Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Species
Species
disappearing
By Anna Bueno
Updated 16:35 PM PHT Thu, February 7, 2019
95
Tawilis was recently classified as an endangered species by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature. Illustration by JL JAVIER
The Philippines is home to an enviable bounty of flora and fauna, many of which are
consumed as food. What we consider food may be gone in the next few years,
however, as displayed by recent news on the tawilis, now an endangered species.
There are many ways to conserve and protect these species. But the first step to
conservation is understanding the extent of these species’ decline, in order to arrive
at solutions with more impact.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in assessing the species
above, does not use the terms “critically endangered,” “endangered,” or “vulnerable”
loosely: they represent specific and definable risk levels in a spectrum, divided into
nine categories in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species:
Data Deficient: species that are well-studied, but lacking appropriate data on
distribution and/or abundance.
Least Concern: species that may face declining populations or threats, but not the
level required of a threatened (i.e. vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered)
listing. “Least concern” is understood in terms of extinction risk, but does not negate
the need for conservation.
Near Threatened: Species that do not qualify, but are nevertheless in danger of
becoming threatened, i.e. vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, if
conservation efforts cease.
Vulnerable: Any of the following: a projected population decline of greater than 30
percent over the next 10 years or three generations; a global range of less than
20,000 square kilometers; a stable global population size of less than 1,000
individuals.
Extinct in the Wild: Species that have been extirpated (rooted out) from their
natural habitat and now live only in captivity.
Extinct: Species of which the last individual has died, without reasonable doubt.
A more thorough discussion of the IUCN guidelines for classifying a species may be
found here.
CNN Philippines Life compiled a list of several species (including tawilis) that are at
risk and are either endemic to or a resident of the Philippines. There are many other
threatened species in the Philippines; but this list focuses on species eaten as food
and whose populations are decreasing or unknown.
The list and the data that follows are generally based on the IUCN Red List and cited
studies therein.
Scientists have been reporting for years that wild arabica subpopulations are on the decline, due to
deforestation, climate change, genetic erosion, pests, and diseases.
Arabica coffee
There are 124 known coffee species; 60 percent of which is in danger of extinction,
including arabica, which is grown locally. Arabica constitutes majority of the global
coffee trade. While our main output is robusta, if you drink coffee from the Cordilleras
(or anything grown in higher altitudes), it’s probably arabica.
Scientists have been reporting for years that wild arabica subpopulations are on the
decline, due to deforestation, climate change, genetic erosion, pests, and diseases.
The problem is that the causes for decline have not ceased, with climate change
posing the biggest threat both for cultivated and wild arabica species.
Preserving wild subpopulations are especially important: they hold the key to coffee
sustainability, as cross-breeding these species with others may produce plants that
are more resilient to climate change, pests, and diseases. These wild species must
be preserved in their natural habitat; better facilities and mechanisms are required
for coffee species cultivated outside of their areas of origin.
Catmon
The catmon tree bears fruit and is found only in the Philippines. The fruit is used as
vinegar and fish flavoring, as well as for achara and jams. As a medicinal plant, the
fruit’s juice is mixed with sugar to treat cough. The wood from the tree is used for
timber; it is also a popular ornamental plant.
Logging and wood harvesting and ecosystem degradation threaten the catmon, thus
necessitating conservation efforts. More research is needed, however, to concretely
identify risks and conservation actions for this species.
The pili nut, a typical pasalubong fare, has been classified as vulnerable for population decline. Photo from
PAULO NAVA/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Pili nut
The pili only grows in the Philippines, and is known for its rich buttery flavor when
roasted. The typical pasalubong fare, however, has been classified as vulnerable for
population decline. Its last date of assessment in the IUCN Red List is 1998; as with
the catmon, more research is needed to identify specific threats and conservation
actions for the pili.
Pajo
Pajo looks like a small mango, but is distinct from it. It may be found in northern and
central Philippines, but the species is not abundant anywhere, and timber is only
available in small quantities. In the Philippines, fruits are available between March to
May, and are often pickled to be served later on with fish or meat, eaten in salads, or
on its own with salt. While it is not grown commercially, it is used as rootstock for the
mango.
While more research is needed on this species, its population is threatened because
of logging and wood harvesting, and its use as a non-timber crop and in livestock
farming.
