A pioneer investigation about ground beetles was carried out within the forest of Mount Nacolod, a protected forest in Silago, Southern Leyte, Philippines. A comprehensive collection effort done for two months yielded a total of 2,315 individuals representing 26 species across 16 genera, 8 tribes, and 2 subfamilies were documented in the forests of Mount Nacolod. Table 1 provides a comprehensive list of these species, detailing their geographical distribution, habitat type, and conservation status. Among the recorded species, 11 are identified as Philippine endemics, with 4 specifically endemic to Leyte. These findings offer baseline data on the carabid beetles of Mount Nacolod. Notably, species such as Pheropsophus hassenteufeli, Pheropsophus lumawigi, and Tricondyla aptera punctipennis were recorded as the most abundant. emphasizing the significance of this study in expanding the understanding of local biodiversity. New additions in Leyte are Brachinus leytensis, Trigonotoma goeltenbothi, Pheropsophus lumawigi, Pheropsophus azoulayi, Pheropsophus uliweberi, and Pheropsophus taclobanensis. The last two species were discovered and identified in this study. The ecological characteristics, distribution, and occurrence of these species were also documented. Urgent conservation efforts are recommended, particularly for rare and endemic carabid beetle species found in specific forest habitats like Mount Nacolod. It is imperative to enhance protective measures in designated landscapes to mitigate threats such as mining, illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and human encroachment, safeguarding the biodiversity-rich ecosystems of Mount Nacolod and its surrounding forests.
