FUN FACTS SERIES
EXPLORING
Locally known as the Haribon, ‘Girlie’ is a 42 year old Philippine Eagle that was found trapped and injured in Bukidnon, believed to be struck by a slingshot. She was the first of her kind to have laid a fertile egg in captivity-however, the egg didn’t hatch. With fewer than 1,000 birds remaining, this species is considered as critically endangered and is known to be the largest and rarest eagle in the world.
Conservation centers such as the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center are pursuing efforts to rehabilitate and save our national bird from the brink of extinction.
The Philippine Monkey, also referred to as the Philippine long-tailed macaque, can be found in all regions in the Philippines, with sightings in, but not limited to, Palawan, Rizal, and Subic.
In 2020, the DENR stated that the species’ population has been growing steadily and was classified as nonthreatened.
However, under the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development resolution no. 15-521 in 2021, these primates are listed as endangered, threatened by hunting, animal research, and human consumption.
Endemic to the Philippines, the Rufous Hornbill, locally known as “Kalaw”, is the largest hornbill in the country.
They are also referred to as “Clock-of-The-Mountains” because of the call they make every hour, signaling locals and surrounding species of the change in time.
Due to deforestation and hunting, the IUCN classified the “Kalaw” as vulnerable in 2020, but it is now considered as one of the most endangered Hornbills according to the Edge of Existence. However, conservation efforts have fortunately led to an increase in their population.
The Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis Holospilus) is a small raptor endemic to the Philippines and can be found in the islands of Luzon and Mindanao.
The presence of these birds is indicative of a healthy environment-however, habitat destruction serves as a threat to their population. In 2016, the IUCN stated that the species are of Least Concern, but as of 2022, local government articles classify them as endangered.
It is vital that we conserve and protect this raptor and the habitat in which it thrives in, for the sake of preserving a balanced ecosystem and to ensure it continues to flourish for future generations to come.
Endemic to the Philippines, the Marbled Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus Marmoratus), locally known as “Bayawak”, is the largest lizard in the country, and the second largest in the world. Found in forests and grasslands, this species usually tends to live near water, like this specific one found in Amanpulo, Palawan.
Threatened by the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and unsustainable harvest, these lizards are listed under the “Other Threatened Species” category by the DENR.
If you happen to come across these reptiles in the wild, always remember not to approach or disturb them as this disrupts their natural activity. Appreciate these beautiful creatures from a distance only.
The Marbled Monitor Lizard, also known as the Philippine Water Monitor, hunts by camouflaging amongst the bushes. Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, snakes, turtles, and rodents.
Despite this species being good at blending in, it is still one of the most commonly captured lizards sold into the illegal wildlife trade.
Classified as threatened, the conservation of these reptiles is vital towards its survival. Help save this species by keeping human development out of its ecosystem and by never supporting groups that traffic them.
You may recognize this species of turtle, known as the Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), one of the most popular pets in the world. However, one must acquire a permit to legally keep these turtles as pets in the Philippines.
Though categorized as least concern by the IUCN, they are classified as “invasive alien species”, meaning, non-native to the ecosystem. It’s important to note this since these turtles are commonly trafficked in the illegal wildlife trade for being ‘easy to take care of.’ However, this is far from the truth.
Red-Eared Sliders live for up to 20 years in captivity and even longer in the wild, a responsibility that many individuals who buy them can’t commit to.
If improperly handled and released where they are not endemic, these turtles pose a threat to the natural balance of the ecosystem.
It’s important to remember not to support the illegal pet trade and to be mindful of our actions. We all have a choice in how we affect our environment.
Locally known as “Bu-ot”, the Northern Luzon Cloud Rat (Phloeomys Pallidus) is a nocturnal herbivorous rodent endemic to Luzon.
This species is one of the largest rats in the world and can be found in cloud forests, hence it’s name.
Despite being classified as least concern, they are still threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and human encroachment. This particular Cloud Rat was surrendered from the illegal wildlife trade and is now being rehabilitated in Wildlife in Need Foundation, Subic.
Being the only native species of rat in the Philippines, it is important to push for its conservation and protection.
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), listed as endangered in the Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Rappler), is an herbivorous reptile endemic to Central and South America.
Commonly sold into the pet trade, it is estimated that 4.5 million iguanas were legally traded between 2001 and 2008. Just imagine how many more were sold illegally!
While sources like Rappler categorize this species as endangered in the country, the IUCN indicates they are of least concern. However, this species plays a crucial role in the terrestrial ecosystem as they are natural seed dispersers, which promotes the survival of plant species.
The absence of these animals in their habitats would result in imbalances in the natural order of things. Hence, it is important to keep wild animals wild as all species play a part in their respective environments.
The Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus) is endemic to Southeast Asia and Indochina. Categorized as endangered by the IUCN, there are only 15,000 to 30,000 individuals left in the world. With a declining population, this species is threatened by widespread deforestation, poaching, and habitat loss.
A fun fact about them is that they are the national bird of Myanmar and served as an ancient symbol of the monarchs of Burma.
Being one of the most iconic birds in all of Asia, we need to raise our ambitions for conservation efforts to protect this species.
Greetings from the Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) named ‘Lino!’ Locally known as “baboy ramo”, they are one of four pig species endemic to the Philippines.
Distinct in physical appearance, the males have small warts on their faces for protection. Hence, their name.
These animals are threatened by hunting, illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and habitat loss due to human encroachment-leading them to become critically endangered.
Today, there are as few as 200 left in the wild. However, conservation efforts such as habitat restoration in protected areas, breeding programs, local community education, and advocacy campaigns are ongoing to save this native species from the brink of extinction.
Mr. Freckles is an African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) endemic to the Sahara Desert in Africa. Also referred to as the Sulcata Tortoise, his species is the largest mainland tortoise in the world and is the only living species in its genus.
“Even though they originated from Africa and are supposedly desert tortoises, they thrive in the Philippines” due to our climate (Animal Scene).
As of 2020, the Sulcata Tortoise is categorized as endangered by the IUCN. This can be attributed to habitat modification, desertification (decreasing vegetation in drylands), climate change, and the international pet trade.
Mr. Freckles is a very friendly tortoise and I had the privilege of feeding him leafy greens! It would be a tragedy for his kind to disappear, and we must accelerate conservation efforts to protect these amazing animals from the risk of extinction.