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New mistletoe species named after Pinay environmentalist
A newly discovered mistletoe species has been named after a Filipina environmentalist, according to an article published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.
The new species named Amyema lisae, was named after Lisa Paguntalan, Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (PBCFI) Executive Director, "a champion of biodiversity conservation in the Philippines."
The authors of the article, namely: Pieter B. Pelser, Shiella Mae B. Olimpos, Peter O’byrne, and Julie Barcelona, the new species was named after Paguntalan "to honor her contributions to nature conservation in the Philippines."
"Lisa has been an epitome of a conservationist who is most successful in bringing together stakeholders in the conservation of biodiversity. She is a champion of organizing and involving local communities in conservation programs in many parts of the country," they added.
The new mistletoe species was discovered in November 2017, in Balinsasayao - Twin Lakes Natural Park on the island of Negros as part of the PBCFI-USAID Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in the Negros Island Regional Development Agenda Project.
Paguntalan told GMA News Online that she is honored by the gesture and added that "usually adto ni sa mga tao nga dako (ang) contribution sa plant conservation or research [usually this is done for people who have a big contribution to plant conservation or research]."
A graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Paguntalan has ventured into conservation right after taking BS Biology in 1996 and proceed to take a Master's degree which she finished in 2002.
In 2000, she received the BP Conservation Award in London for her work. The award, Paguntalan says, started her career in wildlife research and conservation science.
She is known in Cebu for her work in the conservation of endemic bird species, the black shama or Siloy, Cebu flowerpecker, and the Cebu hawk owl, among others. — BAP, GMA News
