Four Endemic Species in Camiguin
“Knowing that at least 54 species of birds and at least 24 species of mammals live on Camiguin, and that some of these animals are found nowhere else on earth, makes us realize how important this island is in terms of conservation,” said Lawrence Heaney, Curator of Mammals, at The Field Museum and a co-author of several of the reports in this publication. “For these animals to survive, we’ve got to save the dwindling forests where they live.”1
The Species
1. Philippine Forest Mouse (Apomys camiguinensis)
It has large ears and eyes, a long tail and rusty-brown fur, and it feeds mostly on insects and seeds. The description is based on mice captured on Camiguin during a biological survey Heaney and Tabaranza conducted in 1994 and 1995, high on the steep slopes of one of the island’s volcanoes.1
2. Kulasisi or Camiguin Hanging Parrot (Loriculus camiguinensis)
The throat and thighs are bright blue, and the top of the head and tail are brilliant scarlet-orange. Males and females have identical plumage, which is quite unusual in this group of parrots.This species is unique among theLoriculus parrots because it is monomorphic, meaning that male and female plumage patterns appear to be identical.Loriculus parrots primarily feed on fruits, nectar and small insects.
3. A rodent(Bullimus gamay)
Recent surveys have revealed a 3rd species endemic to the small island of Camiguin, located just north of Mindanao and isolated from that large island by deep water. Multivariate analyses support the recognition of these 3 species. The new species of Bullimus from Camiguin is distinguishable from congeners by its smaller size, soft and uniformly dark pelage, inflated braincase, shorter palate and incisive foramina, more divergent molar toothrows, and other cranial and dental features. The patterns of variation and island distribution in Bullimus are consistent with our understanding of regional geography; the 3 species occur on separate islands or island groups that remained isolated during periods of lower sea level.
4. Camiguin Narrow-mouthed Frog (Oreophryne nana)
“Very few states in the United States, and few countries in Europe, have four endemic species of vertebrates, making it clear why tiny Camiguin Island is deserving of international attention,” Heaney said. “And it is almost certain that other organisms on Camiguin are also endemic; they just have not been studied yet.”1