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Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
doi: https://doi.org/10.62249/jmds.2013.2434
78
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines
1Hanira B. Abubacar, 2Emmarie F. Mapi-ot, 2Bobby B. Alaman,
2Jersam C. Calago 1,3Yunalyn L. Villantes, 2Grace V. Villanueva
1Natural Science Department, College of Arts and Sciences, Ozamiz City, Philippines
2Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University, Philippines
3Misamis University Research Center, Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Philippines
Corresponding author: Hanira B. Abubacar, email: abubacarhanira99@gmail.com
Abstract
Weevils are small beetles with long, narrow snouts which is a
characteristic of insects belonging to the Curculionidae family. A study
on the species composition of weevils was conducted in the northern part
of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park last February 2023. Field
investigations were done using a combination of transect walk and
opportunistic sampling. A total of 195 individuals of weevils were
recorded, comprising seventeen (17) species belonging to two (2) genera-
Metapocyrtus and Alcidodes. Metapocyrtus malindangensis was observed
in all sampling sites. Site 1 (Gandawan) had the highest species richness
(N=13), and the highest species diversity (H’=2.016) was recorded in Site
2 (Lake Duminagat). Cluster analysis showed that weevil species in Lake
Duminagat and Uluhan sa Dapitan have closer similarities. The study also
recorded unidentified specimens that are potentially new to science. It is
highly recommended that more explorations should be conducted to
record the species occurrence of weevils in other parts of Mt. Malindang.
Keywords: Curculionidae, endemic, Metapocyrtus, opportunistic
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
79
Introduction
In terms of species richness and abundance, insects have achieved
remarkable success. Since they are good dispersers and exploiters of
almost all forms of organic matter, insects make up the largest group of
organisms on Earth, accounting for roughly 66% of all animal species.
They are essential to our food chains and form an important part of every
ecosystem, providing valuable ecosystem services (Jankielsohn, 2018).
Around 72% of the world’s crops are dependent on insects for pollination
(Dicke, 2017). There are 39 insect orders, with the most speciose group
represented by the Beetles (Order: Coleoptera). With an estimated 1.5
million species, beetles make up about 40% of all known arthropod
species. The Jurassic origin of many current lineages, high lineage
survival, and diversification into a wide range of niches, including the use
of all portions of plants, are the reasons behind the abundance of beetle
species. (Stork et al., 2015).
Meanwhile, weevils are small beetles with long, narrow snouts
which is a characteristic of insects belonging to the Curculionidae family.
Many species of weevils are known to be agricultural and household
pests. They are found on crops, plants, or in stored cereal grains around
40,000 species; Curculionidae is one of the largest coleopteran families.
Most weevils have long, clearly elbowed antennae that can fold into
distinct grooves on the snout. Weevils dead or various defense
mechanisms against predators, such as camouflage, playing dead, or
producing noxious chemicals. Overall, weevils have evolved a range of
behaviors to adapt to their environments and maximize their chances of
survival and reproduction. Weevils are one variety of tiny beetles. A
small, multi-colored body and a large snout distinguish them. Hundreds
of thousands of different types of weevils exist (Kunde, 2024). Despite
their small size, plant beetles have a significant impact on the wider
ecosystem. As plant pests, pollinators, and seed dispersers, they play an
important role in plant reproduction and nutrient cycling, emphasizing
their ecological importance. It is used as a bioindicator because it is very
sensitive to changes in its conditions (Akmaljon & Fotima, 2024).
Common documented threats to weevils are agricultural activities
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
80
extending to forested areas, tourism, illegal logging, agri-development,
and road construction (Patano, 2023).
With more than 7,100 islands, the Philippines is the second largest
archipelago in the world (Ambal et al., 2012) and a megadiverse country
(Mittermeier et al., 1998) with exceptionally high weevil species richness
and endemism (Ballentes et al., 2006; Barsevskis, 2016). Weevils are
small beetles that can be found worldwide. They can frequently be spotted
chewing away at plant stems and leaves, and they are notorious for their
destructive tendencies. Currently, there are more than 51,000 species of
weevils in 4,600 genera of which Philippines contributes more than 400
species (Oberprieler et al., 2007). Recently, more discoveries were
published by Filipino taxonomists and systematists, specifically from the
genera Pachyrhynchus and Metapocyrtus (Cabras et al., 2021; Cabras et
al., 2023; Cabras et al., 2024). The Philippine endemic weevils in the
genus Metapocyrtus Heller, 1912 belonging to the tribe Pachyrhynchini,
are recognized for their beautiful iridescent markings and are amongst the
most well-studied beetle taxon in the Philippines (Cabras et al., 2021).
Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and
houses various mountains including Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park
(MMRNP) which is poorly studied with the possibility of hoarding new
species (Cabras et al., 2022). Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP)
in Mindanao Island, Philippines, is identified as one of the key
biodiversity areas in the Philippines and priority areas for conservation
due to its rich biological resources [Ong et al., (2002), Ambal et al. (2012),
DENR-BMB, (2016) and DENR, (2022)]. Surveys on arthropods in
MMRNP collected 41 undescribed species of Curculionidae, all of which
are likely to be endemic in Mindanao.
Although some surveys have been already conducted, there have
been no available live photographs of the weevil species in its natural
habitat and its description. In addition, no records of its host plants were
available, which is very important for its survival. Thus, this study was
done to assess the biodiversity of weevils in the northern portion of Mt.
Malindang, specifically to determine their species composition, diversity,
and description of species.
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
81
Materials and methods
Sampling Site
Sampling was conducted on February 2023 in the agroforested
and montane forests of the northern portion of Mt. Malindang were
surveyed. Mt Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) straddles the
province of Misamis Occidental and has a total area of 53,268 hectares
(Figure. 1). The strict protection zone covers an area of 34,694, and the
buffer zone is 18,334 hectares. The Park covers most of the areas above
800 m in the Mt Malindang range of eastern Mindanao, which rises to
2,404 m. The terrain is steep, rugged, and forested. Its rivers run radially
out from the mountains, and a high proportion of the water in many of the
major catchments in the region comes from the Park. The sites were
selected due to the intact forest and vegetation, a favorable habitat for
weevils. Disturbances were observed in the area, such as agricultural land
development, timber poaching activity and deforestation.
Figure 1. Map of the Philippines and Misamis Occidental showing the
location of the study sites in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park.
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
82
Site 1 (Figure 2A) is located in Brgy. Gandawan has a total area
of 1.019 sq. km or 101.9 has. The surrounding mountains have peaks of
1,635m, 1,716 m, and 1,678 m with an averaging slope of 33 degrees.
(Hansel et. Al, 2004). Its vegetation is dominated by Casuarina and Igem
species.
Site 2 (Figure 2B) is located in Brgy. Lake Duminagat.
Approximately at Latitude 8°18’N and longitude of 123°37’E, with an
altitude of approximately 1560 meters above sea level (masl). Ferns,
liverworts, mosses, and epiphytes are abundant. The forest floor, along
with the tree trunk and branches, were densely covered in moss.
Podocarpus, Dacrycarpus, Engelbartia, Myrica, and Syzigium are
spotted in this area (Villantes et al., 2024).
Site 3 (Figure 2C) is located in Uluhan sa Dapitan (8°18'26.3" N
and 123°37'18.7" E), and it has an elevation between 1,200 and 1,780
masl. These montane woods are home to a diverse range of mosses,
lichens, and epiphytes. Massive, straight-trunked, evergreen trees,
including Podocarpus and Casuarina, are abundant. Clethra lancifolia
Turcz., Impatiens montalbanica Hook.f., pitcher plants, and rattan were
also observed (Villantes et al., 2024).
Figure 2. Sampling sites in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, A.)
Gandawan B.) Lake Duminagat C.) Uluhan sa Dapitan
A
B
C
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
83
Sampling, Processing of Samples and Identification
The collection was done on flowering plants, ferns and shrubs
using handpicking technique through a combination of transect walks and
opportunistic sampling in Gandawan, Lake Duminagat, and Uluhan sa
Dapitan. Specimens were collected and stored in the micro-centrifuge
with naphthalene to preserve and maintain the colors. Morphological
characters were observed under a stereo microscope and taken images
using an Android phone camera with a microlens. Photographs and
identifications were taken at Misamis University’s Natural Science
Laboratory. Plant associates of each species were photographed and
identified by a forester. Notable behaviors and activities for each
species were also seen and reported. Collected samples were identified
based on the published articles, taxonomic keys, and monographs of
Schultze (1923), Yoshitake (2012b), Rukmane and Barsevskis (2016),
and Cabras et al. 2022.
