Cavite State University - LIKÁS Project

𝗕𝗲 𝗝𝗨𝗔𝗡 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

From the tiniest critters hiding in plain sight to the trees that shade your daily walk and the birds singing from above, the University is teeming with life if you just look closely.

Can you identify the species in this photo? Some have already made their debut on our page while others offer a sneak peek of what's to come.

These incredible moments were captured by fellow Ka-JUANs through the 𝗝𝗨𝗔𝗡 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗜𝗞Á𝗦 initiative. As we celebrate 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆 this 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟮, we invite you to take part by sharing your own wildlife sightings from within the campus through the link below:

https://forms.gle/zyAjfBLWPaFGC2rY6

Let’s keep discovering the wild side of CvSU together!

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆
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Bees are amazing pollinators. They contribute to the production of numerous fruits, vegetables, and flowers all over the world. Through their activities, bees ensure successful food production, making an important contribution to the nutrition of people and sustainable agriculture development. Due to the fact that they visit flowers and pollinate them, bees contribute to the existence of plants.
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It should be mentioned that bees affect not only agriculture but also biodiversity in general. Bees ensure reproduction of wild plants, which provide food and habitats for other living beings. Thus, without bees, many ecosystems may lose balance, influencing soil composition and plant propagation.
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Celebration of World Bee Day means that we appreciate nature and its wonders. It is impossible to overestimate the contribution of bees to nature conservation through their activities and honey production.

𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁
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On May 7, 2026 (Thursday), the LIKAS Team formally conducted its Final Presentation at the Office of the President of Cavite State University, presenting the project’s major accomplishments and key deliverables to Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro.
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Among the highlights presented were the seven (7) Coffee Table Volume Books, the main deliverables of the LIKAS Project, showcasing the rich biodiversity and environmental narratives documented throughout the initiative. The team also presented the final AVP featuring the project’s milestones, activities, and accomplishments, together with the LIKAS Policy Brief that aims to support future biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness efforts within the university and beyond.
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This presentation marks not only the culmination of months of dedication, collaboration, and fieldwork, but also a celebration of LIKAS’ commitment to research, conservation, and storytelling through science and creativity.
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𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮
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Captured on 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, around 𝗡𝗖𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗖 and 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, this magnificent 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮 (𝑳𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒂) was photographed by 𝗩𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗥. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘇 while in full bloom. Popular for its bright pink to lavender flowers, Banaba is a well-known flowering tree in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia. Apart from its striking appearance, the Banaba tree is known to thrive in tropical climates and is commonly found growing near rivers and damp forests, which makes it an essential tree in many ecosystems.
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The plant is highly significant in terms of biodiversity since it is a food source for various organisms. For instance, the flowers act as an attraction point for bees, both Carpenter Bees and Apis. This helps in the process of pollination and enhances the growth of other plants around it. Birds like parrots and parakeets depend on the fruit of the plant for their dietary needs. In addition, some butterfly species are dependent on the plant as a host during the larval stage. The plant also plays a significant role in soil stabilization due to the roots. It prevents soil erosion, especially close to water bodies and degraded lands. Moreover, Banaba is significant in alternative medicine since its leaves are used in the Philippines to make herbal tea that controls blood sugar levels.
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Contrary to its classification as a nuisance, Banaba is regarded as very advantageous in terms of ecological value and urban landscaping. It serves as a constant source of nectar during its extended blooming period, which plays a critical role in maintaining the presence of insects that serve as the foundation of food chains. The tree’s natural status as a native or well-acclimatized tropical plant ensures that it will offer more benefits compared to other exotic plants that are only used for aesthetic purposes. With its tough constitution and ability to grow quickly in a humid environment, Banaba is widely planted in public gardens, roadside areas, and other landscaping applications.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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Al-Snafi, A. E. (2019). Medicinal value of Lagerstroemia speciosa: An updated review. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research. https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijcpr/article/view/35708
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Laruan, L. M. V. A., Balangcod, T. D., Gutierrez, R. M., Patacsil, M., Vallejo, V. L., Manuel, J., & Cortez, S. M. (2014). Phytochemical and antibacterial study of Lagerstroemia speciosa and its ethnomedicinal importance to indigenous communities of Benguet Province, Philippines. Acta Horticulturae, 1023, 137–142. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1023.19
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Forrest Ecology. (2022). Lagerstroemia speciosa. https://forrest-ecology.org/2022/03/lagerstroemia-speciosa/
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National Tropical Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Lagerstroemia speciosa plant database. https://ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/Lagerstroemia-speciosa
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ScienceDirect Topics. (2022). Lagerstroemia speciosa. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lagerstroemia
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Yue, Z., Xu, Y., Cai, M., Fan, X., Pan, H., & Zhang, Q. (2024). Floral elegance meets medicinal marvels: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Lagerstroemia L. Plants, 13(21), 3016. https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/21/3016

𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄
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Photographed on 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, just outside the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨, this photograph taken by 𝗖𝘆𝗷𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗨. 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿 depicts the elegant 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 (𝑯𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒐 𝒋𝒂𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂), a diminutive but nimble creature that is frequently spotted soaring freely under clear skies. These birds are often found flying over buildings and open fields; they have proven to be adept at adapting to the changes brought about by humans, finding nests even within man-made structures like rooftops, bridges, and walls.
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They serve an important part in ecological equilibrium since they are aerial insectivores. The diet of Pacific Swallows is mainly based on insects that can fly, for example, flies, beetles, and ants. These birds can catch their pray in the air easily due to their good flying skills. They are able to reduce the number of insects and thus prevent their development into agricultural pests or other kinds of urban pests. In order to hunt, Pacific Swallows prefer open areas such as fields, water and other places that include plenty of flying insects. They are known to be nest builders whose nests look like cups and are constructed from wet earth.
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From the point of view of biodiversity, they should be viewed as positive and not negative organisms. Being aerial insectivores, these swallows are beneficial for maintaining ecological equilibrium because they help control the number of insects and thus reduce their impact on humans. The presence of these species in an area usually means that this place is full of other organisms as well, and the more organisms there are, the better the quality of an ecosystem becomes. Thus, Pacific Swallows can be considered valuable members of biodiversity.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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BirdLife International. (2017). Hirundo javanica. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/pacswa1/cur/introduction
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Encyclopedia.com. (2026). Swallows (Hirundinidae). Retrieved from https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/swallows-hirundinidae
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Oiseaux.net. (2026). Pacific Swallow (Hirundo javanica). Retrieved from https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/pacific.swallow.html
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Turner, A., et al. (2024). Pacific Swallow (Hirundo javanica). Birds of the World. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/pacswa1/cur/behavior

𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝘁
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𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝘁 (𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒓𝒖𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒖𝒎), captured on camera by 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘇 𝗖. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗮, on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, was spotted at 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸. The species is terrestrial in nature and part of an unusual lineage wherein the colony lacks a regular queen. A female member called the “gamergate” acts as the egg layer. The ants can be typically seen in tropical areas in South East Asia and make their nests in soil, leaf litter, and dead wood.
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𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂 𝒓𝒖𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒖𝒎 is crucial in its predatory nature within the forest environment. The ants are mostly carnivores and consume a diverse array of small insects and other arthropods. They have strong mouthparts that make them efficient hunters, contributing to the regulation of other smaller organisms' populations. Contrary to most ant species whose diets are primarily composed of sugary substances, 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂 species target proteins from the preys they hunt. The ants collect the food source and take it to their colonies to feed their offspring. It is worth noting that these ants lack queens and depend on one reproductive worker to reproduce successfully.
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Rather than being nuisances, it is important in preserving the balance of ecosystems. This insect helps with nutrient cycling through the consumption of other arthropods, making it important for the stability of the environment. The presence of this species in an ecosystem suggests that the place is unperturbed, having high biodiversity below the soil surface. While they may sting in self-defense, this insect usually keeps away from human beings.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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Peeters, C., & Molet, M. (2010). Colonial reproduction and life histories in ants. In L. Lach, C. Parr, & K. Abbott (Eds.), Ant Ecology. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199544639.003.0006
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Himender, B., & al. (2015). Biology and behavior of Diacamma rugosum. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies. Retrieved from https://www.entomoljournal.com
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AntWiki. (n.d.). Diacamma rugosum. Retrieved from https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Diacamma_rugosum
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AntWeb. (n.d.). Diacamma rugosum. Retrieved from https://www.antweb.org

𝗧𝗼𝗸-𝗧𝗼𝗸
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The 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗲𝘁 was captured on camera at the 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨 on 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, by 𝗠𝗮. 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥. 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗻. This colorful but diminutive bird can be easily distinguished from other birds through its bright green coloration, red forehead and throat, and its unique call which sounds like a hammer hitting metallic surfaces. It is often spotted sitting atop tree branches, though it is more often heard rather than seen due to its ability to blend in with the surroundings while calling.
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These bird species acts as an excellent frugivore by eating mostly fruits such as figs and berries, but may sometimes feed on insects like termites. Such an act enables it to play the role of seed dispersal, thereby aiding in forest regeneration and preservation of plants through diversity by ensuring that its seeds are disseminated to various regions. Additionally, it is a cavity nester, hence it creates holes within tree cavities, which become habitats for various species.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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Birda. (n.d.). Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus). Retrieved from https://app.birda.org/species-guide/11287/Coppersmith_Barbet
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India Biodiversity Portal. (n.d.). Psilopogon haemacephalus. Retrieved from https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/279459

