Danilo S. Balete (1960 in the Bicol Region of the Philippines – July 1, 2017), also known as Danny Balete, was a Filipino zoologist and biologist. His is known for his work on the Philippines' endemic mammal species.[1][2] He pursued the question of what determines species diversity. The research by Balete and his team overturned previously held notions that diversity decreased in mountainous regions, showing that harsh environments could generate, rather than suppress, species diversity.[3][4]
His research also included non-mammals and plants. He is credited for the discovery of several species of Rafflesia.[2]