Entry Protocol
Prior to collection, collecting permits were obtained from the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the Gratuitous
Permit no. RIO 2022-42 in compliance with Republic Act No. 9147 for
the collection of specimens inside the protected area.
Statistical analysis
Biodiversity indices were determined using Paleontological
Statistics (PAST) software and Bray-Curtis cluster analysis of weevil
species was determined using BioDiversity PRO software version 2.0.
Results and Discussion
A total of 195 individuals of weevils were recorded. Specimens
were located copulating, feeding, mating, and hiding in some parts of the
plant leaves and branches in the three sampling sites. Seventeen (17)
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Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
84
species belonging to two (2) genera,Metapocyrtus and Alcidodes, were
recorded. Alcidodes sp. has one (1) species while Metapocyrtus sp. has
sixteen (16) species. Metapocyrtus malindangensis was the most
abundant species and was recorded in all sampling sites. Only one (1)
individual was collected on Alcidodes sp. and was only observed in site
1 (Table 1).
Table 1. Species composition of weevils in the northern part of Mt.
Malindang Range Natural Park.
Sampling Site
Species Name
Gandawan
Lake
Duminagat
Uluhan sa
Dapitan
Total
Percentage
(%)
Alcidodes sp. 1
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 1
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 2
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 3
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 4
2
1
3
1.53
Metapocyrtus sp. 5
1
1
2
1.03
Metapocyrtus sp. 6
1
1
2
1.03
Metapocyrtus sp. 7
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 8
5
3
8
4.1
Metapocyrtus
malindangensis 9
109
4
2
115
58.97
Metapocyrtus sp.10
19
7
1
27
13.85
Metapocyrtus sp. 11
11
3
14
7.18
Metapocyrtus sp. 12
9
9
4.62
Metapocyrtus sp. 13
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 14
6
6
3.08
Metapocyrtus sp. 15
1
1
0.51
Metapocyrtus sp. 16
2
2
1.03
Number of
Individuals
168
23
4
195
100
Number of Species
13
10
3
17
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
85
Metapocyrtus is the most common genus both in agroforest and
montane ecosystems. All known Metapocyrtus species are endemic to the
Philippines. Metapocyrtus species have high adaptability to
environmental changes and have no specific food preference, which
enables these species to survive in wide ranges of habitat types, especially
in lower elevations (Cabras et al., 2017). This explains why more
Metapocyrtus species are recorded in agroforests compared to montane
forest ecosystems. The remaining sixteen (16) species are still undergoing
further study regarding their identification. It indicates that the weevils
are known for their high rate of endemism; therefore, all the others may
be unknown.
Of the three (3) sampling sites, Lake Duminagat had the highest
species diversity, with a diversity value of H’= 2.016 compared to
Gandawan (H’=1.344) and Uluhan sa Dapitan (H’1.04) (Table 2). This
could be due to the availability of their host plant and micro-habitat
present in Lake Duminagat, while anthropogenic disturbances, road
construction and agri-development are evident in Gandawan and Uluhan
sa Dapitan. Only (3) unique species are recorded in site 3 (Uluhan sa
Dapitan), a montane forest ecosystem. This implies that these species
inhabit montane forest, more likely primary or secondary montane forest,
and will not able to survive in an agroforest ecosystem (Mohagan et al.,
2020). A more or less even distribution was recorded in all sampling sites
except Site 1, which had a relatively low evenness, probably due to the
abundance of Metapocyrtus malindangensis, which dominates the site.
The significant dominance of this species in Gandawan was certainly one
of the reasons why the Shannon diversity and evenness values were
consistently lower compare to other sites. Metapocyrtus malindangensis
is a recently described species of weevils that can only be found in Mt.
Malindang (Cabras et al., 2022).
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ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
86
Table 2. Biodiversity indices of the weevils in the Northern part of Mt.
Malindang, Misamis Occidental.
