Center for Biodiversity Conservation, Restoration Ecology & Envi Concerns

25/05/2026

Bridging Tree Conservation in a Typhoon-Prone Region of the Taiwan–Luzon Arc Floristic Zone

The Northwestern University Northwestern University Ecological Botanical Garden (NUEBG) and the Cecilia Koo Botanical Conservation Center (KBCC) have established a collaborative partnership to advance tree conservation and prevent the extinction of threatened plant species within the Taiwan–Luzon Arc Floristic Zone, a biologically significant region frequently exposed to severe climatic disturbances and annual super typhoons.

This collaborative initiative seeks to strengthen conservation actions in one of the most environmentally vulnerable landscapes by developing ex situ conservation strategies and safeguarding threatened taxa at risk of population decline or extinction. Both botanical institutions are committed to establishing living conservation collections and propagating species of conservation concern as long-term biological safeguards. These efforts are intended to provide viable plant stocks for future restoration and reintroduction programs whenever natural populations and habitats are severely impacted by environmental disturbances and extreme weather events.

Through this partnership, both institutions aspire to enhance regional biodiversity resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and contribute to the long-term conservation of floristic diversity across the Taiwan–Luzon Arc.

Originally published in BGJournal, January 2023 Introduction to the Partnership Programme  Trees, the backbone of most terrestrial ecosystems, provide critical benefits to people and the planet. Despite their importance, canopy loss is occurring worldwide and many tree species are threatened with e...

13/05/2026

Conserving Plant Species with Extremely Small Population (PSESP) in the Northwestern Luzon was adopted from the Kunming Institute of Bptany in Yunnan China, a co-host of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Here is a bloom of an endemic Amorphophallus restricted only in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, conserved ex situ at the Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens .

26/04/2026

Rafflesia lagascae was first documented it's presence in the province of Ilocos Norte (new distribution record) by the NWU Expedition team at the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park (KPNP) in 2015—well before the surge of interest and public fascination with this enigmatic parasitic genus across neighboring provinces.

This early record highlights the park’s ecological significance as a refuge for rare and highly specialized flora. As one of the country’s remarkable holoparasitic plants, Rafflesia lagascae depends entirely on its host vine (Tetrastigma spp.), making its presence an indicator of an intact and functioning forest ecosystem.

Through sustained fieldwork, the Northwestern University Biodiversity Research Team documented six distinct populations distributed across the mountain range. These populations have since been regularly monitored, with particular attention given to habitat integrity, host availability, and emerging threats such as habitat disturbance, unregulated tourism, and forest degradation.




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Rafflesia lagascae (Rafflesia manillana)

25/04/2026

Kalbario Patapat Natural Park (KPNP) is a legislated Protected Area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, recognized for its exceptional ecological value and conservation importance. It is a designated Key Biodiversity Area, harboring more than 1,300 plant species, many of which are endemic and threatened. The park is likewise an Important Bird Area (IBA) , serving as a vital refuge for avifauna, including the iconic Northern Rufous Hornbill and other forest-dependent species.

Beyond its terrestrial richness, KPNP plays a crucial role in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, functioning as a significant passage and stopover site for migratory raptors and waterbirds. This makes the park not only a center of biodiversity but also a dynamic landscape shaped by seasonal ecological movements.

Today, a birding activity was conducted within the park to celebrate its megadiversity and to commemorate its establishment as a P. A. The activity highlighted the importance of continued conservation efforts, research, and community engagement in safeguarding this natural heritage for future generations.

19/03/2026

Ongoing biodiversity research in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan aims to deepen our understanding of the ecology and floristic composition along the East Asian–Australian Flyway, a critical route for migrating raptors and waterbirds.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the LGU of Sanchez Mira, through its Municipal Tourism Office, and the Northwestern University Biodiversity Research Unit (CBCREEC). Initial surveys have revealed significant remnants of old-growth vegetation, including gymnosperms and dipterocarps—key structural components that once formed the backbone of the forest ecosystem. Moreover, the area’s coastal vegetation and beach forest exhibit characteristics of an important stopover habitat, providing refuge and resources for migratory species along their journey.

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18/03/2026

From Confusion to Clarity: The Recognition of Aerides confusa in the Philippines, a new species publication.

For decades, orchid material originating from multiple localities across Northern Luzon through the island of Mindoro, Negros, and Panay had been loosely affiliated with Aerides inflexa, a species known from Borneo and Sulawesi. This attribution persisted largely due to superficial floral resemblance. However, closer examination of accumulated specimens and cultivated material has consistently demonstrated that the Philippine taxon represents a distinct evolutionary lineage.

