 Common Emerald Dove

Chalcophaps indica 1 1 2 2

241 Whistling Green Pigeon Treron formosae NT 2 2

245 Black-chinned Fruit Dove

Ptilinopus leclancheri 3 2 3

259 Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis 4 2 1

290 Ryukyu Scops Owl Otus elegans NT 4 1

294 Northern Boobook Ninox japonica 3

313 Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta 1

337 Collared Kingfisher Todiramphus chloris 1

339 Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis 1 1

420 Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus 10

444 Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone atrocaudata

NT 1 2 2 2 2

469 Brown-eared Bulbul Hypsipetes amaurotis 9 5 10 3 3 15 5

472 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 3 1 1

475 Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata 1 1

541 Lowland White-eye Zosterops meyeni 5 12 5

549 Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis 2

559 White-shouldered Starling

Sturnia sinensis 2

574 Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus 7 1

613 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 6 2 1

654 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 30 10

667 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2 1 1

668 White Wagtail (ocularis)

Motacilla alba ocularis 1 1

670 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus 3

* Bold are endemic species

Interesting birds on Batanes are several migrants from farther up north, that visit the archipelago but are not found further south, and thus are rare/do not occur in the rest of the Philippines, for example the Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, Ryukyu Scops-owl and the Brown-eared Bulbul. A rare migrant is the Grey-headed Lapwing, which has only been recorded in the Philippines on a few occasions. Other birds, such as the Brown-headed Thrush, are uncommon in mainland Luzon, though are found in the city park of Basco, Batanes. Likewise common is the Blue Rock Thrush, which can be found all over the islands

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Figure 12: Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus, only a handful of records in the Philippines (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Figure 13: Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus, uncommon throughout the country, found in the city park of Basco (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Most important are of course the bird species that are endemic to the Philippines. Several subspecies are even endemic to the Batanes Archipelago, such as the Philippine Cuckoo Dove, Lowland White-eye and Black-chinned Fruit Dove

Batanes is very likely an important stopover for migrants; the islands, located between Taiwan and mainland Luzon, are an important resting point and feeding area for raptors and water birds. As we focused our study on the forested areas, few migrants were recorded and the number of species would greatly increase with the proper survey locations and season.

Figure 14: Philippine Cuckoo Dove Macropygia tenuirostris septentrionalis, much more brown compared to the reddish birds in the rest of the Philippines (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Figure 15: Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius; these are found all over the island and are very common. Much more difficult to find anywhere else in the Philippines (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

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Amphibians and reptiles

Only one species of amphibian was recorded, the common tree frog, which is also the only species of frog known to occur on the Batanes islands.

Table 3: Amphibians and reptiles

Scientific Name Common Name Local Name Batan Sabtang

Polypedates leucomystax Common tree frog Palaka 1 1

Gecko porosus Batan narrow-disked gecko Gegget 1

Eutropis multicarinata Two-striped mabouya Gegget 2

Varanus marmoratus Marbled water monitor Siah 1

Trimeresurus mcgregori McGregor’s pit viper Vuday

Malayopython reticulatus Asiatic reticulated python Vuday 2

Lycodon alcalai / Vuday 1 1

Figure 16: Asiatic reticulated python Malayopython reticulatus, curled up in a hollow below a tree. Estimated diameter of around 10 cm (photo by Willem van de Ven)

Figure 17: Lycodon alcalai (Photo by Willem van de Ven)

Invertebrates

Among the most notable insects we collected from the survey were specimens of a sphecid wasp, a stick insect, and a bush cricket, which are all new locality records for these species. For the moment, we took the liberty to focus on these species as the others require more time and expertise before they could be processed and identified. A brief discussion of each species is provided below.

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Figure 18. Nest of Chalybion japonicum found in Batanes, Philippines. A) General appearance. B) Nest showing

the tubular cells. (Photograph by KO Abenis.)