Declining populations for sea turtles are attributed largely to human activity. Photo by CHANG CASAL
Sea turtle
Five of seven marine turtle species are found in the Philippines; all of them are
threatened. Four of them (as listed above) are hunted for their eggs and meat,
considered as delicacies. The reasons for their decline vary, since sea turtles are
found globally. What’s certain, however, is declining populations for sea turtles are
attributed largely to human activity, and mitigation measures — including
international cooperation — must be directed towards addressing these causes.
For the green turtle, it’s the overexploitation of eggs and adult females in nesting
beaches, and for juveniles and males, in foraging areas. Pollution of marine habitats
also contributes to the decline.
Despite various conservation measures in place, the tawilis was still assessed at
risk, leading the IUCN to recommend that “local government agencies should be
more active in the implementation of various laws on lake management and
conservation.”
Shark finning renders sharks unable to swim or breathe, leading to their death.
Shark
While bycatch affects populations, it is intense hunting pressure that drives the
decline of most shark species. Shark finning renders sharks unable to swim or
breathe, leading to their death. The biggest shark fin trading hub, as consistently
cited in studies, is Hong Kong.
The shark is valued not only for its fins, but also its flesh (the liver is a source of oil).
International treaties have put in place several conservation measures, but in some
cases of species less at risk, hunting is unregulated. More research is also needed
for some species to identify the extent of population declines.
Grouper (Lapu-lapu)
Tuna
IUCN Red List Classification: Vulnerable (Pacific bluefin tuna); Near Threatened
(Yellowfin tuna, albacore tuna)
The Pacific bluefin tuna has the highest value of any tuna species for use as
sashimi, and it is one of the most important commercial species. Japan catches the
majority of this tuna, followed by Mexico, US, Korea, and Chinese Taipei. Its
population is on the decline, with purse seine fleets on the West Pacific Ocean (near
Asia and Australia) making the most impact on stock, for capturing mostly juvenile
fishes. Thus, conservation efforts directed at decreasing catch for species at juvenile
ranges.
The yellowfin is also an important commercial species; the second most important
for canning. The albacore tuna is also marketed mainly as canned white meat tuna.
While both species are only near threatened, their population is declining due to
overfishing to meet human demands.
The Calamian deer's continuing decline is attributed to hunting, human settlement, and agricultural
expansion in its habitats. Photo from SCOTT HANKO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Calamian and Philippine spotted deer
IUCN Red List Classification: Endangered (Calamian deer, Philippine spotted deer)
The Calamian deer may only be found in Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Marily, and
Dimaquiat islands in Palawan, altogether making the extent of its occurrence less
than 5,000 square kilometers. Continuing decline is attributed to hunting, human
settlement, and agricultural expansion in its habitats. The resettlement of Yolanda
victims and squatting of outsiders in Busuanga also puts pressure on its habitat.
The Philippine spotted deer may only be found in the Western Visayas islands, now
restricted to Panay’s Mount Badja — Mount Baloy area, and some remaining forests
in Negros. Aside from having a limited range, the species is declining because of
habitat conversion (due to agriculture and logging) and hunting. The species is
hunted more for game/trophies, though some surplus meat is sold to specialty
restaurants. Some are kept as a pets (among politicians, IUCN notes). It is estimated
that only around 700 mature spotted deer remain.
Both species are poorly conserved, requiring a whole gamut of conservation efforts:
effective management plans, the establishment of new protected areas, further
research on their habitats, conservation education programs, better control of illegal
hunting, and stricter law enforcement.
Balabac mouse deer (Pilandok)
The nocturnal pilandok (mouse deer) is a subject of stories and myths; with inaction,
it might become just another character in our literature. The rare species may only
be found (for certain) in Palawan, specifically the Balabac, Bugsuk, Ramos, Apulit,
and Calauit islands. However, it is poached for food, displaced from its habitat (due
to conversion to agriculture), and is sometimes subject to trade in living animals.
While there is extensive awareness of the pilandok, the species is protected under
weakly enforced laws. Additionally, the pilandok is not subject to in-situ (inside the
habitat) protection; the conservation measures in place are ex-situ (outside the
habitat), with some populations held inside privately-owned areas. To effectively
conserve the pilandok, in-situ measures are critical. Among others, further research
on the species’ habitat requirements, the establishment of an effectively protected
area, and further enforcement of hunting laws are required.