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
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This beautiful bird was captured on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟬𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 in 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. This particular photograph was taken by 𝗠𝗮. 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥. 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗻. This is a very distinctive bird seen in coastal and lowland areas. It is known for its bright blue-green feathers and the white collar that distinguishes it from other birds. It is usually seen in an almost stationary position before making swift plunges towards its prey.
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The 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 (𝑻𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒔) is an adaptable predator that feeds on a wide range of prey, including fish, insects, crustaceans, and small reptiles, helping maintain ecological balance across mangroves, coastal areas, and inland habitats. By controlling populations of insects and other invertebrates, it also prevents potential pest outbreaks that could harm crops and vegetation, while its presence serves as a valuable indicator of healthy, biodiverse ecosystems.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (n.d.). Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris). Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov/species/collared-kingfisher-todiramphus-chloris
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Ramel, G. (2023). Collared Kingfishers (Todiramphus chloris). Earth Life. Retrieved from https://earthlife.net/collared-kingfishers/
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Biswas, D. (2025). Breeding ecology and feeding of the Collared Kingfisher. Rivista Italiana di Ornitologia. Retrieved from https://sisn.pagepress.org/rio/article/view/863
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Whittington-Jones, B., et al. (2025). Diet of the Arabian Collared Kingfisher. Food Webs. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352249625000060

𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗲‎

The 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗲 (𝑨𝒑𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒂) has been captured in an image taken by 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, from the 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶-𝗘𝗰𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. The Giant Honey Bee is known for its large size and intimidating nature. It is among the biggest honeybees in the continent of South and Southeast Asia, which makes their single comb very conspicuous due to construction in open places like tree tops or rooftops.
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Giant honey bees are very important for biodiversity as they serve to be excellent pollinators that feed on nectar and pollen, aiding in fertilization of diverse flora. Thus, they are not a pest but an extremely important part of biodiversity as they help in plant reproduction, stabilization of ecosystems, and agricultural production. Nevertheless, certain factors such as deforestation and honey exploitation pose great dangers to bee colonies.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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Sihag, R. C. (2025). Conservation of Giant Honey Bee (Apis dorsata F.) for honey and beeswax production and sustainable pollination services. Insects, 16(6), 560. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060560
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Zahara, F., et al. (2024). The effect of land cover on the foraging behavior and pollen in the honey of the giant bee Apis dorsata in Sumatra. Frontiers in Bee Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frbee.2024.1366287/full
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Matias, D. M. S., & Borgemeister, C. (2018). Ecological changes and local knowledge in a giant honey bee (Apis dorsata) hunting community in Palawan, Philippines. Ambio, 47(8), 924–934. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1038-7

𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺
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The 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺 (𝑨𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒊 (𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗰.) 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗰.), photographed by 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗥. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮 on 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟬𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, at the vicinity of 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 (𝗧𝗗𝗙), 𝗖𝘃𝗦𝗨. Endemic to the Philippines, the graceful-looking plant is well-known because of its slender gray stem, gracefully curved feather-shaped leaves, and bunches of beautiful red fruit that commonly mature around Christmas time, earning it the common name “𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗺.” In its natural habitat or when cultivated as ornamental plants, the plant normally reaches 5-8 meters in height and produces a dense crown of pinnately divided leaves.
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Being a member of the 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗲 family, plays an important role in supporting biodiversity as it provides food and shelter for different species. The tiny flowers produced by the tree attract insect pollinators, while the fruits produced by it may serve as a source of food for different wildlife species which will aid in dispersing its seeds. By undergoing photosynthesis, the tree generates energy from sunlight that will enable its growth as well as the production of fruits. Unlike other pest trees, the Manila palm is a valuable asset for landscaping due to its ornamental properties.
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𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
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Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Adonidia merrillii (Manila palm). https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/156109/adonidia-merrillii/details
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North Carolina State University Extension. (n.d.). Adonidia merrillii (Manila palm). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/adonidia-merrillii/common-name/manila-palm/
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National Tropical Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Adonidia merrillii. https://ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/adonidia-merrillii
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UForest. (n.d.). Adonidia merrillii (Manila palm). https://www.uforest.org/Species/A/Adonidia_merrillii.php
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Earth.com. (n.d.). Adonidia merrillii – Manila palm. https://earthpedia.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/arecaceae/adonidia-merrillii/