Probable distribution of Pachyrhynchus ottomerkli
[Main] [Weevils of PH] [Genus Pachyrhynchus]
Pachyrhynchus ottomerkli Rukmane, 2019
Distribution
Mindanao
Region X: Northern Mindanao
- Province of Bukidnon
- Municipality of Manolo Fortich
Figure 2. Summary of data on P. ottomerkli in video presentation format.
Comments on Locality Data
The paper [1] presented the locality data as "Mindanao, P. I. / Bukidnon Prov. / Maluko" (page 267, reference 1). Distribution was also declared as "Philippines, Mindanao Island, Bukidnon Province" (page 268, reference 1). This second statement discarding "Maluko" altogether might be an indication that the place is not very well understood.
Maluko is the original name of the Municipality of Manolo Fortich. Maluko was changed to Manolo Fortich through Republic Act 1720, which was approved on June 21, 1957 [2]. It was named after the first Governor of the then District of Bukidnon, Don Manuel "Manolo" Fortich [3]. There is, however, a place that is still currently called Maluko, which is one of the barangays of Manolo Fortich.
The last sentence of the introduction of the paper [1] says, "According to the labeled distribution data, this new species is distributed on the Northern part of the Mindanao Island, Bukidnon province, Maluko, which is part of the Mount Kitanglad range, 4th highest peak of the Philippine Islands" (page 268, reference 1). It should be noted, however, that only a small portion of Manolo Fortich is part of Mt. Kitanglad (figure 3A) [5], which does not reach the peak of the mountain. The area covering Mt. Kitanglad is just approximately one-third of Barangay Kalugmanan (figure 3B) [4]. Furthermore, Barangay Maluko is approximately 16 kilometers away from the foothills of Mt. Kitanglad (figure 4) [6].
Figure 3. Google Maps showing the area covered by Mt. Kitanglad in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich (A) and Barangay Kalugmanan (B).
Although the distribution data is generally in the right location, it would have been more prudent to show some due diligence to further remove any ambiguity. Readers of the paper [1], who are unfamiliar with the place, might think that the locality "Maluko" is referring to the modern Barangay then get confused when they see that it is far away from the mountain range. But since the paper specified "Maluko" as part of the mountain range, then it most likely refers to the Municipality whose name has been changed decades ago. Specifying the locality as "...Maluko (now known as the Municipality of Manolo Fortich), possibly Barangay Kalugmanan which is part of the Mount Kitanglad range" would have made the data much more sensible.
Since the paper was written and published in the 21st century, it would have been appropriate to have included up-to-date locality information to make it relatable to the 21st century. This would be helpful for researchers especially those who know nothing about Philippine geography.
Other Related Insights
The paper [1] made an interesting statement about the commercialization of the genus Pachyrhynchus. In the introduction part, the paper [1] said, "As this particular genus is admitted to be highly commercial, it is widely present among various museum collections" (page 267, reference 1).
The Republic of the Philippines has already established its conservation laws since 2001 through Republic Act 9147 also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act [7]. Through this act, wildlife collections are regulated to ensure that over-harvesting is avoided as well as prevent the destruction of habitats. With the enactment of RA 9147, wildlife gratuitous permits (WGP) are issued for wildlife collections used for the purpose of research. Specimens that are sent or brought abroad are also issued a wildlife export certification (WEC).
Considering that the statement above is published in a peer-reviewed journal, it may have some basis and it might be necessary for the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) to look into. Although that statement may not be representative of legitimate museums, especially in Europe, it would be interesting to know which museums this paper is referring to.
Legitimate museums are oftentimes very particular with the process of acquisition of biological specimens. Legitimate museums would definitely not get themselves involved in practices that may be against the conservation laws of the specimen's country of origin. Museum specimens collected from the Philippines since 2001 up to the present need to have the proper permits and certifications, especially the WEC if such specimens are outside of the country.
Other published papers that mentioned about the commercialization of Pachyrhynchus are discussed in the post for P. sibuyanensis
References:
[1] Rukmane A. 2019. To the knowledge of the genus Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae: Pachyrhynchini) species from huf (Budapest, Hungary), with description of
a new species from the Mindanao island (Philippines). Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp., 19 (2): 267 – 272.
[2] Republic Act No. 1720.An Act Changing the Name of the Municipality of Maluko, Province of Bukidnon, to Municipality of Manolo Fortich.
[3] MSGD. 2018, October 13. The Many Wonders of Manolo Fortich Part 1. Mindanao Gold Star Daily. https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/the-many-wonders-of-manolo-fortich-part-1/
[4] Google Maps. Kalugmanan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. https://goo.gl/maps/JLjTLyEJNDMygugb9
[5] Google Maps. Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. https://goo.gl/maps/tDfZeUYbbQii1fSAA
[6] Google Maps, Maluko, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. https://goo.gl/maps/pui58bwcQpWR9DudA
[7] Republic Act 9147 "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act".
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