Aside from falling prey to poachers and getting caught in traps meant for other animals, tamaraws face
land-use pressure from indigenous communities, who themselves are displaced by new settlers. Photo
from GREGG YAN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Tamaraw
While they are used for local consumption, the main threat to the species is they
have little space to disperse and increase their range, due to human pressure and
the shortage of natural corridors. Poaching continues. Tamaraws also get caught in
traps not meant for them. The species also faces land-use pressure from indigenous
communities, who themselves are displaced by new settlers, thus calling for a multi-
sector approach to conservation beyond protected areas.
IUCN Red List Classification: Critically Endangered (Visayan warty pig); Vulnerable
(Philippine warty pig, Oliver’s warty pig/Mindoro warty pig); Near Threatened (Palawan
bearded pig)
Known locally as baboy damo, the four wild pig species above are endemic to the
Philippines, and are all locally hunted for food. Populations of all species are
declining.
The Visayan warty pig, the species most at risk, has a fragmented population
surviving only in Negros, Panay, and possibly Masbate. The Philippine warty pig also
suffers from a fragmented population and possible extinction in some islands, due to
extensive logging operations, agricultural expansion, and hunting pressure.
The Oliver’s warty pig, only found in Mindoro, also has a fragmented population,
caused by widespread destruction and decreasing quality of forest habitats
(threatened by mining). The Palawan bearded pig, meanwhile, is still common in
some areas, although it faces decline due to habitat loss and heavy hunting
pressure.
The species above are fully protected by law, but enforcement remains a problem,
especially in already-established protected areas.
95
Top 50 Critically Endangered
Animals in the Philippines
Updated on November 20, 2018
With so much biological diversity, the country is also home to a large number of threatened
animal species. As of the day this article was published, the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), has declared 418 animal species in the
Philippines to be threatened: meaning they are either vulnerable, endangered, or critically
endangered, according to the IUCN red list criteria.
This article lists the top 50 critically endangered animals in the Philippines:
1. Philippine eagle
2. Philippine freshwater crocodile
3. Tamaraw
4. Walden's hornbill
5. Visayan warty pig
6. Philippine cockatoo
7. Negros bleeding-heart
8. Philippine naked-backed fruit bat
9. Philippine forest turtle
10. Dinagat bushy-tailed cloud rat
11. Hawksbill sea turtle
12. The Philippine tarsier
13. Philippine spotted deer
14. Sulu Hornbill
15. Negros Fruit Dove
16. Flame-breasted Fruit Dove
17. Giant Clams
18. Cebu flowerpecker
19. Golden-capped fruit bat
20. Net coral
21. Long polyp green
22. False flower coral
23. Sei whale
24. Blue whale
25. Fin Whale
26. Dinagat hairy-tailed rat
27. Limbless worm skink
28. Loggerhead turtle
29. Dog-faced water snake
30. Humphead wrasse
31. Green turtle
32. Black shama
33. Panay Crateromys
34. Negros shrew
35. Flame-templed babbler
36. White-winged flying fox
37. Mindoro zone-tailed pigeon
38. Japanese night heron
39. Apo swallowtail
40. Spiny turtle
41. Calamian deer
42. Streak-breasted bulbul
43. Catanduanes narrow-mouthed frog
44. Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat
45. Luzon peacock swallowtail
46. Frog-faced soft shell turtle
47. Tawitawi brown dove
48. Mindoro tree frog
49. Hazel's forest frog
50. Mount Data forest frog
Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) | Source
Conservation Rationale
The IUCN has the Philippine eagle on its red list of critically endangered animals due to several
factors. In 1988, it was added to the list of animals in threat of extinction. In the1990s it was
classified as critically endangered.
There are very few of these eagles left. Their global population has been steady declining for the
past 56 years. Various legislations have been passed protecting the Philippine eagle, but such
laws have been poorly enforced, thus the continued decline in the eagle's numbers.
There are natural reserves and other protected areas at natural parks like Mt. Apo and Mt.
Katinglad. The Philippine Eagle Center, which can be found in Davao on the island of Mindanao,
oversees the captive breeding of these eagles.
Philippine Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) | Source
Another threat comes from the locals themselves, who illegally hunt the crocodiles. There is a
current need to educate locals when it comes to the difference between the small Philippine
freshwater crocodile and the saltwater crocodiles that also inhabit the same area. Locals tend to
hunt the smaller and endangered local crocodile species without realizing the damage they are
causing.
Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) | Source
Distinguishing Features
The Tamaraw shares a lot of physical traits with other types of bovine. It has a heavyset body,
legs that end in cloven hooves, a short neck, and a horned head. However, unlike the other
species included in its family, this one tends to be smaller and a lot stockier. Males have thicker
necks compared to females.
It has an average shoulder height of 39 to 41 inches (in) and can grow up to 7.2 feet in length.
The heaviest Tamaraw ever recorded weighed around 660 pounds (lbs).
Adult Tamaraws have a darker grey or brown color. They have distinctly shorter legs compared
to other buffalo species. Their inner lower forelegs as well as their hooves have distinct white
markings. The ears also exhibit the same white markings on the tips.
Walden's Hornbill (Aceros waldeni) | Source
Distinguishing Features
This colorful bird is also the second most critically endangered species of hornbill in the world.
Just like other species in its family, Walden's hornbill also has that distinct bony casque atop its
bill. The Walden hornbill, however, has a reddish-orange colored casque and it appears sort of
wrinkled.
Other than the reddish-orange bill, it also has a distinct ridged mandible. The feathers on the
upper chest as well as the necks are reddish-orange colored as well. Another distinct feature is
the bare skin around its red eyes.
The plumage on its body is usually black, but its tail feathers are white with a black tip. Female
Kalaws are smaller than the males. The feathers on their breast, neck, and head are black.
Females are also brown eyed with a blue green coloration on the skin.
The body of this mammal is covered albeit sparsely with bristly hairs. The hairs are usually dark
grey in color for the males and light brown or silvery for the females. The males, especially those
found in Panay Island, grow tufts of hair from their heads down to their necks, which eventually
become manes. The most distinguishing feature of this species is the white stripe that runs along
the bridge of their noses all the way to their mouths.
Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) | Source
Distinguishing Features
The Philippine cockatoo is covered in white plumage, which makes it really attractive. However,
the bird's undertail coverts are red with white tips. The feathers under its wings are pale yellowish
in color. It also has the ability to mimic the human voice, which makes it a highly valued pet. This
is why it is vulnerable to illegal wildlife trade.
Negros Bleeding-Heart (Gallicolumba keayi) | Source
To add to its vivid array of colors is a mantle of iridescent green that covers its crown, lesser wing
coverts, nape, breast sides, and upper mantle. This forms an incomplete breast band. Its inner
wing coverts have a greyish-white band of feathers. The feathers on its belly feathers have a
creamy white color.
Distinguishing Features
Just like other turtles it has a protective carapace that serves as its distinguishing feature. Unlike
the typical land turtle, this marine turtle has a flattened body shape and limbs shaped like flippers
for hydrodynamic efficiency when swimming.
Its most distinguishing feature is its Hawk's bill (hence its name): a narrow, pointed beak.
Considered a medium-sized reptile, they can grow up to three feet in length and weigh up to 180
lbs. The heaviest recorded Hawksbill caught in the wild weighed around 280 lbs.
The turtle's shell is known for its amber coloration. It also has streaks of light and dark colors.
You will find other shell colors, which include brown. The shell often appears to be speckled.
Hawksbills are vegetarian and adults are usually found feeding in coral reef areas. They also
nest and forage in mangroves. This is a migratory species of sea turtles. As such, they can thrive
in a variety of habitats such as mangrove swamps, lagoons, and even in the open ocean.
The Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta) | Source
In the Philippines, you can find tarsier in the southeastern region of the archipelago. Current data
shows that there are species that have been found inhabiting the islands of Mindanao, Samar,
Bohol, and Leyte. Some of can also be found in Maripipi Island, Dinagat Island, and Siargao
Island.
Distinguishing Features
The Philippine tarsier is considered one of the smallest species of primates in the world. They
measure around 118 to 149 millimeters (mm) and they weigh somewhere from 113 to 142
grams. In contrast to their little bodies, tarsiers have distinctly large eyes. Their anatomy shows
that a tarsier eyeball is as big as the animal's brain. A tarsier's eyeball can have a diameter of 16
mm.
Distinguishing Features
The majority of the hornbill's body is covered by dark black feathers. In contrast, the tail feathers
are white. A top coat of feathers on its upper parts are dark green and glossy, covering part of
the wings and the back. The bird's bill is black as well as the skin around its eye.
