Skip to main content

Janine L. Cabilar

  • Biodiversity Journal, 17 (2): 201-216

    Amy G. Ponce, Janine L. Cabilar, Lorjie B. Bation, Rogie Mart B. Ambasan & Jonathan S. Cabrera
    Trail-based distribution, abundance, and exploratory habitat suitability of Paphiopedilum ciliolare (Rchb. f.) Stein, and P. adductum Asher (Orchidaceae) in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Philippines
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2026.17.2.201.216

    ABSTRACT
    Paphiopedilum ciliolare (Rchb. f.) Stein and P. adductum Asher (Orchidaceae) are Philippine lady’s slipper orchids of high conservation concern. Paphiopedilum adductum is globally assessed as Critically Endangered, whereas P. ciliolare is globally assessed as Endangered; both species are nationally listed as Critically Endangered under DAO 2026 20 and are covered by CITES (2026) Appendix I. Despite their protected status, trail-accessible populations remain vulnerable to trampling, visitor disturbance, habitat degradation, and unauthorized collection. Furthermore, the information on their abundance and habitat in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary remains limited. This study assessed the distribution, visible abundance, and habitat suitability of P. ciliolare and P. adductum along trails in this Wildlife Sanctuary. Non-destructive field surveys were conducted across four forest-associated sampling sites representing dipterocarp, montane, pygmy-tomossy, and mossy forest conditions from 28 March to 1 April 2024 and from 19 to 21 March 2026. Visible specimens or clumps were identified, counted, georeferenced, and photographically documented, while filtered occurrence records were used to generate preliminary MaxEnt habitat-suitability outputs. A total of 577 visible specimens or clumps was recorded, comprising 475 specimens of P. ciliolare and 102 specimens of P. adductum. Montane forest supported the highest abundance of both species, with 266 specimens of P. ciliolare and 83 specimens of P. adductum. Paphiopedilum ciliolare occurred across all sampled sites, whereas P. adductum showed a more restricted trail-based distribution. Kruskal-Wallis tests showed no statistically significant elevation-based difference for P. ciliolare, while the result for P. adductum was not statistically significant, although the pattern suggests a possible elevational tendency requiring additional sampling. Exploratory MaxEnt outputs suggested that predicted suitability for both species was associated with elevation and lower precipitation seasonality, with suitable areas appearing patchily distributed within the sanctuary. Because the models were based on limited, trail-derived occurrence records, they should be interpreted as exploratory tools rather than definitive distribution maps. These findings provide baseline information for long-term monitoring and habitat protection for these threatened Paphiopedilum orchids in Mt. Hamiguitan.