The Endangered Exotic Animals of The Philippines
Each country has its own unique variety of animals native to its geographical location. The Philippines has some interesting species of animals, too. Sad to say, these animals are faced with the threat of eventual extinction, generally caused by illegal and non-environment-friendly human activities. Let me introduce you to some of the Philippines’ exotic animals:
The Calamian Deer
This deer is usually found only in the Calamianes–a group of islands in Northern Palawan — particularly in desiduous forests and clearings on the islands of Culion and Busuanga. It has a tawny brown-colored coat, with the males generally darkening with age. Compared to other species of the deer, the Calamian deer (Axis calamianesis) has relatively long legs, which are darker than the rest of the body. The male sports three-pronged antlers mounted on its forehead.
Though generally nocturnal, they emerge early in the morning from their resting places in the undergrowth to graze on the clearings and fields. Prized for their meat (as food) and antlers (collectible items), this species have been declared by the IUCN as endangered in 1996, having an estimated population of 900. Actions to save the Calamian deer have been initiated both locally and internationally. One is by breeding them in captivity in Calauit islands. As of 2002, there were 1,200 Calamian deer counted in this natural reserve alone.
The Philippine Sailfin Lizard
This is the largest member of family Agamidae of lizards native to many islands in the Philippines. They are usually found in woodland areas basking on trees, rocks and boulders never far from water edges. Large fins extending from along their bodies best characterize male sailfin lizards. Females are slightly shorter and the crest is absent. The Philippine Sailfin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) is threatened throughout most of its remaining range by destruction of habitat and over-hunting for food and the live animal trade. The Biodiversity Conservation Centre of the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation initiated a significant move to protect these lizards in Bacolod City. With funding support from Adelaide and Melbourne Zoos of Australia, the foundation designed a special sailfin lizard enclosure that will serve as the species breeding habitat.
The Philippine Monitor Lizard
A particular subspecies, Varanus salvator mamoratus, is commonly found in the Philippines, particularly in and around Sibulan Watershed Reserve in Polilo Islands. Locally, it is called bayawak. Like the Philippine sailfin lizard, the Philippine monitor lizard is heavily hunted both for its meat and leather. The conversion of forest to agricultural land on a massive scale is also held responsible for the decline of this lizard’s population.
The Palawan Peacock Pheasant
This particular species of pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum) that is endemic to the Palawan Island in the Philippines is regarded as the most beautiful of the peafowl species. A long, metallic blue crest with white lines above and below the eye best characterizes the males, which are attractively colored to attract a mate. Palawan peafowl, locally called “andikan,” are shy but adapt well and breed in confinement. Unfortunately they are already endangered because of declining habitat and the continuing bird trading and hunting for food. An estimated decreasing population of 1,000 has been recorded at present.
The Luzon Bleeding Heart Dove
Naturally found in Luzon, this species of dove (Gallicolumba luzonica) is distinct for its “bleeding” spot in the middle of its breast (that looks like it has been shot on its breast). Bleeding-hearts, locally called “puñalada,” are almost completely terrestrial, seldom going even into the low bushes. However, they do not build their nests on the ground. Just like all kinds of doves and pigeons they regurgitate crop milk to be fed to their chicks.
Image via Wikipedia
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17 Responses to “The Endangered Exotic Animals of The Philippines”
On August 29, 2009 at 2:53 pm
It’s a shame that they are on the list because they are truly amazing creatures! Thanks for the share!
On August 29, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Couldn’t agree more with Alc. Truly amazing indeed, and the same can be said for your article.
Thanks for sharing.
On August 29, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Very exotic indeed! But so sad that they are endangered. Especially the peacock pheasant looks like a wonder but how cruel is mankind that such beautiful creatures are deprived of the life to live? Beautiful article!
On August 29, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Exotic. Take heart, the American Bison once numbered as few as 1,500 just a few decades ago thanks to trophy hunting and general destruction. But with a little work they now number upwards of 350,000 and growing.
On August 30, 2009 at 6:29 am
Thanks for sharing!
I agree with what Atikin says,
I hope DENR can take a look at this situation regarding endangered specific species..
On August 30, 2009 at 9:47 am
I’m a Filipino and I know that these animals will surely rise up like the peer davids deer of china and the whooping cranes… I really like this article… so much
On August 31, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I grew up near a river in Cavite province on the island of Luzon. Sixty years ago, “bayawak” (varanus salvator mamoratus) were a common sight. When bamboo trees on the river banks were cut down, the bayawaks vanished. I bet there are other species of both plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction. I think people care but the problems of surviving a third-world economy come first. The eradication of graft and corruption should come second or even higher on their agenda.
It is a shame, if not a crime, to let these beautiful creatures go extinct.Let us strive to save these creatures and work to make the dirty politicians go extinct instead.
On August 31, 2009 at 10:42 pm
How sad that some of us, mankind, have no respect for life? We think that we have the right to plunder through the animal kingdom, killing them and maiming them. Thanks for elucidating these points.
Monica
On September 2, 2009 at 6:17 am
Such beautiful animals. I’m not even aware that our country is home to the sailfin lizard. Nice post!
On September 2, 2009 at 9:03 am
it is a good thing that you write about our endangered animals. But you forget the extremely endangered mammal in the Philippines, the tamaraw (bubalus mindorensis).
If people will remain indifferent to the conservation efforts our fauna will soon face the fate of Dodo.
Thanks for reminding us.
On September 9, 2009 at 5:27 am
This is amazing but how poor are hunters they hunt for animals and take off inner places of the animals or even outer places.The Luzon Bleeding heart Dove is cute but how sad it is endangered.I
wish every animal that is endangered would become plenty.
On October 7, 2009 at 6:33 am
we should protect them before they become extict and the future generations may not see the beautiful wonders in our world if we don’t protect it
On October 18, 2009 at 8:21 pm
WE SHOULD LOVE OUR NATURE AND ALL LIVING THINGS THAT LIVE THERE , NOT TO HUNT THEM BECAUSE THEY CAN HELP OUR SURROUNDINGS TO BALANCE OUR NATURE…..WE HAVE MANY ENDANGERED SPECIES HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES …WE COULD BE THE REASON WHY THEY ARE EXTINCT ,.BECAUSE WE ABUSE THEIR RIGHT TO LIVE.
On February 5, 2010 at 4:21 am
Loved this article..well written piece and very interesting indeed. thanks a lot. cheers
On February 5, 2010 at 8:09 am
A very interesting read on a topic I didn’t know anything about before. Good stuff.
On February 12, 2010 at 8:16 am
im from cebu and we have our own very treatend species like cebu\’s Black Shamas, its a little black bird that was though to be extinct, and was rediscovered, now a very small population is fighting for thier survival! its so sad but we can still do somthing about it…. i think its time to work and undo the damage we pleague upon those little black birds and to all leaving things that God has intrusted to us…..
On March 13, 2010 at 10:51 pm
I’M FROM BULACAN I THINK ALL ANIMALS HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE ALL INDANGERED..SOO..WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM…CHAR LANG HHHHAHAHA…
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