We collected a mud nest of three cells, each cell containing a pupa on 22nd of March 2016, which successfully emerged as adults (Figure 18). These were identified as three females of Chalybion japonicum (Griboldo) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) (Figure 19), which is hereby reported as new record to the Philippines. C. japonicum is known only to be distributed in China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan (Hensen, 1988; Barthelemy, 2011). Like any other species of the tribe Sceliphrini, C. japonicum are host-specific (on spiders), with few progeny (1-3 cells) and have a longer lifecycle compared with other insects, making them an efficient invertebrate biological indicators (Gayubo et al., 2005; Hilty and Merenlender, 2000).

We collected several specimens of the stick insect Lonchodiodes babuyanensis Hennemann et Conle (Phasmatodea:Phasmatidae) (Figure 20). The type locality of this specimen is the Calayan Id., Babuyan Group of Islands. This report constitutes the first report of this species in Batanes Islands and outside of the Babuyan Islands. Although these groups of islands are proximate to each other, this species is a poor disperser and is not capable of oceanic dispersal. Its presence in the Batanes Islands is therefore surprising, and owing to the unique geologic history of both groups of islands, this finding offers a wealth of insights into the biogeographic and dispersal patterns of this insect group as well as into general processes of speciation.

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Figure 19. Chalybion japonicum. A) Full face view. B) Dorsal view of head and thorax. C) Lateral view of head

and thorax

Figure 20 Lonchodiodes babuyanensis, in situ, collected from a) Mahatao and b) the foot of Mt Irayao, both in

Basco, Batanes. (Photograph by Jessica Baroga.)

The bush crickets (Gryllidae: Eneopterinae) are widely distributed and mostly found in tropical areas in Southeast asia and Pacific region. In the Philippines, there are 13 species under 3 genera are present. Some of these species belong to the tribes Lebinthini (Cardiodactylus Saussure, 1878 and Lebinthus Stål, 1877) and Nistrini (Paranisitra Chopard, 1925), which are endemic to the country (Robillard & Desutter-Grandcolas 2008). These species are widely distributed and represented in the three main islands of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Species from Luzon were mostly recorded from its southern part (i.e., Laguna, Mindoro, and Bicol), and no species thus far has been recorded from the northern part of the island except from a new species of Paranisitra collected from Ilocos Norte (paper submitted for publication). The species of bush crickets that we collected from this survey in the Batanes Islands are new locality records, and some of which are possibly new to science.

This report constitute a new locality record of Lebinthus lanyuensis Oshiro, 1996 (Figs 21a & 21b), a species endemic to Lan Yu Island in Taiwan, on the basis of morphological examination of the specimens and consideration of the geographical distribution of this species. This species differs from the other species of Lebinthus (L. bitaeniatus Bolívar, 1889 (Fig 21c) from South Luzon and Lebinthus luae Robillard & Tan, 2013 (Fig 21d; from Singapore and Visayas) based on the following characteristics: (1) its thick and wide whitish longitudinal band along the body (thin yellowish band underlined ventrally by a narrow

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black line for L. bitaeniatus, while wide whitish to yellowish band without black line ventrally for L. luae); and (2) its harp in forewings not wide (wide in 2 other species). There were also some juveniles of Cardiodactylus (Fig. 22) collected during the survey (identification by Dr Tony Robillard based on pictures). For confirmation of its species identity, it would be desirable to conduct a molecular analysis of the specimens collected from this survey. Dr Tony Robillard from Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in France offered to help with this endeavor.

Figure 21. Different species of Lebinthus (a-b) L. lanyuensis collected from Batanes (Photograph by J essica

Baroga); (c) L. bitaeniatus (Photo from Robillard & Tan, 2013); and (d) L. luae (Photo from Robillard & Tan,

2013).