Site 1
(Gandawan)
Site 2 (Lake
Duminagat)
Site 3 (Uluhan sa
Dapitan)
Species
13
10
3
Individuals
168
23
4
Dominance_D
0.4435
0.1682
0.375
Shannon_H
1.344
2.016
1.04
Evenness_e^H/S
0.295
0.7505
0.9428
The application of Bray-Curtis analysis was demonstrated from
observations on the three sampling sites, by which different forest
ecosystem may be distinguished based on species counts at each sampling
sites (figure 3). Lake Duminagat and Uluhan sa Dapitan have the most
similarities with (22.13%) which means that there is high number of
similar species found in the two area. This finding may be due to the
vegetation types of the areas. These two sites are forested area and located
in higher elevation. Meanwhile, Gandawan is the least similar with
(20.60%) since it is an agro-forested area and located in lower elevation.
Figure 3. Bray-Curtis analysis on the species composition of weevils in the
three sampling sites.
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
87
Species Account
Family Curculionidae
Alcidodes sp.1 (Figure 4). It was collected in Gandawan, feeding
on the adaxial leaf of Begonia sp. It is about 1.3-1.5 cm long. Body: black
with a brown line in the abdomen and the head part. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart-shaped
segment. Rostrum: long, narrow, elongated beak or snout used for
chewing. This is closely to species discovered by M.G. Ballentes et al,
2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 4. Alcidodes sp.1
Metapocyrtus sp.1 (Figure 5). It was collected in Uluhan sa
Dapitan perching on the dead branch. It is about 1.3-1.5 cm long. Body:
metallic pink in the legs, head and rostrum. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart -shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the species discovered by
M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
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Figure 5. Metapocyrtus sp. 1
Metapocyrtus sp.2 (Figure 6). It was collected in Gandawan,
crawling on an abaxial leaf of Begonia sp. It is about 1.4-1.5 cm long;
Body: metallic pink in the legs, head and rostrum. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart-shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the species discovered by
M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 6. Metapocyrtus sp. 2
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
89
Metapocyrtus sp.3 (Figure 7). It was collected in Lake Duminagat,
perching on the adaxial leaf of Psidium guajava. It is about 1 cm long;
Body: black with metallic light green in the wing-case, and head.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart-shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the
species discovered by M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 7. Metapocyrtus sp. 3
Metapocyrtus sp.4 (Figure 8). It was collected in Gandawan,
crawling on the dead twigs. It is about 0.8-1 cm long; Body: brown with
spike in the head and wing-case. Antennae: absent. Antennae Club:
absent. Foot: heart -shaped segment. Rostrum: broad.
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
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Figure 8. Metapocyrtus sp. 4
Metapocyrtus sp. 5 (Figure 9). It was collected in Uluhan sa
Dapitan, perching on the dead branch. It is about 0.8-1 cm long; Body:
mint green in the wing case and vertically in the head. Antennae:
elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart-
shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the species discovered
by M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 9. Metapocyrtus sp. 5
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
91
Metapocyrtus sp.6 (Figure 10). It was collected in Uluhan sa
Dapitan, perching on the dead branch. It is about 1 cm long; Body: mint
green in the wing case and vertically in the head. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart- shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad.
Figure 10. Metapocyrtus sp. 6
Metapocyrtus sp.7 (Figure 11). It was collected in Uluhan sa
Dapitan, perching on the dead branch. It is about 0.5-1 cm long; Body:
light brown in the wing case with green dots vertically in the head.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart- shaped segment. Rostrum: broad.
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Figure 11. Metapocyrtus sp.
Metapocyrtus sp.8 (Figure 12). It was collected in Gandawan,
hiding on abaxial leaf of an unidentified shrub. It is about 0.5-0.7 cm long;
Body: metallic green in the head and rostrum. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart -shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad.
