Author(s): Zandra Salut
Email (s): zandra.salut.gs@ust.edu.ph
Institution or organization of origin: University of Santo Tomas, College of Science, Research Center For The Natural and Applied Sciences, and Graduate School, UST
Country: Philippines
Abstract
Candaba is home to a variety of fauna from important native migratory birds to invasive fish species. It is a promising research area with massive potential for further scientific studies in upcoming years. To establish concrete research targets in the area, we present herein the historical trends of current scientific literature from Candaba swamp in terms of (1) number of publications, (2), List of available data on biodiversity and hydrology, and (3) potential threats to its biodiversity taken from both primary peer-reviewed studies and grey literature. We compiled a preliminary list of flora and fauna from public records of morphological and phylogenetic studies. To our surprise, only a total of 20 papers were published, ranging from 1976 to 2018. Further studies on fishes have been published from 2010 to 2018 that include biodiversity, cytogenetic analysis, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals. So far, these encompass studies on birds, fish species, flood assessment, and water quality analysis. The highest publication of research paper was attained in the year 2015 that focused on the biodiversity of birds, condition of the land use, and seasonal reproduction of climbing perch. In this way, we offer recommendations on wetland restoration and protection to save critical wildlife habitats. Future consideration in providing basic information on the abundance, diversity, identification, and ecology of all species found in Candaba.