Dr. Miguel David De Leon discovered an exceptionally rare and beautiful albino form of an endangered orchid, the Aerides lawrenceae fma. composii.
By JAMES TABABA
Dr. Miguel David De Leon, a vitreoretinal surgeon and a field biologist, has been studying orchids, birds, and mammals for years, including the Aerides lawrenceaeorchid. The nominate—or the original—species of Aerides lawrenceae is predominantly white and purple, with some green, but it can also have certain varieties or forms.
Aerides lawrenceae fma. composii (Dr. Miguel David De Leon/Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservatory)
According to Dr. De Leon, one of the most noteworthy and glorious forms of the Aerides lawrenceae is its extremely rare albino form which does not have red or purple pigments, resulting in pure white and green coloring.
Since the 1800s, Europeans have collected many orchids in the Philippines, scouring the forests of the Philippines for remarkable orchids, but they have never actually found this rare albino form of the Aerides lawrenceae.
In 1935, renowned botanist Oakes Ames and Eduardo Quisumbing described a white form of this orchid, Aerides lawrenceaevar.fortichii, in honor of Representative Manuel Fortich who collected two specimens from his ranch in Bukidnon. Eventually, in 2007, Wolff and Gruß suggested recombining it as a forma, citing the previously published white form as var. Fortichii. Since 1935, white forms or mostly white forms have been presumed to be albino specimens and have been called fma. (var.) fortichii.
That is, until Dr. Miguel David De Leon discovered the true albino form, the Aerides lawrenceae fma. composiiin Bukidnon.
While browsing the complete 1925 volume of the Philippine Journal of Science for bird descriptions, Dr. De Leon came across the original description of Ames and Quisumbing's white form of Aerides lawrenceaevar.fortichii. Upon reading the description and looking at the illustration carefully, Dr. De Leon realized that the white form they described was not truly an albino form, as it had pink in the middle of the flower. The true albino form of the orchid is completely white and green.
Aerides lawrenceae fma. composii (Dr. Miguel David De Leon/Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservatory)
This exceptionally rare and beautiful variety is named after Joselito "Butch" Campos III, a prominent business tycoon, philanthropist, and supporter of wildlife conservation in the Philippines. Dr. De Leon emphasized that he has been a dedicated supporter of the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy (RSKBC) and has been actively involved in various conservation projects. Moreover, as a philanthropist, he selflessly assists countless individuals in need, while providing livelihood for thousands of Filipinos in the companies he owns.
Aerides lawrenceae is a species that is classified as endangered by IUCN (Union for Conservation of Nature) and is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The Aerides lawrenceae fma. composii is exceptionally rare because “only one plant remains in the wild and it is protected in a private conservation site along with the conservation of birds by the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy,” Dr. De Leon said. He also added that due to its sterile nature, propagating this plant can be a highly challenging task.
Partnerships and captive breeding
Dr. Miguel David De Leon is a conservationist who has been working with indigenous peoples and private landowneres to preserve the biodiversity of the Philippines. He discussed the importance of partnerships and captive breeding in conservation efforts. He is the Director of the Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservancy which aims to contribute to science, with the ultimate goal of conserving Philippine habitats and wildlife. By working with these landowners and landowners, they are able to protect the existing biodiversity while also helping to restore the degraded land. This partnership approach is recognized by major conservation organizations such as the United Nations and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), who have made it their slogan for the year.
Dr. De Leon also acknowledges that land development cannot be stopped and that it is necessary to establish captive breeding and propagation programs to conserve plants and animals that are affected by infrastructure development. This is mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Republic Act 9147, also known as the Wildlife Act.
“Whatever plants that are affected by infrastructure development, we rescue and grow them in partnership with DENR. We cannot stop development so what do we do with the displaced plants and animals? We have to put them in botanical gardens and farms dedicated to conservation,” Dr. De Leon said.
The importance of discovery and research of plant species
Dr. Miguel De Leon emphasizes the importance of discovering and naming plants, animals, and orchids for conservation efforts. He emphasizes that it is difficult to protect something that we do not know or understand. Naming and identifying a species can lead to increased public awareness and policy-making, enabling us to identify and protect critical habitats.
The Philippines is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, and Dr. De Leon highlights that discovering new species further highlights the country's exceptional biodiversity. Naming and identifying species can also strengthen the concept of biodiversity in the Philippines, promoting conservation efforts.
Aerides lawrenceae fma. composii (Dr. Miguel David De Leon/Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservatory)
Dr. De Leon said, ”many Philippine orchid species have been grown and traded in other countries. It is ironic that the country of origin of these species lags way behind those countries. Many Philippine orchid species are economically important and can be a viable means of livelihood for Filipinos.” He believes that the promotion of horticulture and conservation efforts can go hand in hand, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
“Something so noteworthy, so horticulturally important, and something so glorious compels everyone else to do everything because extinction is forever. We should exert all efforts to preserve what remains of our vanishing treasures while the Philippines is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Otherwise, our country will become the most biologically bankrupt,” Dr. De Leon said.
The discovery of the true albino form of Aerides lawrenceae is not only a testament to the beauty and diversity of the Philippines reminding us that though we have seen so many attractive orchids, there is still much to be discovered and explored. It is not only a scientific achievement but also a crucial step towards protecting endangered plant species through conservation of habitats and plant propagation.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Miguel David De Leon/Robert S. Kennedy Bird Conservatory