Male Sulu hornbills have cream colored irises while females have dark brown. Juvenile hornbills
of this species either have white tipped primaries or casque-less bills. These birds make
shrieking and cackling calls in a patterned intervals.
This species of fruit dove is extremely shy, fleeing and hiding from surveyors. That being said,
there are more surveys that must be made in Panay Island, where the bird is believed to thrive.
The main factors that have contributed to the decline of this bird species include hunting and the
destruction of its natural habitat.
Distinguishing Features
The existence of the Negros fruit dove is confirmed by only a single specimen – a female that
was collected in the 50s. It is about 16.5 cm in length, which makes it very small. Its feathers are
dark green, providing perfect cover in foliage. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of a
ring of feathers around its eye, which are bright yellow in color.
It is also distinctly marked by a greyish-white coloration along its throat. It also has yellow
feathers in the undertail coverts. Yellow fringes and dark streaks make a conspicuous feature on
its folded wings.
Distinguishing Features
This fruit dove is particularly large compared to other local species at 40 cm in length. The
feathers on its head are peculiarly rusty red in color. A black patch of feathers marks its ear
coverts. Another orange patch of feathers can be found extending from its throat going down to
its under parts.
The feathers on its sides are markedly light grey. The feathers on its wings and back are chiefly
black in color. The rump and tail have dark green feathers. It also has a red bill and its legs are
also reddish.
Distinguishing Features
This flowerpecker species is rather short and stocky at 11 to 12 cm in length. The male birds of
this species have a black head with a lot of bright red feathers on their mantle and back. It also
has dark blue wings and the same color combination for its tail. Males also have yellowish-green
colored feathers at their tails and rump.
Female species have rather dull colored feathers though they exhibit the same patterns seen on
males. They also have dark grey feathers on their backs. Females do not have a scarlet mantle
of feathers on their backs, like their male counterparts.
Golden-Capped Fruit Bat (Acerodon jubatus) | Source
These bats are called "golden-capped" because of the golden patch of fur around their head.
That cap of gold stands out in contrast to the black of its body fur.
The current aquarium trade has made this specific type of coral a target, with its appearance
making it an attractive addition to an aquarium. Other than extraction and use in aquariums, net
corals are also susceptible to coral bleaching. Studies show that Alveopora excelsa have a high
response to the bleaching phenomenon, making them a likely species to face immediate
extinction.
Distinguishing Features
This type of coral usually forms colonies that extend up to 2 meters (m). Their polyp skeleton
usually has a pink color. When their tentacles have extended, the colonies eventually turn into a
field that is beautifully golden brown in color. It is because of their beautiful color that they're a
popular pick for people collecting corals for aquariums.
Distinguishing Features
Distinct features include knoblike branches that appear to be irregularly dividing, which is a
distinct feature of its colonies. Coralites can have a single spine but they can also have no septa.
Note that some specimens may have about one or two septas.
The coralites are usually small, only about 1 millimeter in diameter. Above the wall, you will also
notice that the vertical spines tend to form into a palisade.
Distinguishing Features
Sei whales can reach up to 64 feet in length and can weigh as much as 28 tons. Female Sei
whales are a bit smaller, reaching up to 48 feet in length and weighing about 20.5 tons. Its diet
usually consists of zooplankton, krill, and copepods. To keep up with its nutritional requirements,
an adult Sei whale needs to consume up to 900 kg (around 2,000 lbs) of food each day.
The Sei whale is also one of the fastest sea creatures in the world. They can swim up to 31 miles
per hour or around 27 knots, but they can only maintain that speed for short distances.
Other variants include the Southern Indian Ocean, Northern Indian Ocean, North Pacific, and
North Atlantic Blue whales. Experts also note that due to the diversity and other uncertainties,
there is no way to actually categorize Blue whales. That means trying to put them into categories
is neither realistic nor appropriate.
The IUCN includes blue whales in the red list of endangered species due to an alarmingly
reduced population. Experts estimate that the global population of blue whales has been
depleted at a rate of 70 to 90 percent. This estimate includes all types of Blue whales.
The biggest threat to blue whales in the past was commercial whaling and exploitation, which is
the major reason for their near extinction back in the 1960s. They were been provided protection
at the latter end of the 60s, but whaling operations continued. Whaling operations ceased in the
1970s.
