May 23, 2016, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. A group of local experts from Western Philippines University, DENR, Wild Expeditions Palawan and Katala Foundation assessed the occurrence of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects and plants in the breeding habitat of the critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo within the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF). Although the area was selectively logged in the past, the diversity of flora and fauna of this regenerating forest was astounding. Some of the species were previously recorded only from single specimen in Palawan, like two species of free-tailed bats, whereas others were found for the first time on the island. There is an observation of apossible range extension of a frog species,or it may be a new species altogether. Undoubtedly the most exiting finds were those of species so far unknown to science. Although specimens still have to be examined, it appears that at least two new species of freshwater fish and one new species of magnolia were discovered during the rapid biodiversity assessment conducted from May 11 to 16, 2016 at the Malabo Forest, Montible, PuertoPrincesa City.
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