Our target species is Platymantis insulatus, the Gigantes Wrinkled Ground Frog. This species is IUCN Critically Endangered (IUCN 2018), and occurs only in the relatively remote Gigantes Islands, in karst/limestone forests/caves threatened by logging and tourism. Although Critically Endangered, the population dynamics of Platymantis insulatus are unknown, owing to the remote location of the species and time it takes to get to Gigantes. A general consensus is that there are many aspects currently unknown about P. insulatus behavior and population dynamics, as well as the full extent to which the species’ range has been reduced due to human alteration of the environment. More fieldwork is required to properly assess the population. A comprehensive habitat assessment and threat assessment is also needed for Platymantis insulatus, as this information will be the foundation for all future updates of the species conservation plan. Assuming that logging is still the largest threat, we will work with reforestation groups in the Philippines to determine the feasibility of starting reforestation/regeneration project on Gigantes.
We currently have an ex-situ colony of Platymantis insulatus, for the purposes of conservation breeding. All offspring will be returned to the wild in order to boost the populations of this Critically Endangered species.
Read the goals and objectives for Phase II here.