Two preliminary surveys were conducted to primarily get Initial accounts on biodiversity in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. The first survey was done in two separate habitat types, the Pygmy Forest of the protected area and the buffer zone in Upper Tibanban Governor Generoso from April to May 2017. The second survey was conducted in the buffer zone around Kawakawa in Sitio Panganan, Barangay Maputi San Isidro last January 23 to 30, 2018. Aside from gathering initial diversity information, the surveys also helped refine the developed research design for biodiversity component.

The first initial assessment recorded 44 vertebrate species under 43 Genera and 27 Families. Specifically, 30 species of birds under 29 Genera and 23 Families, eight (8) species of amphibian under seven (7) Genera and six (6) Families, and eight (8) species of bats under seven (7) Genera and one (1) Family were documented. For invertebrates, particularly leeches, two Families were identified.

Most of the birds identified are Philippine endemic (43%). Half of the amphibians identified are Mindanao endemic and two species are Philippine endemic.  Two species of bats on the other hand are classified as Philippine and Mindanao endemic respectively.

The second preliminary assessment accounted 76 vertebrate species, 12 invertebrate species and 16 species of plants belonging to different taxa. Vertebrate species documented are 10 species of amphibians, five species of bats, 46 species of birds, and 15 species of reptiles. Twelve species of dragonfly were likewise documented. Plants recorded in the survey were mostly orchids, 16 species were identified.

Based on IUCN Red List on Threatened Species, 21 vertebrate species are categorized as Vulnerable while four species are listed as Near Threatened. One species of orchid on the other hand, the Pointed Tooth Papiopedilum, Paphiopedilum acmodontum, is categorized as Endangered. By: Giovanne G. Tampos