Six Endemic Animals Endangered in Palawan

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Endemic Animals

Endemic animals are animals which are native or its distribution confined in only one place. The reason for their existence in only one location may be due to their specific feeding habits or those habitats provide the best condition for their survival. Because of this, the population of endemic animals are prone to disturbances occurring in their specific range.

Human Economic Activities

In many places, human economic activities and the hunt for food in places where endemic animals live could lead to reduction and even loss of population of these animals. Since their population is confined in only one locality, there is no chance that this population is replenished once the critical level of population to maintain the species is compromised.

Endemic Animals Endangered

Among those endemic animals endangered by human encroachment to their habitat as well as demand for their meat are the six mammals of Palawan. Palawan, located at the western section of the Philippines, is a long island where unique microclimates offer favorable habitat for the survival of these endemic species of mammals. Animals endangered towards probable extinction are the following: Balabac mouse deer, Palawan bearcat, Palawan tree shrew, Palawan porcupine, and the Palawan dwarf otter. >>Read more...

The Endemic Scaly Anteater of Palawan: An Endangered Species?

Photo by Alejandro Bernardo, Jr.

Endemic animals in the province of Palawan in the Philippines are gradually being overtaken by the economic activities of man. Although many of the animals are meant to be consumed by people, their continued availability in the future appears to be threatened.

Among these mammals, the Palawan pangolin or scaly anteater (Manis culionensis), is in grave danger of being wiped out from their range because of the demand, not only for their exotic meat but also people's belief that it is an aphrodisiac. It is a pity that these animals are captured by burning their habitat. This animal capture practice has been used by hunters of the wild pig decades ago that led to the deforestation of much of the Visayan areas in the Philippine archipelago.

Why is the pangolin better left in the wild and why should it be conserved? The scaly anteater has a major role to play in the ecosystem where it thrives. The scaly anteater works like a natural pest control agent, preventing the proliferation of ants and termites.

More about interesting details of how this wonderful mammal looks and its ecological role can be found in Facts About the Endemic Palawan Pangolin or Scaly Anteater.

Palawan Bearcat: Neither Bear Nor Cat

Palawan Bearcats (Arctictis binturong) exist only in Palawan in the Philippines as it is an endemic species. They are, however, neither bear nor cats as people might think because of its name. Locally named binturong, the bearcat belongs to Family Viverridae which includes civets and genets. Civets are small mammals frequenting trees (arboreal)which produce a distinctive musk. Genets, on the other hand, are catlike (but unrelated to cats) and likewise have musk glands. are Genets are superficially cat-like creatures, despite being unrelated to cats.

Notable among the bear cats are their prehensile tail which they also use to communicate. More on these animals here.

Visit Palawaniana for more information on Palawan's wildlife.

Symbiotic Relationship Between the Mouse Deer and the Python

The Balabac Mouse deer or Pilandok is a major protein source for the native Molbogs of Balabac Island, Palawan. Generally shy, the mouse deer takes refuge in burrows dug under trees. These underground holes become favorite habitats also to pythons, which appear to be ‘friendly’ with the mouse deer. Natives described the relationship mutual. Accordingly, when the mouse deer is hunted with the aid of dogs, and when the mouse deer takes refuge in its hole, the python lies in wait to prey on the dogs. There is a symbiotic relationship between the mouse deer and the python.

More on this story here.

How Much Can a Tourist Attraction Earn?

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Now a famous vacation destination in Palawan and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World Candidate, St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park or simply Underground River to many, is a major tourism earner. How much can a tourist attraction earn?

Details on how much this world wonder is worth at Trifter.

More on tourist attractions in Palawan here.

Mini-Tubbataha of Palawan

Once unknown to many, a reef thrived just a few minutes off a jetty in Honda Bay, Palawan. Now, it has become one of the major attractions of a day-long island hopping spree, a well-known itinerary of tourists. Visitors can snorkel and see what the local people dubbed as the Mini-Tubbataha of Palawan and rest on a sea turtle-shaped School-in-the-Seas project or Dalub-Karagatan of HOBBAI-ABS-CBN Project.

More on this new reef attraction in Trifter.

More about attractions in Palawan here.

The Mangrove Snake: Another Species in Peril?

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An ubiquitous species of mildly-venomous snake, the mangrove snake or gold-ringed cat snake (Boiga dendrophila) may be facing extinction due to increasing human activities in its habitat. Once easily seen in mangrove-lined rivers in Palawan, the mangrove snake is difficult to spot nowadays. Is the mangrove snake another species in peril?

More on this snake in Scienceray...

More on Palawan wildlife here.