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The Northwesterniana Research and Expedition Unit
The Northwestern University Biodiversity Research & Expedition Team, officially launched in 2007, is a dedicated group of scientists, faculty, students, and conservationists committed to the long-term study and preservation of the biological wealth of Northwestern Luzon. Each year, the team undertakes field expeditions into underexplored and often inaccessible regions across the Ilocos Region and neighboring provinces, braving the harsh realities of the Philippine climate from the battering winds and torrential rains of typhoon season to the intense heat of the summer months.
Known collectively as the "Northwesterniana Exploring Expedition," this ambitious and ongoing initiative systematically surveys the vegetation and associated wildlife across a wide array of ecological landscapes. These include montane and mossy forests, lowland dipterocarp woodlands, grasslands, limestone karsts, and coastal ecosystems. Notable areas of study include the forested highlands of Claveria in Cagayan, the rugged terrains of the Ilocos Norte Cordilleras, the biodiverse ridges of Ilocos Sur and La Union, and the ecologically significant ranges of the Zambales Mountains.
The team’s work focuses on the documentation of native and endemic plant species, some of which are new to science or previously thought to be extinct. They also gather valuable data on habitat conditions, forest health, and potential conservation priorities. Through field-based research, specimen collection, habitat mapping, and community interaction, the expedition not only contributes to scientific understanding but also supports environmental education and local stewardship.
Now entering its second decade, the Northwesterniana Exploring Expedition has become a cornerstone of Northwestern University's commitment to environmental sustainability and scientific advancement. It plays a vital role in informing local and regional conservation strategies, enriching botanical records, and nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. Through its persistent efforts, the team continues to shed light on the hidden richness of Northwestern Luzon’s ecosystems, reinforcing the urgent call to protect the natural heritage of the Ilocos Region and beyond.
Exploration Unit
Research and Publications
Pyrostria triflora , a new species of Vanguerieae (Rubiaceae) from Luzon, Philippines.
ARIOLA, CAMACHO, CALARAMO & ALEJANDRO
Published in international journal: Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 22(1):55 June 2015
DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v22i1.23868
BANGLADESH
“Two New Nepenthes Species from the Philippines and an Emended Description of Nepenthes ramos”
GRONOMEYER, SUAREZ, NUYTEMANS, CALARAMO, WISTUBA, MEY & AMOROSO
Collaborative Research
Published in international journal May 2016
Plants 5(2):23
DOI: 10.3390/plants5020023
License CC BY 4.0
MDPI, Basel, SWITZERLAND
“The Vegetation of the Northwestern Luzon; the ecology and floristic composition of its major ecosystems”
CALARAMO, RACOMA & CADANG
Oral Presenter
Flora Malesiana International Conference July 10-16 2016
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
SCOTLAND
“Cleisostoma iloconense – Eine neue Art aus dem Nordwesten von Luzon, Philippinen A new species from northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
CALARAMO, COOTES, & PALTING
Published in International Journal: August 2016
Die Orchidee Herausgeber: Deutsche orchideen-gesellschaft e.V. Im Zinnstück 2 65527 Niedernhausen/ts. Deutschland
GERMANY
“The Northwestern University Ecotourism Park and Botanic Gardens, Management and Conservation Initiative”
M.A. CALARAMO
Presenter/speaker Presented during the scholarship training on Botanic Gardens ;September 2016
Chenshan Shanghai Botanical Garden, Songjiang District, Shanghai
CHINA
New species of Euphlebium Lubag-Arquiza of the family Orchidaceae - Sectio Fugacia J J Sm. 1905, Discovered in Cordillera Range of Luzon, Philippines
M.A. CALARAMO, J. COOTES, & NUYTEMANS
Published in international Journal: January 2017
Orchideen Journal,
OrchideenJ. 4 (2017) 165
GERMANY
“The Vegetation of the Northwestern Luzon; the ecology and floristic composition of its major ecosystems”
M.A. CALARAMO, M RACOMA, V. DAVALOS,
Oral Presenter: June 28-30 2017
International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, & Reviewers Inc. International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research for Higher Education, (ICIRHE 2017), Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap
CAMBODIA
Awarded as ‘best abstract in botany’
“Raptor over the edge of the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
M.A. CALARAMO, A. TIONGCO, T. CERVERO, V. PALTING.
