It seems like the ecologically-wealthy realm of Mt. Hamiguitan Wildlife Range Sanctuary (MHWRS) never ceases to offer site-endemic new species. It means that it can’t be found anywhere else in the country, at least not just yet.
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑦𝑠 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑎, a diminutive grass fern is the newly described plant species that is distinct from all other species of 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑦𝑠 or grass ferns.
The researchers revealed that its short and narrow fronds, distinct triangular stipe which connects the frond to the root and the spore-bearing part having a forked apex with white hairs are the features that differ them from all the other species. (See https://bit.ly/2YAN9bR for the research article.)
It is said that these species are still limited as it is epiphytic or dependent to a tree fern.
With its diverse and intact ecosystem, it is believed that of MHWRS still hosts a long list of undescribed species that are yet to be discovered. This pushes the continuous and intensified conservation and protection efforts for this mountain.
Meanwhile, MHWRS along with other legislated protected areas in the Philippines under National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) will be featured through a live streaming conference on June 22, 2020. This is organized by the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau with the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.
Watch the teaser here: https://bit.ly/2XYZt6K and stay tuned for further details.