Heterospathe califrons

Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur are both known as areas for multiple mining companies whose main goal is the extraction of various geologic elements such as nickel, copper, gold and other compounds that are richly-available in ultramafic forest formations (Allan and Egirani 2008, CARAGA Watch 2009, Holden 2015). The degradation of forested areas of these provinces including the species' natural habitat is very prominent. These activities therefore pose a great threat to the population of Heterospathe califrons. This was intensified by continuous and expanding agricultural sites and activities for subsistence of local people in the provinces, contributing to further disturbances (Allan and Egirani 2008). If not prevented, these disturbances might continue to push the species into extinction due to both loss of individuals and natural habitat.

The species is included in the DAO 2017-11 or the Updated National List of Threatened Species in the Philippines and assessed as Endangered (DENR 2017). Through this administrative order pursuant to Republic Act no. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 illegal and excessive tampering of the species from its natural habitats together with other species specified therein are inhibited. Aside from this, it was reported to be cultivated at Makiling Botanic Garden together with various species under Heterospathe, Pinanga, Corypha, Livistona etc. (Fernando et al. 2009).