UPLB MNH: Mga COOL-isap at iba pa sa Kweba

Last August 11, 2023, the UPLB Museum of Natural History's DOST NICER Program held a lecture on their program, the "Center for Caves Ecosystems Research" or NICER CAVES that focuses on the Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity Assessment of Cave and Karst Areas in CALABARZON.

The training workshop titled Mga Cool-Isap at Iba pa sa Kweba: Introduction to Cave Arthropods and Rapid Biodiversity Assessment (RBA) was attended by Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) Technical Staff, Park Attendants, and Park Rangers at PAMO Office of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL). They learned the first two years ' initial results of conducted research activities from 2021.

The recorded arthropods and their features within the visited cave and karst environments in the CALABARZON region were highlighted. Dr. Aimee Lyn Barion-Dupo, an entomologist, explains the importance of cave arthropods in the Philippines.

Arthropods, identified as the first decomposers in the life cycle despite being unnoticeable due to their size, provide a role in our ecosystem.

The temperature and humidity inside the cave become relatively constant creating a distinct set of environmental conditions since the sunlight cannot penetrate most areas in the cave: i.e., the entrance zone, twilight zone, and dark zone.

Cave arthropods are classified into three (3) per their life patterns. Trogloxenes or the cave visitors, Troglophiles or the cave-loving animals, and Troglobites or the true cave dwellers.

A hands-on activity facilitated by Ms. Maria Niña Rica T. Cantalejo and Ms. Camille Faith D. Duran following the standard RBA form to practice. During the onsite workshop at Pamitinan Cave, the group was tasked to identify arthropods according to their cave zone, common and scientific name, no. of individuals, community, and classification.

The PAMO likewise expresses appreciation to the UPLB MNH's NICER CAVE researchers for extending their expertise. The knowledge imparted will be used on PPL's annual cave assessment and management plan implementation. ###

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