Figure 12. Metapocyrtus sp.8
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
93
Metapocyrtus malindangensis 9 (Figure 13). It was collected in
all sampling sites, mating, copulating, hiding and perching on an
unidentified shrub, Impatiens glandulifera, and Pteridium aquilinum. It is
about 0.8-1 cm long; Body: metallic green in the head and rostrum.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart- shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the
species discovered by Rivera et al., 2022 and M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006
in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 13. Metapocyrtus malindangensis 9
Metapocyrtus sp.10 (Figure 14). It was collected in Gandawan,
hiding on abaxial leaf of an unidentified shrub. It is about 0.5-0.7 cm long;
Body: metallic green in the head and rostrum. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart- shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the species discovered by
M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
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ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
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Figure 14. Metapocyrtus sp.10
Metapocyrtus sp.11 (Figure 15). It was collected in a lake
crawling on the terminal bud of Conoclinium coelestinum. It is about 0.5-
1 cm long; Body: metallic aqua blue in the legs, head, and rostrum.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart -shaped segment. Rostrum: broad.
Figure 15. Metapocyrtus sp.11
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
95
Metapocyrtus sp.12 (Figure 16). It was collected in Lake
Duminagat, perching on the Sicyos edulis. It is about 0.6-1 cm long; Body:
metallicc aqua blue in the legs, head, and rostrum. Antennae: elbowed.
Antennae Club: tight merging into each other. Foot: heart -shaped
segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the species discovered by
M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Figure 16. Metapocyrtus sp.12
Metapocyrtus sp.13 (Figure 17). It was collected in Gandawan,
copulating on the abaxial leaf of the Conoclinium coelestinum. It has 0.6-
1 cm long; Body: metallicc blue green in the wing case, head, and
rostrum. Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each
other. Foot: heart -shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. This is quite like the
species discovered by M.G. Ballentes et al., 2006 in Mt. Malindang.
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
96
Figure 17. Metapocyrtus sp.13
Metapocyrtus sp.14 (Figure 18). It was collected in Gandawan,
copulating on the adaxial leaf of Begonia sp. It has 0.3-0.4 cm long; Body:
s metallic yellow green in the legs, wing-case, head, and rostrum.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart- shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. Researchers believed that
this is a new species of weevil.
Figure 18. Metapocyrtus sp.14
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
97
Metapocyrtus sp.15 (Figure 19). It was collected in Gandawan,
copulating on the adaxial leaf of Begonia sp. It has 0.3-0.4 cm long; Body:
metallic yellow green in the legs, wing-case, head, rostrum, and with
spikes. Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each
other. Foot: heart -shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. Researchers
believed that this is a new species of weevil.
Figure 19. Metapocyrtus sp.15
Metapocyrtus sp.16 (Figure 20). It was collected in Gandawan,
copulating on the adaxial leaf of Begonia sp. It has 0.3-0.4 cm long; Body:
metallic yellow green in the legs, wing-case, head, and rostrum.
Antennae: elbowed. Antennae Club: tight merging into each other.
Foot: heart -shaped segment. Rostrum: broad. Researchers believed that
this is also a new species of weevil.
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2, pp. 78-102, December 2023
ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)
98
Figure 20. Metapocyrtus sp.16
Conclusion and Recommendations
The northern part of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park hosts a
significant number of weevil species. The study recorded a moderate
species diversity across all sampling sites and also documented
unidentified specimens that are potentially new to science. The existence
of endemic weevil species in the area makes it a perfect spot for
preservation and conservation. Increasing anthropogenic activities,
tourism, agri-development, and road construction are among the major
threats. Other threats, such as timber poaching and deforestation, are also
evident. Strong environmental awareness should be conducted and
implemented among the residents. The government must take legal
action; restrictive measures must be undertaken to conserve and preserve
the biological resources of Mt. Malindang.
Species Occurrence of Weevils in the Northern Part of H. B. Abubacar, E. F. Mapi-ot,
Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Philippines B. B. Alaman, J. Calago
Y. L. Villantes, & G. V. Villanueva
99
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) for funding the project of Misamis University
Community Extension Program (MUCEP). This study is part of the
research project “Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Service of Mt.
Malindang Range Natural Park'' with funding support from DOST-
PCAARRD implemented by Misamis University, Philippines. The
authors would also like to extend its sincere gratitude to Mr. Rodrin
Rivera for his valuable help for the verification and identification of the
weevils. Lastly, to the Protected Area Management Board of MMRNP for
allowing the research team to conduct the study and DENR Region 10 for
issuing Gratuitous Permit.
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