SAGIP SARIHAY #13
Species: Beilschmiedia gitingensis (Mayebas)
Words by Hans Daniel Tipace
Artwork by Jana Ellina Burgos
Description
Beilschmiedia gitingensis is a Critically Endangered (CR) island tree species endemic to the Philippines. Despite the lack of population records for the species, it is suspected that the population size is very small due to its restricted occurrence in Sibuyan Island. It is a medium-sized tree that ranges from 7–10 meters tall with alternating leaves and is mostly found in lowland primary forests. Flowers were not recorded but its fruits are shining deep green in color, ellipsoid in shape and turn purplish black once mature with subglaucous bloom. Fruits were once observed during the month of May.
Locality
This tree species has been usually recorded to be growing at Mt. Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island, Romblon Province.
Threats
Sibuyan island contains the Philippines’ densest forest cover with a sustainable natural water system and is termed by most people as the “Galapagos of Asia” due to its isolation since formation. Recent severe forest degradation is due to unregulated harvesting, logging, and unsustainable wild honey collection. Moreover, conversion and cultivation of the wilds into settlement areas also destroy the species’ already limited habitat.
How can we help this endangered species?
Republic Act №11038 provides for the establishment of a national integrated protected areas system, and Proclamation 746 (s. 1996) declares Mount Guiting-Guiting Natural Park as a protected area. Activities done by the national government in line with these laws include: mangrove planting, environmental lectures, and cleanup drives. No other conservation strategies are known aside from the given. It is suggested that species reintroduction and recovery, as well as artificial propagation are most crucial for preservation of the species.
References
DENR-MIMAROPA. (2020, February). DENR marks 24th year of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park with cleanup drive, mangrove planting, and IEC programs in Sibuyan, Romblon. https://mimaropa.denr.gov.ph.
Energy Development Corporation (EDC). (2020). Beilschmiedia gitingensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T144319850A145297473. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T144319850A145297473.en.
The Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (1996, February 20). Proclamation №746, s. 1996. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph.
The Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (2018, June 22). Republic Act №11038. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph.
Tumaneng, R., Monzon, A.K., Pales, J.R., & de Alban, J.D. (2015). Potential use of synthetic aperture radar in detecting a forest degradation in the protected areas of the Philippines: a case study of Sibuyan Island. XIV World Forestry Congress.