There are still threats to the survival of this species–make no mistake. They are still prone to
entanglements in fishing gear and ship strikes. The reduction of sea ice in the Antarctic will also
affect migration, feeding, and breeding patterns.
Distinguishing Features
Blue whales are characterized by their slender and long bodies. They can weigh as much as 191
tons and stretch up to 98 feet long. Their colors usually consist of different shades of blue. Some
are even bluish-grey in color. Their undersides tend to have a lighter color.
Distinguishing Features
Fin whales–like Sei whales–have long, slender bodies. They have a brownish-grey coloration on
their upper sides and a paler shade on the under sides. They are larger than Sei whales, but
smaller than blue whales. The largest fin whale ever spotted was about 89.6 ft. The heaviest one
ever recorded weighed 74 tons.
Russet Batomys or Dinagat Hairy-Tailed Rat (Batomys russatus) | Source
Experts point to the destruction of its natural habitat as the main reason for the population
decline. Logging activities, mining, and agriculture are the main reasons for the reduction of
nearby forest lands where the Dinagat hairy-tailed was known to thrive.
Distinguishing Features
This species is actually one of five under the Batomys genus. It was categorized as a separate
species in 1998 and is known only because of two specimens that were collected back in 1975.
It is more or less an attractive mouse species. It has slick looking fur that is rather thick. The fur
on the upper part of its body is reddish-brown in color while its under parts are orange-grey. The
tail on this animal is short. It has long whiskers.
Limbless Worm Skink (Brachymeles vermis) | Source
Distinguishing Features
Very little is known of the Limbless worm skink. They are only known to exist because of two
specimens collected under leaves along a river bank. This is one of five known limbless reptile
species in the world.
This particular species has six enlarged chin shields. It also has 22 to 24 rows of mid-body
scales. It is also quite small, only reaching up to 74.7 mm. Its upper parts are dark-brownish in
color while is undersides are reddish and pale.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) | Source
Distinguishing Features
This species is a type of marine turtle. On average an adult turtle of this species will measure up
to 35 inches in length. Adults can weigh up to 298 lbs. The largest specimen ever recorded
weighed 1,000 lbs. The skin color of this turtle ranges from different hues of yellow to brown. The
shell on the other hand is usually reddish-brown in color. There are no gender specific
differences in size and features, except that males have shorter plastrons and thicker tails.
Dog-Faced Water Snake (Cerberus microlepis) | Source
The IUCN has included this species in their red list as an endangered snake species. This is
because its habitat is considered very limited. For example, Lake Buhi only consists of 19 square
kilometers (km). Its biggest threats today include the destruction of its natural forest habitat.
Pollution, including the increasing poor quality of the lake water, is also a contributing factor to
the snake's population decline. Since this water snake can also thrive beyond its immediate lake
habitat and surrounding areas, it is possible that it may be growing expanding its territory into
other nearby forest areas. More studies and surveys are needed to ascertain its distribution and
abundance.
Distinguishing Features
This water snake is characterized by the 29 scale rows found along its midbody. It also has one
divided rear upper labial. One will also notice its keeled scales on its crown. On its rows of
scales, the snake sports two lateral stripes. Its bodily scales form a uniformly dark ventral
pattern.
Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulates) | Source
Distinguishing Features
This species of fish is the biggest member of the Labridae family. Male Humphead wrasse can
grow up to 2 meters long and weigh up to 180 kg. Females are a bit smaller than the males.
Other distinct features include the two black lines found behind their eyes, thick lips, and a hump
that looks like its forehead. Its colors vary from blue-green to purplish-blue.
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) | Source
Disease caused by pollution also kills a sizable portion of this species. The various diseases
affect not only mature Green turtles but also hatchlings as well. These and other factors
contributed to the rationale for putting this species in the list of species threatened by extinction,
according to the IUCN.
Distinguishing Features
Male Green turtles have physical and developmental differences compared to females, making
them distinguishable. Males usually have longer claws on their front flippers and a larger tail.
Distinguishing Features
This rodent species is actually the second largest of the cloud rats family in the country.
