Davao Oriental — A new study has revealed that the rare endemic fern Lindsaea hamiguitanensis still thrives in significant numbers within the core zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines. The discovery is considered crucial for biodiversity conservation, as the species is classified as vulnerable and exists only in limited areas of the country. The study was conducted by Amy G. Ponce, Lorjie B. Bation, Jonathan S. Cabrera, and Joanna E. Victoriano from Davao Oriental State University in 2026. The findings provide essential baseline data for long-term monitoring and conservation planning.
Mt. Hamiguitan is recognized as Mindanao’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a biodiversity hotspot for many endemic plant species. Among them is Lindsaea hamiguitanensis, a fern species first described from this mountain and now listed as nationally vulnerable.
Until now, field data on this species remained limited. This gap is important because plants growing near hiking trails are especially exposed to trampling, trail expansion, and habitat disturbance caused by tourism.
To address this gap, the research team carried out a non-destructive field survey along the San Isidro Trail, one of the main routes inside the sanctuary. The survey took place from March 28 to April 1, 2024, using GPS tracking, photography, and direct visual counts of mature fern individuals.
The results were remarkable. Researchers recorded 3,412 mature fern individuals, 105 colonies, and 162 GPS occurrence points. The highest concentration was found in the mossy forest zone between 901 and 1050 meters above sea level, where 2,610 individuals accounted for 76.49 percent of the total observations.
Amy G. Ponce from Davao Oriental State University explained that the mossy forest offers highly favorable conditions for the species, including humidity, shade, rich organic matter, and stable temperatures.
Interestingly, the highest colony count was found at even higher elevations, in the mossy-pygmy forest zone between 1051 and 1300 meters, where 34 colonies were documented despite having fewer total individuals.
This difference suggests that individual density and colony distribution follow different ecological patterns. In some areas, the ferns form dense large clusters, while in others they are spread into smaller groups.
The study also found that Lindsaea hamiguitanensis is not limited to high-elevation forests. It was recorded from lowland dipterocarp forests up to mossy-pygmy forests, indicating a broader habitat range than previously understood.
However, the researchers warned that trail-side populations remain highly vulnerable to human pressure. Unregulated tourism activities may damage fragile moss-covered habitats where the fern depends for survival.
Jonathan S. Cabrera of Davao Oriental State University noted that the spatial data generated by the study could help identify priority conservation zones. With clearer knowledge of where the species is concentrated, protected-area managers can redesign visitor pathways to minimize ecological disturbance.
The findings offer a strong message for biodiversity conservation across Southeast Asia. Protecting endemic species requires more than legal protection. It depends on detailed field data, regular monitoring, and careful management of human activities.
As climate change and ecotourism pressures continue to rise, this study provides a critical foundation for preserving Lindsaea hamiguitanensis as one of the Philippines’ unique botanical treasures.
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