Northwestern University Biodiversity Research Unit.: October 2017
Raptor Watch Network Philippines
Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network
Oral Presenter
Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) International Symposium,
Ateneo de Davao,
PHILIPPINES
“A new species of Robiquetia Gaudichaud s.s. (Orchidaceae subtribes Aeridinae) Found in the Northwestern Cordillera, Island of Luzon, Philippines”.
M.A. CALARAMO, J. COOTES, & K. GASPAR
Published in international Journal: Orchideen Journal: March 2018
OrchideenJ. 25 (2018) 41
5b441dec458515f71cb89a57.pdf
GERMANY
“Thrixspermum nicolasiorum – a New Species of the Subtribe Aeridinae (Orchidaceae: Vandeae) from the Philippines”
M.A. CALARAMO, J. COOTES, & NAÏVE
Published in International Journal: March 2018
Die Orchidee 4(06), 2018/E-Paper
GERMANY
“Preliminary Biodiversity Survey on Selected Rice Paddies in the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines.”
M.A. CALARAMO,
International Conference for Enhancing the Biodiversity of Agriculture (ICEBA): July 19-25 2018
Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture
JAPAN
“Seed Conservation Initiative of the Northwestern University Ecotourism Park & Botanic Gardens (NUEBG) Philippines. Conserving narrow endemics in the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
M.A. CALARAMO,
Presented during the Millenium Seedbank Training Course (STC 2018) at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew,:September 2018
Millenium Seedbank West Sussex,
ENGLAND
“An overview of the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines a decade long expedition to understand the floristic composition of its major vegetation types, a basis for conservation and restoration”
M.A. CALARAMO,
University of the Ryukyus Collaborative Meeting, Yambaru National Park:February 2019
Okinawa, JAPAN
“Beta diversity of woody plants in East Asian tropics and temperate insular biotas: the roles of geohistorical and ecological processes throughout the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan”
Fujinuma, J, Kusumoto, B, Shiono, T, Yap, S.L, Hu, J-M, Pelser, P.B, Alejado, M.D, Amoroso, V.B, Balangcod, T.D, Banag, C.I, Barcelona, J.F, Calaramo, M.A, Coritico, F.P,
Evangelista, L.T, Medecilo, M.M.P, Geraldino, P.J.L, Hadsall, A.S, Tangdang, D.N. Zamudio, S.G.S, Kubota, Y
Collaborative Research: 2019年8月3日
(Japan, Taiwan & the Philippines hosted by University of the Ryukyu, Okinawa, Japan)
Presented at the 56th Annual meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, (International Symposium)
MADAGASCAR
“A Remarkable New Species of Robiquetia Gaudichaud s.s. (Orchidaceae subtribe Aeridinae) from Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
MICHAEL CALARAMO, JAME COOTES, CORA PUGAL, & VICTOR DAVALOS
Published in International Journal: May 2019
Orchideen Journal, Orchideen J. 26 (2019) 79
GERMANY
“New Species of Begonia section Baryandra (Begoniaceae) from Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
MICHAEL CALARAMO, ROSARIO RUBITE, CORA PUGAL, & CHEI-WEI LIN
Collaborative Research with the Academia Sinica, Taiwan: June 2019
Published in international Journal
Phytotaxa 407(1):36-42
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.407.1.6
“The Ecology and Floristic Composition of Mt. Palemlem, Bessang Pass and Mt. Malitis; Critical Upper Montane Vegetation of the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
M.A. CALARAMO,
Oral Presenter
Flora Malesiana, University of Brunei Darusalam: June 2019
BRUNEI DARUSALAM
“Phenological Data on Anisoptera Forest of Piddig Ilocos Norte, Philippines. A dipterocarp bounded by a dry seasonal climate”
SANDRA YAP, MICHAEL CALARAMO, GLEN GAMUS
University Inc, Airport Avenue, Brgy Bengcag, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, 2900 Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Collaborative Research of the Far Eastern University & the NUEBG; June 2019
Presented at the Flora Malesiana,
BRUNEI DARUSALAM.