An adult Panay cloudrunner can grow up to 600 mm in length. It has a long bushy tail and the
rest of its body is covered in greyish brown colored fur. This species is nocturnal and can be
found nesting in the hollows of trees. The usual diet of these animals include an assortment of
leaves, papayas, corn, guavas, bananas, and other fruits.
Negros Shrew (Crocidura negrina) | Source
Distinguishing Features
The average length of this bat's forelimb is at 139.5 cm. It typically weighs around 340 grams.
Just like other bats, this one also dwells above ground. Plants and other fruits serve as their
primary food source. This bat is distinguished by its dark brown eyes. Its body is covered in grey
fur. The bat sports a whitish streak beginning from its head and running down its back.
Mindoro Zone-Tailed Pigeon (Ducula mindorensis) | Source
Current population estimates range from 1,000 birds all the way up to 2,499.
Distinguishing Features
This species is distinctly marked by the colors of its head feathers, which are a light blue-greyish
color. Pink feathers cover its throat, the lower part of its face, and its forehead. Its eyes have red
orbital skin, which are surrounded by black rings. Its hind neck is red. It also has wing coverts
that are edged in bronze feathers.
The Apo's hind wings are also black but have short tails. The edges of these wings are wavy with
a light green coloration. The thorax and head are also black with a gray underside.
Spiny Turtle (Heosemys spinose) | Source
Conservation Rationale
This turtle species is currently on the IUCN's red list as an endangered species. Detailed
monitoring is necessary to ensure the protection of this type of turtle.
Distinguishing Features
This deer can only be found in the Calamian Islands in the Palawan Province. Males can grow up
to 26 inches in height and have three tined antlers.
Distinguishing Features
Compared to other species in its family, the Streak-breasted bulbul has a longer tail. Its total
length is 22 cm. It has brownish-grey feathers on its upper breast and under parts. It also has a
distinct dark cap. Its plumage is more uniform than other species in its family.
Distinguishing Features
Its most distinct feature–its tubular nose–is also the reason for its name. It was first described
back in 1984. Some say that it is one of the strangest bat species in the world. It has a pair of
separate, tubular nostrils They are about six mm in length and usually project outwards above
the mouth. Another distinct feature are the stripes on its body: the Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat
is one of only a few species of bats to have them. This bat also has a singular dark stripe going
along the middle section of the its back. Other distinct marks include yellow spots on the wings
and ears. It also has golden brown fur.
Luzon Peacock Swallowtail (Papilio chikae) | Source
Distinguishing Features
The wingspan of this butterfly ranges from 11 to 12 cm. The wings have a notably bluish-green
color and a chain of spots as well. Its forewings are primarily black and are spotted with green
scales. Its undersides are dark brown with white bands on the outer edges.
Its hind wings have tails with a wavy edge. The underside of these wings have whitish scales
with spotted red edges. The body of this butterfly is black and also has a characteristic green
scale pattern. Males have fewer red spots than females.
Frog-faced Soft Shell Turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) | Source
Distinguishing Features
This particular turtle species has a lot of distinct features. It has a pair of small eyes that are
located near the tip of its mouth and a broad head. Its carapace has an olive color and a smooth
texture. Juveniles of this species are known to have yellow heads and dark spots on their
carapace.
Reports claim this species can grow up to six feet in length. The largest recorded carapace is
about 51 inches in length. The heaviest recorded Frog-face soft shell turtle is 220 lbs.
This species is carnivorous and an ambush predator. Its diet consists of fish, mollusks, and
crustaceans. It spends the great majority of its life motionless and buried. Its mouth as well as its
eyes are the only parts of its body that remain slightly visible above the sand when it burrows. It
only surfaces twice a day to replenish its air supply.
Tawitawi Brown Dove (Phapitreron cinereiceps) | Source
The rest of the feathers, especially on its upper parts, have a darker olive-brown coloration. The
feathers on its under parts have a rusty look, especially when you inspect its belly. It also has
grey undertail coverts. These doves are often found flying solo but at times can be found in pairs.
Mindoro Tree Frog (Philautus schmackeri) | Source
Distinguishing Features
This forest frog have been observed laying eggs and living in screw pines. They lay their eggs on
the leaves of forest trees. The entire body of this frog is covered in a camouflage pattern of
different shades of brown. An adult frog is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
The range of this species is severely fragmented and is currently threatened by habitat
destruction. Because of this and other factors, this frog species has been included on the IUCN
red list as an endangered frog species.