Morphological Diagnosis: Aerides confusa is most similar to the Aerides savageana of the Philippines and Aerides inflexa from Sulawesi, Indonesia but differs in the overall floral morphology. The number of flowers per inflorescence in A. confusa is up to 50, whereas up to 25 flowers in A. inflexa and A. savageana. The column foot base of A. confusa is longer, whereas shorter in A. inflexa and A. savageana. The lateral lobes in the labellum of A. confusa is narrowly oblong, concave overlapping each other, whereas obtuse, flattened, anterior margins converged at the center of the labellum in A. inflexa and broadly truncate-flabellate, concave, upright, anterior margins converged at the center of the labellum in A. savageana. The middle lobe of A. confusa is long, upright curved extended away from the lateral lobes, whereas shorter and upright curved in the center and towards the anterior margins of the lateral lobes in A. inflexa and short, upright curved towards the posterior margins of the lateral lobes in A. savageana. The spur of A. confusa is long, narrowly straight conical, horizontally oriented with middle lobe of the labellum, whereas short, conical curved in A. inflexa and long, upright, narrowly conical, straightened to slightly curved upwards in A. savageana. The upper callus of A. confusa is paired, triangular, centrally deeply sulcate, whereas paired oblong in A. inflexa and in single, broad ovate curved in A. savageana. The lower callus of A. confusa is paired, linear, narrowly elongated and distally closer to the upper callus, whereas single, short, prolate, farther to upper callus in A. inflexa and paired, ellipsoid, distally lower to the upper callus in A. savageana.

Equally significant is its biogeographic pattern. Unlike Aerides inflexa, whose distribution is disjuct to the natural population of Aerides confusa, the later occupies a broad but coherent range within the Philippine archipelago. This geographic discontinuity further supports its recognition as a separate species, rather than a peripheral or variant population of a Bornean taxon. While the southern islands towards Mindanao and Palawan denotes a mega-Aerides group like A. lawrenciae.

The formal recognition of this species is the result of a collaborative effort among Philippine orchid specialists, led by Michael Agbayani Calaramo, alongside Direk Cabactulan and Jim Cootes - author of Orchids of the Philippines. Through synthesis of field observations, herbarium records, and ex situ cultivation data, the team reached a consensus that these historically conflated populations warrant species-level distinction. The epithet confusa reflects the long-standing taxonomic ambiguity that surrounded this orchid.

While debates regarding its separation from Aerides inflexa were extensive, the decision ultimately underscores an important conservation principle: accurate taxonomy is foundational to effective biodiversity protection. Recognizing Aerides confusa as a distinct species ensures that its populations—each potentially harboring unique genetic and ecological adaptations—are not overlooked or mismanaged under an incorrect name. This taxonomic resolution also highlights the necessity of rigorous morphological study anchored in natural populations, complemented by long-term observation in cultivation. Such integrative approaches are especially critical in groups like Aerides, where convergent floral traits can obscure true relationships.

The Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens continues to play a central role in this effort. By maintaining living collections, supporting taxonomic research, and prioritizing the conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP), the institution actively safeguards the country’s orchid diversity. The recognition of Aerides confusa reinforces the importance of these initiatives, ensuring that even the most “confused” species are given clarity—and protection.

Authors:
Michael Agbayani Calaramo
Derek Cabactulan
Jim Cootes

19/02/2026

Standing tall and magnificent, our 16-year-old Baobab at the Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens becomes the perfect giant to embrace! 🌳

The MMSU BS Biology Interns of 2026 couldn’t resist hugging its massive trunk—laughing, learning, and living the moment right in the heart of our thriving garden collections. It’s an unforgettable encounter with nature’s wonders! 🌿✨

17/02/2026

Interns from the MMSU BS Biology program are being trained at the Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens, Herbarium of the Northwestern Luzon Philippines in the proper collection and drying processes of herbarium specimens. This foundational skill equips them with essential knowledge in biodiversity documentation—an important step before pursuing their thesis on the use and study of biological diversity.

31/01/2026

10 strong years of Plant Science, Research, and Collaboration. 12 new discoveries and more to come. Cheers🥂

Today marks a special milestone. 🌿

In 2016, the Herbarium of Northwestern University, Luzon Philippines (HNUL) was formally founded—opening its doors to research, learning, and collaboration. Ten years on, HNUL stands as a living archive of discovery and dedicated preservation of Plant diversity.

From its humble beginnings, the herbarium has grown into a vital scientific repository, now housing more than 21,000 specimens representing the rich and unique flora of Northwestern Luzon, Philippines. Each specimen tells a story—of exploration, careful documentation, mentorship, partnerships, and an enduring commitment to conservation.

As we celebrate this 10-year anniversary, we honor the researchers, students, field collectors, curators, and collaborators who made this journey possible. HNUL continues to serve as a hub for biodiversity research, conservation planning, and the training of future plant scientists—ensuring that the botanical heritage of Northwestern Luzon is documented, protected, and shared with generations to come. 🌱

29/01/2026

Look closely—the NWU uniform proudly incorporates the Ilocos endemic flowering plant Thunbergia ilocana. 🌼
More than a design, it is a living statement of Northwestern University’s commitment to biodiversity conservation. This symbol reflects decades of research, protection, and stewardship that have led to a zero-extinction record for the flora of Ilocos Province.

By weaving an endemic species into everyday identity, the University brings conservation from the field and forest into the classroom and community—celebrating local heritage, scientific responsibility, and a future where nature and knowledge thrive side by side.