Figure 22. Some juveniles of Cardiodactylus collected from Batanes Islands. (Photograph by Jessica Baroga)

a b c d

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5 What was learned

The camera traps were not a big success, mainly because of placement issues. We had set the traps several times with the thought to record natural behavior and also to keep track of activity of the pit vipers, however nothing could be seen on the videos, and the traps were not triggered by motions of the animals, due to over exposure of the cameras. We had tested the equipment during the day, however conditions at night are so much more different than expected that the result turned out to be disappointing. For future field work, the camera traps will be set differently (e.g. not pointing directly at large stones, further away from subjects) and sd cards will be exchanged more frequently to be able to check the quality of the photo/video while still in the field.

There is also a certain status quo for the species that has been established due to the considerable media presence in Batanes. Several national tv shows have gone to Batanes to film the pit viper. What happens is that they ask someone to catch the pit viper and then film when they arrive. This led to some instances of miscommunication during recon surveys wherein locals would expect us to want the pit viper as pets or to catch them for us. This can be an opportunity for conservationists to emphasize that species should stay in the wild.

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6 Follow up research and conservation activities

6.1 Pit viper activity, diet, range and distribution

Pit viper encounters rely on active individuals, probably at hunting grounds. In order to get more information on home range and extent of the area of occurrence, a radio telemetry study is suggested, where we will be able to monitor individuals 24 hours per day. The seasonal, daily activity, habitat use and altitudinal range should also be studied. The survey protocol would remain essentially the same except that there would be surveys during different seasons and altitude.

6.2 Pit viper species delimitation

As mentioned in the discussion, T. mcgregori as a species was based morphological characteristics of a few individuals. Follow up research should preferably include collecting genetic samples of all the observed color morphs of the snakes for further laboratory research.

6.3 Apply for IUCN red list assessment

More surveys are needed to determine accurate population estimates. Although pit vipers were found to be relatively common in known habitats under favorable conditions, this hardly gives definite results. Besides more surveys, also to areas where pit vipers are less likely encountered, a red list assessment will require more information regarding population trends and threats as well as a thorough literature review on previous studies. Nevertheless, for this species, which has a limited range, this should be a relatively manageable study to undertake.

6.4 Interview regarding pit viper trade

Although this species is readily bred in captivity, there are still signs of collection from the wild. Most likely these are transported abroad for the pet trade, which is lucrative for illegal international traders as the risks are mainly for the local residents collecting the snakes, who are also paid poorly for it. The extent of the trade however is unknown, as are the routes of transport of these animals. An ethno biological study towards the illegal animal trade is recommended, including a study on potential livelihood alternatives for local poachers.

6.5 Insect diversity survey

Despite the limited sampling employed in our survey, covering only the two main islands -which only meant to complement the survey of the Batanes pit viper, but which also served as reconnaissance of possible sites for further entomological sampling- we were able to find and collect several insects that constitute new locality records. If such a limited survey of the insect fauna of the islands could generate significant findings, we have compelling reasons to conduct a general and comprehensive biodiversity survey of the insect fauna of the Batanes Islands.

6.6 Snake awareness and conservation

To mitigate the fear that was observed in the locals, a snake awareness and conservation program can be initiated. The ecosystem services provided by snakes and the uniqueness of T. mcgregori can be emphasized. We recommend calling the species Batanes pit viper. Most importantly, the behavior of the pit viper can be explained to farmers and those who would most likely be in contact with the snake. This would be to teach them to spot the snake and also start avoiding it because it is mostly non-aggressive.

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It might also be useful to have anti-venom, first-aid medicine and supplies for snake bites at the local hospital or local health center for emergency cases.

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7 Acknowledgements

Although this was a small research people, there are surprisingly many people to whom we owe thanks to make this project a success. First of all many thanks to the DENR and PENRO of Batanes, specifically Mr. Sammy Telan and Mr. George Reyes, who were very supportive of this project, and in fact asked for follow up studies if possible. Their assistance with permits and logistics was invaluable.

Another big thanks to Mr. Roger Sweeney of Virginia Zoo, who initiated this project and has supported it from the start. We hope that the study will prove useful and encourage follow up studies.

