Hosted by EIC Mikael Angelo Francisco, Ask Theory shines the spotlight on Pinoy scientific brilliance, in a fun and entertaining “kwentuhan” format. Each episode of Ask Theory features a Pinoy scientist from one of the various scientific disciplines. In a very casual conversation, guests explain what they do in simple terms, as well as share their fascinating stories: how they got into science, the challenges they face, what motivates them to pursue their fields, what future scientists from the Philippines can look forward to, and so much more.
Episode 35: Bakit Mahalagang Hanapin Ang Mga “Lost Species” Ng Pilipinas?
This episode features Kier Mitchel Pitogo, a wildlife biologist at the Protected Area Management Office of the Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve. In 2021, he rediscovered a Philippine frog that had been lost to science for 28 years. He also co-authored the first extensive herpetological survey conducted in southern Mindanao.
We talked about the story of rediscovering Guttman’s stream frog, finding a rare species of critically endangered orchid, the process of putting together his pioneering study on Mindanao wildlife, why it’s important to keep studying the Philippines’ biodiversity, the challenges that Pinoy wildlife biologists experience in the field, and more.
Listen to Ask Theory Episode 35 here:
(Full transcript to follow; watch this page for updates)
The Ask Theory Podcast is available via these platforms — make sure to subscribe, as we’ll be releasing a new episode every week:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1GDcxBwETsD4KM1EmTr1aI
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RadioPublic: https://radiopublic.com/ask-theory-WJkbLJ
Music: Hopeful Cinematic Ambient by bdProductions; My Mysterious Planet by Free Music
