UP Diliman, QC— UP Biology, together with the Diliman Science Research Foundation (DSRF), Biodiversity Management Bureau- DENR (BMB-DENR) and the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), launched the book, “The Mammals of Luzon Island—Biogeography and Natural History of a Philippine Fauna” last August 10, 2016 at the UP Biology Auditorium. Together with University of the Philippines officials led by President Alfredo E. Pascual, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael L. Tan and College of Science Dean Jose Maria P. Balmaceda, more than 170 guests from various universities and high schools, civil society organizations, industry partners, government organizations, students, researchers and faculty members from various colleges and institutions from Diliman and Los Baños shared the moment with the authors. The book launch was highlighted by a short lecture by co-authors Lawrence Heaney & Danny Balete. They discussed the mystifying beauty of Philippine landscapes, as well as its flora & fauna. He then proceeded to share the major findings of the book—the results of their long intensive study since 2000.
The lecture was followed by a symbolic turn-over of books from UP Biology to its various partners: BMB-DENR headed by Director Mundita S. Lim who personally received the book, the UP Diliman represented by Chancellor Michael Tan, the Philippine Science High School System, various Civil Society organizations, various Universities and selected researchers.
The book launch also featured an exhibit on forest formations and the mammals of Luzon, particularly those presented in the book. Lawrence Heaney and Danny Balete also took time to sign the books after the program proper.