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.