DENR-12 documents 5 species of pitcher plant in Cotabato

At least five species of pitcher plant were documented in Barangay San Miguel, Arakan, Cotabato.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the plants were documented by personnel of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Matalam during a three-day (February 18-21) foot patrolling within a 135-hectare tropical forest area, highlighting its rich biodiversity.

“These species are designated as Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) under DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-11, which presents the Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and their Category. This classification underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these rare and ecologically significant plants,” DENR-12 said.

DENR-12 said it is working on designating Mt. Sinaka as a critical habitat site.

“Brgy. San Miguel is one of the surrounding barangays, and this designation aims to protect the diverse ecosystems and biodiversity found in the area. These actions are essential to preserving the unique plants and animals for future generations,” DENR-12 added.

DENR-12 added that Mindanao is known as the pitcher plant capital of the Philippines, with 60 different species identified so far, several of which are critically endangered.

“This unique group of carnivorous plants, recognized for their pitcher-shaped leaves, demonstrates the urgent need for effective conservation efforts in the region,” DENR-12 said. — GMA Regional TV News