In the end it is of course the people who do the actual surveys who are indispensable for a project to succeed. We are very thankful to Mss. Fleur Panga, Jenn and Joni Acay, Jessica Baroga as well as Mr. Normandy Barbecho, who all volunteered their vacation to do this survey instead, and who were unfailingly enthusiastic about walking through creeks all night looking for venomous reptiles.

Finally, thanks to Virginia Zoo and Phoenix Zoo, for making this project possible financially.

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8 References

WBCP 2016. Wild Bird Club of the Philippines - Checklist of Birds of the Philippines 2016 Barthelemy, C. 2011. Notes on the biology of the conspicuous mud dauber wasp, Chalybion japonicum

(Griboldo, 1883) (Sphecidae) a major predator of spiders in Hong Kong. HKEB 3(1). Buckland, S.T., Anderson, D.R., Burnham, K.P. and Laake, J.L. 1993. Distance Sampling: Estimating

Abundance of Biological Populations. Chapman and Hall, London. 446pp. Gayubo, S. F., J. A. Gonzalez, J. D. Asis and J. Tormos. 2005. Conservation of European environments: The

Spheciformes wasps as biodiversity indicators (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Ampulicidae, Sphecidae and Crabronidae). Journal of Natural History, 2005; 39(29): 2705–2714

Gibson, L., Barret, B., Burbidge, A., 2007. Dealing with uncertain absences in habitat modelling: a case study of a rare ground-dwelling parrot. Diversity and Distributions 13, 704–713.

Gonzalez, J.C.T., L.E. Afuang, and A.V. Lacaste. 2008. Final report on the terrestrial vertebrate fauna survey of the Batanes Islands, Northern Philippines.

Hennemann, F. H. and O.V. Conle. 2007. Studies on Philippine Lonchodinae, with the descriptions of two new genera and eleven new species. Mitteilungen der Münchner Entomologischen Gesellschaft, 97 (Supplement): 3-88.

Hensen, R. V. 1987. Revision of nominate subgenus Prosceliphron van der Vecht (Hymenoptera, Sphecidae). Tijdschrift Voor Entomologie, Deel 129, Afl. 8.

Hilty, J. and A. Merenlender. 2000. Faunal indicator taxa for monitoring ecosystem health. Biological Conservation 92: 185-197.

Huang,S., Huang,S., Chen,Y., and M. Tu. 2007. Thermal Tolerance and Altitudinal Distribution of Three Trimeresurus Snakes (Viperidae: Crotalinae) in Taiwan. Zoological Studies 46(5): 592-599.

Oliveros, C.H., Ota, H., Crombie, R.I., and R.M. Brown. 2011. The herpetofauna of the Babuyan Islands, northern Philippines. Scientific Papers Natural History Museum University of Kansas 43:1-20.

Oshiro, Y. 1996. Description of a new species of the genus Lebinthus Stål (Orthoptera, Gryllidae) from Lan Yu Island, Taiwan. Jpn. J. Sys. Ent., 2(2): 117-121.

Robillard, T. and Desutter-Grandcolas, L., 2008. Clarification of the taxonomy of extant crickets of the subfamily Eneopterinae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Gryllidae). Zootaxa 1789: 66-68.

Robillard, T. and M.K. Tan. 2013. A taxonomic review of common but little known crickets from Singapore and the Philippines (Insecta: Orthoptera: Eneopterinae). The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 61(2): 705-725.

Rocha, M.C., Hartmann, P. A., Winck, G.R., and S.Z. Cechin. 2014. Seasonal, daily activity, and habitat use by three sympatric pit vipers (Serpentes, Viperidae) from southern Brazil. An Acad Bras Cienc 86 (2).

Simonov, E.. 2009. Differences in habitat use, daily activity patterns and preferred ambient temperatures of adult and neonate Gloydius halys halys from an isolated population in southwest Siberia: preliminary data. Herpetology Notes, volume 2: 1-7.

Vitt, L.J. and J. P. Caldwell. 2009. Herpetology. 3rd Ed. An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. Elsevier Inc.