Pteroceras arbnetii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), a new species from Northwestern Luzon, Philippines
MICHAEL AGBAYANI CALARAMO1*, PETER TSAI2, CHUN-MING CHEN2, AI-QUN HU3*
Phytotaxa is a peer-reviewed scientific journal for rapid publication on any aspect of systematic botany.
May 2020
A stunning shiny leaf Begonia of the section Baryandra (Begoniaceae) documented in the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines.
MICHAEL AGBAYANI CALARAMO1,2, ROSARIO RIVERA RUBITE3, CORA MARIE PUGAL4, CHEI-WEI LIN5
Phytotaxa is a peer-reviewed scientific journal for rapid publication on any aspect of systematic botany.
June 2020
A checklist and conservation status of vascular plants in the Limestone forest of Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines.
MA BATOYUNG, MA CALARAMO, GJD ALEJANDRO
Published in International Journal: August 2020
Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity
Vol. 29. No. 9 (2020) 21: 3969-3981. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d210907
INDONESIA
“Diversity of Rubiaceae in Ilocos Norte, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines: A Preliminary Checklist, Their Distribution, and Conservation Status”
MA BATOYUNG, MA CALARAMO, GJD ALEJANDRO
Published in a peer reviewed national journal: April 2021
Philippine Journal of Sciences 150 (S1): 487-502, Special Issue on Biodiversity ISSN 0031 - 7683
PHILIPPINES
"Rediscovery and amended description of Psychotria palimlimensis (Rubiaceae): a rare species found only in Ilocos Norte, Philippines”
MA BATOYUNG, MA CALARAMO, GJD ALEJANDRO
Published in International Journal: July 2021
Nordic Journal of Botany 2021: e03253 doi: 10.1111/njb.03253
SWEDEN
“Inventory of Rubiaceae species in Mt. Pao Range, Ilocos Norte, Northwestern Luzon, Philippines”
MA BATOYUNG, MA CALARAMO, GJD ALEJANDRO
Published in International Journal:
Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity ISSN: 1412-033X Volume 22, Number ;August 2021
E-ISSN: 2085-4722 . 3604-3612
DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d220862
INDONESIA
“The Northwestern University Ecological Park & Botanic Gardens, NW Luzon, Philippines”
MA. CALARAMO
Arboretum Network 10th Anniversary Conference, Plenary Speaker: September 16, 2021
(Partnering to Plant & Protect Trees Interactive Pane: Conversations about Careers in Tree-focused Fields)
(Live Online) Illinois, USA
’SAWI’ (Butastur indicus Gmelin, 1788): “Voyage along the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines - A five years monitoring research”
M.A. CALARAMO, A. TIONGCO, T. CERVERO, V. PALTING.
Northwestern University Biodiversity Research Unit.
Raptor Watch Network Philippines
Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network
Oral Presentor: October 16-17, 2021
International Summit on Grey Faced Buzzard
(Virtual Conference) Miyakojima, JAPAN
“Documenting and Conserving the Plant Diversity of the Northwestern Luzon, Philippines: amidst the changing climate and a Global Pandemic”
M.A. CALARAMO
PNPCSI 6th International Symposium Plenary Speaker: 18th November 2021.
(Virtual) Manila PHILIPPINES
“The Northwesterniana Flyway, Luzon, Philippines:
A Five-Year Raptor Monitoring Research in a Changing Environment and Extreme Climatic Conditions”
M.A. CALARAMO, A. TIONGCO, T. CERVERO, V. PALTING. & K. GASPAR.
