Wildlife Species Of The Philippines

 

The Philippines is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world. Native animals include the Tarsier of Bohol, The Tamaraw of Mindoro, the Palm Civet Cat, the Mouse Deer, the Visayan Warty Pig, the Flying Lemur and several species of bats, including the worlds largest fruit bat. There is also a fair selection of Frogs, Lizards, Marine Turtles & of course Snakes

 

Giant Golden Crowned Flying Fox(Acerodon jubatus)

 

Also known as the Golden-capped fruit bat, is a rare fruit bat and the largest known bat in the world. The species is endangered and is currently facing the possibility of extinction due to poachers and food hunters. They can be found only in the Philippines, where they live in the caves and rainforests of Maitum, Sarangani.

This nocturnal flying mammal has a wing span of at least 1.5 m (5 ft) and weighs approximately 1.2 kg (3 lbs). It is active at night and can fly long distances up to 40 kilometers while hunting for food, eating a variety of fruits. Its favorite food is the ripe fig. Called the “silent planter”, it contributes greatly to forest regeneration, given its diet of fruit and seeds.

The local government of Maitum, Sarangani in the Philippines has organized a campaign to save this rare species from extinction. They once roosted by the thousands before their decline due to destruction of habitat and hunting.

 

The Philippine Eagle

Philippine Eagle, one of the Philippines’ most recognized bird species. 

Pithecophaga jefferyi, also known as the Great Philippine Eagle, Haribon, or Monkey-eating Eagle, is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae and the world’s largest eagle. It is the only member of the genus Pithecophagaand is genetically believed to be most closely related to the snake eagles. The Philippine Eagle has a dark brown back and white underbelly. Its nape possesses long brown feathers that resemble a crest. The bill and talons are large. This eagle is endemic to the Philippines and can be found on four major islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, with most of the population living on Mindanao. It lives in dipterocarp and mid-montane forests, particularly in steep areas.

The Philippine Eagle eats flying lemurs, Asian Palm Civets, reptiles, birds, and occasionally monkeys. Pairs are known to hunt cooperatively, with one eagle distracting a group of monkeys while the other swoops in unnoticed for the kill. A pair requires a large expanse of territory of up to 130 square kilometers (50 sq mi). These eagles are believed to live for up to 60 years. Philippine Eagles mate for life and breeding occurs between September and February, depending on rainfall, prey accessibility, and which island the birds live on. Nests resemble huge platforms made of sticks. One egg is laid and incubation lasts for 58 to 68 days. The parents will care for their offspring for nearly twenty months.

This eagle is critically endangered, with only 180 to 500 birds surviving. Deforestation, pollution, and poaching are major threats. Charles Lindbergh led the first conservation efforts in the 1960’s. The Philippines have recognized the eagle as a national symbol, and major conservation efforts are currently underway.

 

Reticulated Python

 

This python is found extensively throughout South East Asia & currently holds the world record as the longest snake, which was verified at 32 feet 9 inches, although it is commonly reported as 33 feet.

 

 

There is often some considerable debate as to what is the biggest snake & much of the confusion lies in the question! By biggest does one assume longest or heaviest…? The longest snake on record that has been verified is without doubt the Reticulated Python, however if one was to enquire as to the heaviest snake, then this record would have to go to the South American Anaconda which can often reach weights well in excess of 300lb. The Reticulated Python although extremely long, is particularly slender for such a large python and does not compare in shear bulk to the Anaconda or indeed some of the larger African Rock Pythons, which can reach lengths of approx 24 feet.

 

All pythons are egg layers and the Retic hatchlings often measure between 18” & 24” when emerging from the egg. These pythons are quite capable of reaching 6 feet in length at 2 year old and if food is in abundance can attain lengths in excess of 20 feet by the time they are 4 years old & sexually mature.

 

Although many Reticulated Pythons are now kept in captivity as pets, this particular python is not known for its pleasant disposition and as such when reaching 12 feet should always be handled or dealt with by at least 2 adults. There are often reports in the media of this species killing either the owner’s children, family pet dogs, or even the owner themselves! But what the media often fails to report is that the snake in question was more often than not, given free access to roam the owner’s home. This is plain stupidity on the part of the owner & anyone that allows such a large potentially dangerous snake free access to roam their home, is simply playing Russian Roulette with a loaded gun.

 

That said there is still quite a demand for this species due to the fact it is probably the most beautiful of all the pythons & captive breeding programs by the more expert herpetologists, have produced some truly stunning colour morphs. Captive breeding has also to some extent calmed the disposition of this python, however, it will never compare to the placid and much more relaxed Burmese Python which has over the years gained great popularity with snake enthusiasts world wide.

 

 

Seahorses

Seahorses are small saltwater fish belonging to the Syngnathidae family (order Gasterosteiformes), which also includes pipefish and sea dragons. Most seahorse species, probably the most peculiar creatures in the water, live in the Coral Triangle. There are at least 50 known seahorse species in the world. They inhabit temperate and tropical waters but most of them are concentrated in the warm coastal waters of the Philippines.

 

Whale Shark

Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as “butanding”, whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group than in the waters of Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 35 feet in length and weigh about 20 tons.

 

Kalangay or the Philippine cockatoo

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds. One of the most endangered species is the exotic Kalangay or the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), which belongs to Psittacidae or the family of parrots. Some cockatoos can live up to 50 years. They are known for mimicking human voices. Most of them measure 33 centimeters in length and weigh 0.29 kilogram.

 

Palawan Bearcat

 

is neither a bear nor a cat. Known in Southeast Asia as binturong, the bearcat is a species of its own, with population in the forests of Palawan, Borneo, Burma and Vietnam. It belongs to the family of Viverridae (civets). The Palawan bearcat has a long body and a pointed face leading to the nose. Its head and body measure 61 to 96 centimeters in combined length while its tail is almost as long. It weighs 9 to 14 kilograms and lives up to 20 years.

 

Calamian Deer

 

Calamian Islands, north of Palawan province, keep a species of deer that cannot be found elsewhere. Scientists referred to the hog deer in the islands as Calamian deer in order to distinguish them from other hog deer in the world. An ordinary Calamian deer measures 105 to 115 centimeters in length and 60 to 65 centimeters high at the shoulder and weighs about 36 to 50 kilograms. It is said to have longer and darker legs, compared with other hog deer.

 

Philippine Mouse Deer

 

The World’s Smallest Hoofed Mammal - South of Palawan, lies the Balabac Island, home of the world’s smallest hoofed mammal - the Philippine mouse deer. Locally known as Pilandok (Tragalus nigricans), this ruminant stands only about 40 centimeters at the shoulder level.

 

Flying Lemur

 

One of the most distinct creatures on Earth lives in the Philippines. It doesn’t have wings but it can glide across 100 meters of space in a single leap. Like the lemurs of Asia, it moves around at night. Its head resembles that of a dog while its body has similarities with the flying squirrel of Canada.

 

In Mindanao, people call it “kagwang”. Around the world, it is known as colugo or the flying lemur.