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9 Financial report

The reconnaissance trip was quite a lot less expensive than expected, mainly because the permit fees were mostly waived and the flight was a bit cheaper than projected. The remainder of the money for recon was spent on some needed equipments (headlights for the local guides, dry bags and a tripod. Food in Batanes, however, was much more expensive than initially budgeted. We were with a larger group, with more local guides, and a lot of food in Batanes, for example necessities such as rice and cooking oil etc, have to be imported and are therefore much more expensive compared to mainland prices.

The budget sent from Virginia and Phoenix Zoos was 3000 USD, and arrived on the Philippine bank account as 137,303.68 PHP. For an itemized list of expenses, see appendix 10.3

Projected expenses Actual expenses

Itemized expenses (PHP) (USD) (PHP)

PHASE I - PROJECT PREPARATION

Administration

Accident insurance for whole team 5,000.00 112.66 0.00

Medical supplies/first aid 2,000.00 45.06 0.00

Reconnaissance and permit process

Food and accommodation (1000x5 days) 5,000.00 112.66 2,800.00

Transportation (airfare and local) 25,000.00 563.28 20,595.80

Permit fee and expenses for PAMB meeting 10,000.00 225.31 584.00

PHASE II - IMPLEMENTATION EXPENSES

Local airfare 30,000.00 675.94 19,322.00

Land transportation 10,000.00 225.31 11,622.00

Boat transportation between islands 13,500.00 304.17 1,200.00

Food for team members and local guides 20,000.00 450.63 54,875.00

Guide and porter fee for local guides 10,000.00 225.31 13,600.00

Equipment 0.00 0.00 15,160.79

PHASE III - POST-PROJECT EXPENSES

Administration

Report production and results dissemination 5,000.00 112.66 4,571.75

Total 135,500.00 3,053.00 144,331.34

Received

3,000.00 137,303.68

Balance

(7027.66)

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10 Appendices

10.1 PAMB resolution

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10.2 Habitat assessment data sheet

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10.3 Itemized expense report

Date Payee Item Category Cost Receipt Number

06-Feb-16 Philippine Airlines Airfare MNL to Basco Recon - Transport 9879.00 4848442

07-Feb-16 National Bookstore Zipper envelope Recon - Admin 49.00 41-GD884

07-Feb-16 Skyjet Airfare Basco to MNL Recon - Transport 8634.80 680001

09-Feb-16 Rufo Consorio Taxi fare to airport Recon - Transport 292.00 35667

10-Feb-16 SDC canteen and department store

Notebook and ballpen Recon - Admin 35.00 32482

11-Feb-16 DENR DENR admin fee Recon - Admin 500.00 3287537

11-Feb-16 Marisol Macatimpag Transportation to/around Sabtang

Recon - Transport 950.00 RER BPV-001

12-Feb-16 Ariel Agabin Homestay Recon - Food 1400.00 RER BPV-002

12-Feb-16 Nikki Dyanne Relaubit Food-1 pax Recon - Food 1400.00 RER BPV-003

12-Feb-16 Airport shuttle service Taxi fare from airport Recon - Transport 740.00 911210

