Yesterday National Scientist Dr. Angel C. Alcala passed away after living a life dedicated to conservation. From ridge to reef, from fish to… frogs!

Born on March 1, 1929 in Negros Occidental he eventually became a prominent marine researcher at Silliman University. There he helped establish community-led marine reserves in nearby Apo Island. It was then that he showed the world that effective marine conservation efforts can occur with long term partnerships between communities, local government, and NGOs.

He also worked with fellow researcher Walter Brown on co-authoring more than 70 publications including those about Philippine amphibians and reptiles. The Brown & Alcala’s Sierra Madre Frog was named after them: Sanguirana tipanan, where the word tipanan refers to their partnership. Several reptile species have also been named after Dr. Alcala such as the recently discovered Alcala’s Reed Snake from Mindoro, Alcala’s Wolf Snake from Batanes, and Alcala’s Triangle-spotted Snake from Romblon.

Dr. Alcala has shown us the importance of our environment, from ridge to reef, and how working together is the best way to conserve it!