Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) of the Riverine Ecosystems of Mt.

Malindang
Range Natural Park, Mindanao, Philippines

Magdalene Mae D. Palacio

Abstract

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is a protected area in the northern part of Mindanao known for
its rich, unique flora and fauna. Having been declared as a natural park and protected area, existing
literatures revealed various research works have been undertaken in the region. However, a gap on
the faunistic data of tiger beetles specifically in its riverine ecosystems remains. Thus, a study on
tiger beetles in these ecosystems may substantially provide information for the faunistic records
of these Coleopteran species. This study aims to investigate and describe the diversity, occurrence,
distribution and habitat preferences of tiger beetles in the riverine ecosystems of Mt. Malindang
Range Natural Park. Further, determine the existing threats towards the tiger beetle populations
given the fact that this species are highly habitat specific. Opportunistic sampling will be utilized
in the collection of tiger beetle specimens and identification will be done by comparing
morphological characters using existing taxonomic keys and published works. Possible threats to
these tiger beetle species will be noted and habitat preferences including climatic and soil
parameters will be recorded. The data that will be obtained in this study may contribute
substantially to the current knowledge available on the tiger beetles in the Philippines. Moreover,
provide necessary information in crafting conservation efforts for these species in the area.

Keywords: Coleoptera, MMRNP, Mt. Malindang, riverine ecosystems, tiger beetles