Lithocarpus apoensis

Due to the rich resources that can be obtained from karst landscapes such as limestone used in the construction industry, quarrying in these across the country has become a major threat to the population and diversity of various endemic plant species occurring in karst landscapes. This includes Lithocarpus apoensis and other Philippine native hardwoods (Galindon et. al. 2017). Forest cover losses within the species' range account for a loss of 474,760 hectares from 2001 to 2018 (GFW 2020). This is caused by small-scale and large-scale logging activities, uninterrupted and expanding unsustainable farming practices, and urbanization (GFW 2020).

The species was included in the DAO 2017-11 or the Updated National List of Threatened Species in the Philippines assessed as Vulnerable (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 prohibited. Additionally, its natural occurrence in various protected areas (PAs) such as in Mt. Apo Natural Park, Samar Island Natural Park, Infanta Watershed Forest Reserve, and in seven other PAs in the country may contribute to conservation of the population since these areas are supported by their respective legislation against illegal and excessive disturbances.