12-Feb-16 Basco municipality Basco terminal fee Recon - Transport 100.00 4920422

15-Feb-16 Philippine Airlines Airfare-MNL to Basco and back

Transport 19322.00 4869590

20-Feb-16 Octagon Computer Store Ink Post - Admin 820.00 154315

20-Feb-16 Emma Balangue Taxi fare for picking up binoculars

Land transportation 145.00 17760

27-Feb-16 Benson's Graphic Arts Print Post - Admin 12.00 28947

27-Feb-16 Henry's Professional Batteries and tripod Equipment 13298.00 53682

11-Mar-16 National Bookstore Short bond paper Post - Admin 189.75 41-GD701

11-Mar-16 Ace Hardware Dry bags Equipment 359.54 666670

11-Mar-16 Ace Hardware Headlight and batteries Equipment 999.00 666671

11-Mar-16 Habagat-Pitman Ventures Cookset and stove Food 8030.00 377085

12-Mar-16 7-Eleven Cellphone load Post - Admin 150.00 5300051

16-Mar-16 Ace Hardware Silica gel, mini lantern, cleaning cloth

Equipment 504.25 377985

19-Mar-16 General Merchandise Assorted goods Food 1001.00 40018

19-Mar-16 D' Islands Gasoline Station Diesel Land transportation 942.00 33285

19-Mar-16 Ely Balitin Van and truck hire Land transportation 3805.00 RER BPV-004

20-Mar-16 M.G. Hubalde's General Merchandise

Assorted field supplies Food 1788.00 27415

21-Mar-16 Domingo Sabotero Gallo Food-1 pax Food 350.00 RER BPV-007

21-Mar-16 Estela Fuego Homestay and cooking fee Food 1500.00 RER BPV-008

21-Mar-16 Domingo Sabotero Gallo Guide fee Local guides 400.00 RER BPV-007

22-Mar-16 M/B Thomas' Transport Services

Boat fare Boat transport 1200.00 572

22-Mar-16 Ramil Barios Food-1 pax Food 700.00 RER BPV-009

22-Mar-16 Nolie Cariz Food-1 pax Food 700.00 RER BPV-010

22-Mar-16 Jerny Fidel Food-1 pax Food 350.00 RER BPV-011

22-Mar-16 Michael Loreto Truck hire Land transportation 5000.00 RER BPV-006

22-Mar-16 Ramil Barios Guide fee Local guides 800.00 RER BPV-009

22-Mar-16 Nolie Cariz Guide fee Local guides 800.00 RER BPV-010

22-Mar-16 Jerny Fidel Guide fee Local guides 400.00 RER BPV-011

23-Mar-16 DENR Research fee Post - Admin 2000.00 3287704

23-Mar-16 RKJ Enterprises Battery Food 300.00 300

23-Mar-16 Willem van de Ven Food-1 pax Food 1750.00 RER BPV-012

24-Mar-16 Ireneo Binalon General camping supplies Food 3406.00 RER BPV-018

24-Mar-16 Edgar Fidel Food-1 pax Food 350.00 RER BPV-013

24-Mar-16 Antonio Fidel Food-1 pax Food 2100.00 RER BPV-014

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24-Mar-16 Gregorio Patimo Food-1 pax Food 1400.00 RER BPV-016

24-Mar-16 Jerren Fidel Food-1 pax Food 1750.00 RER BPV-017

24-Mar-16 Domingo Nicanor Eniego Tricycle hire Land transportation 1200.00 RER BPV-015

24-Mar-16 Edgar Fidel Guide fee Local guides 400.00 RER BPV-013

24-Mar-16 Antonio Fidel Guide fee Local guides 3600.00 RER BPV-014

24-Mar-16 Gregorio Patimo Guide fee Local guides 1600.00 RER BPV-016

24-Mar-16 Jerren Fidel Guide fee Local guides 2000.00 RER BPV-017

25-Mar-16 Fleurdeliz Panga Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-005

25-Mar-16 Joni Acay Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-019

25-Mar-16 Jenn Acay Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-020

25-Mar-16 Jessica Baroga Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-021

25-Mar-16 Normandy Barbecho Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-022

27-Mar-16 Pedro Abanador Food-1 pax Food 2800.00 RER BPV-023

27-Mar-16 Pedro Abanador Guide fee Local guides 3200.00 RER BPV-023

27-Mar-16 Jerren Fidel Guide fee Local guides 400.00 RER BPV-024

28-Mar-16 Nikki Dyanne Relaubit Food-1 pax Food 3500.00 RER BPV-025

28-Mar-16 Ariel Agabin Accommodation Food 9100.00 RER BPV-026

29-Mar-16 MIA transport service Taxi fare Land transportation 530.00 517298

20-Mar-16 MTO-Sabtang Environmental fee Post - Admin 1400.00 2866571

Grand total

144331.34 PHP

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10.4 The Ivatan

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