Odonata Recorded in the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary with Remarks on the Distribution of Endangered Risiocnemis antoniae in Davao Oriental Philippines

Abstract

Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is both a UNESCO and ASEAN recognised heritage site. There is a current move to expand the site by expanding the buffer zone. This area unfortunately is poorly studied in terms of its biodiversity. This paper explores the odonata species found in the proposed buffer zone. Transect line along fluvial ecosystem was established in the two bordering municipalities. A total of 32 species from 22 genera and nine families were recorded in which eighteen species (18) belong to the suborder Zygoptera while 14 species are Anisoptera. High level of endemism was recorded for Zygoptera (94.44%) endemism while low endemism for Anisoptera (21.43%). Distribution of Risiocnemis antoniea (Gassmann and Hämäläinen, 2002), an IUCN endangered damselfly was recorded in the creeks of Barangay Tandang Sora, Governor Generoso at relatively lower elevation between 100-300 meters above sea level. Due to its habitat’s close proximity to human habitation and the encroaching anthropogenic disturbances, it should be declared as Local Conservation Area.

Keywords

• Buffer Zone
• Davao Oriental
• Odonata
• Philippines.