New Frog Species? A Singaporean follows a Filipino researcher on a mountain climb in south Mindanao

South Mindanao, the Philippines, is home to mountains that remain largely unexplored when it comes to amphibian diversity. On this trip, I joined a Filipino researcher, Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo, with my wife, Angelica, on a three-night camping survey, climbing to a mountain peak in search of frogs, a few of which may be species that haven't been described yet. Mount Matutum is a highly symmetrical, active stratovolcano and a very iconic landmark for locals. For Angelica and Kier, they both always see this mountain from their hometown, Gensan (General Santos). The mossy forest itself is a striking environment, cooler and damper than the lowlands, with a kind of green stillness that's hard to capture on camera. For Angelica, it was her first time experiencing this type of habitat. This trip is part of ongoing efforts to document amphibian biodiversity in the region, work that depends on local knowledge and access to areas that are otherwise difficult to survey. Huge thanks to DENR–PENRO South Cotabato, PAMO MMPL, Municipal LGU of Tupi (through Menro Tupi and the Tourism Office Tupi, South Cotabato) for facilitating our fieldwork. Chapters 0:00 intro 0:33 bus ride to Koronadal 1:44 travel & final check 3:07 reached base station 3:39 1st nightwalk 5:45 ascent day 7:00 start climb 9:27 2nd nightwalk 10:56 head to summit 14:18 summit camp 15:17 final nightwalk at summit 16:05 views at the peaks 17:04 descent 18:06 Rafflesia verrucosa spot