Northwestern University Biodiversity Research Unit; January 20-22,2022
Raptor Watch Network Philippines
Asian Raptor Research & Conservation Network
Oral presenter: ARRCN2022-128
12th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (ARRCN) Symposium
(Virtual) MALAYSIA
Notes on the genus Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. (Araceae) of northwestern Luzon, Philippines, including a new species
MA CALARAMO, MA BATOYUNG, N. BULAWIN, GJD ALEJANDRO
Published in International Journal: March 13, 2022
Nordic Journal of Botany 2022 e03491
DOI: 10.1111/njb.03491
SWEDEN
Palynology of Philippine Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. (Araceae) and its taxonomic implications
Norilyn Bulawin, Maria Melanie P.Medecilo-Guiang, Michael Agbayani Calaramo, Grecebio Jonathan Duran Alejandro.
Published in international Journal Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity
DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d240748 INDONESIA
August 2023
“Northern tip of Luzon, Philippines: a nexus for East Asian Migration Flyway for Greyfaced Buzzard and other Migrating Raptor”
Michael Agbayani Calaramo
Plenary Speaker; February 21, 2024
Presented at the 4th International Greyfaced Buzzard Summit,
Sanchez Mira , Cagayan
A. Metabolite profiling, in vitro antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of Timonius ternifolius leaves
MAINGELLINE B. VIVIT1,, RAMJEE G. BATUYONG2, ALONDRA FAE T. DAMIAN2, CECILE A. GAOAT1, KRISTIAN GAY D. BELTRAN1,3, ANABELLE B. ALEJO1,3, MICHAEL A. CALARAMO4, FRANKLIN V. IBANA1,3, MAE ANN R. BATUYONG1
Published in international Journal Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity
32. B. Advanced Glycation End Products Formation Inhibition and Antioxidant Activities of Two Endemic Philippine Psychotria Species (Psychotria luzoniensis and Psychotria banahaensis)
Bryant Mc Lean D. CAPISTRANO 1 * , Shantae Marie Gabrielle J. CUETO 1 , Aneirin Lleyke T. SARMIENTO 1 , Renzo Luis C. CANIVEL 1 , Gerald Glenn A. HERNANDEZ 2 , Michael A. CALARAMO 4 , Grecebio Jonathan D. ALEJANDRO1,2,3 , Mario A. TAN 1,2,3 *
Journal of Research in Pharmacy
Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
32. C. Metabolite profiling, in vitro antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties of Timonius ternifolius leaves
Maingelline Bacarisa Vivit, Ramjee G Batuyong, Fae T Alondra, Damian, Cecile Gaoat, Kristian Gay Dutdut Beltran, D Beltran, Anabelle B Alejo, Michael Agbayani Calaramo, Franklin Ibana, Mae Ann Batuyong
Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity 25(7):3027-3034, July 2024
DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d250724
32. D. The identity of Plagiostachys parviflora (Zingiberaceae: Alpinioideae) unravelled after 196 years
Rudolph Valentino Abrenica Docot, Lyle Christian P. Santiago, Lyle Christian P. Santiago, Michael Agbayani Calaramo.
Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore 76(1): 147–158. June 2024
DOI: 10.26492/gbs76(1).2024-09
The Ilocos Region reveals 11 major vegetation types. Each has a unique forest fingerprint
Upper Tropical Montane Rainforest (Mossy Vegetation)
Upper Tropical Montane Rainforest (Pine Vegetation)
Forest over Limestone (Karst Ecosystem)
Ultramafic Vegetation
Highland Savanna
Semi-evergreen Tropical Rainforest
Beach Forest
Arid-Ecosystem Sandunes
Mangrove and Beach Forest
Intertidal Vegetation
Freshwater Vegetation
The Ilocos Region is home to 11 major vegetation types, each characterized by a distinct ecological compositions, forming a unique fingerprint that reflects the region's diverse landscapes and climatic conditions. These ecosystems range from coastal forest, mangroves, and lowland dipterocarp forest to montane and mossy forests, each supporting a variety of endemic, rare, and threatened species.
Through extensive field surveys, the Northwestern University Expedition Team has documented remarkable biodiversity, particularly in Ilocos Norte, where high biodiversity indices have been recorded. These findings underscore the ecological richness of the region and its conservation significance, reinforcing the need for continued research and protection of its fragile ecosystems. The expedition's discoveries contribute to a deeper understanding of the floristic diversity of Northwestern Luzon, shaping strategies for sustainable conservation and management.
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