10 Animals That Are Unique To The Philippines (and where to find them)
ANIMALS – Here are the ten (10) animals that can only be found in the Philippines and where to find them.
The Pearl of the Orient showcases a remarkable array of islands, each possessing its own distinctiveness. Tourists in search of sun-soaked beach destinations frequently opt for the Philippines due to its extensive collection of over 7,000 islands. From the sandy coastlines of Palawan to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, the Philippines is endowed with exquisite landscapes, serving as the habitat for numerous distinctive species.
In addition to a selection of enchanting beach resorts, the natural environments within the Philippines are teeming with diverse wildlife, particularly these exceptional species!
Philippine Eagle
Ascending high above the skies and spanning the expanse of the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippine Eagle holds the title of the nation’s symbolic avian representation. With an imposing countenance and a piercing gaze, this eagle boasts an impressive wingspan exceeding 20 feet! Unfortunately, in recent eras, the degradation of its habitat has led to a decline in the population of these splendid birds, although several hundred mature pairs still inhabit islands such as Mindanao, Samar, and Leyte.
- Where To Find Them: Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: The Philippine Eagle also referred to as monkey-eating eagles also consume huge prey like macaques, birds, snakes, and bats.
Visayan Warty Pig
Exhibiting stylish hairstyles atop their heads, these adorable indigenous pig species are exclusive to the Philippines, and frequently encountered in locations such as Panay, Negros, and Masbate. Male pigs exhibit rugged manes along their backs, a feature intended to attract a compatible mate, all while developing three sets of facial wart growths. The devastation of their natural habitats has pushed these wild pigs to the brink of endangerment, although the Philippine authorities have initiated endeavors to rejuvenate and replenish the pig population.
- Where To Find Them: Visayan Islands (Cebu, Negros, Panay, Masbate, Guimaras, and Siquijor)
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: Four dark stripes are present on the body of newborn Visayan warty piglets, but as they get older, they vanish.
Rufous-Headed Hornbill
This native species is known by various titles, including the Philippine hornbill or Kalaw. The Rufous-headed hornbill reflects the vibrant nature of its habitat. Among the most critically imperiled hornbill species globally, this splendid avian makes its home in lowland forests or foothills, selecting large trees for nesting. Distinguished by its ebony face, highlighted by a red-yellow beak and a crimson casque atop its head, this hornbill commands attention. It is speculated that the surviving population of rufous-headed hornbills might be concentrated on Negros Island within the Visayan region of the Philippines. Specifically, there are indications that these exquisite birds could be sighted in locations such as the North Negros Natural Park in Western Visayas.
- Where To Find Them: Negros and Panay Islands
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: The nasal sounds of these endemic hornbills sound like honking.
Leopard Cats
In the Philippines, there exist two types of wild cats: the Visayan leopard cat and the Palawan leopard cat! These charming wild cats are also recognized as Sunda leopard cats.
Visayan Leopard Cat
Native to Panay, Negros, and certain sugarcane farms in Cebu, these endearing leopard cats possess an exclusive habitat. Despite their predatory instincts, especially when pursuing rodents or avians, they maintain a small stature! Unfortunately, due to the degradation of their surroundings, the population of Visayan leopard cats is presently at risk.
Palawan Leopard Cat
In comparison to their Visayan counterparts, the Palawan leopard cats flourish across multiple regions in Asia, predominantly within the Southern and Eastern sectors. Travelers with an affinity for animals might encounter these untamed felines on Philippine islands such as Palawan, Negros, Cebu, or Panay.
- Where To Find Them: Visayas and Palawan
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable (Visayan leopard cat), least concern (Palawan leopard cat)
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: The Sunda leopard cat, in contrast to the Visayan leopard cat, lives in countries like Java, Borneo, Sumatra, and Bali.
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Palawan Peacock-Pheasant
Boasting striking shades of blue, black, and brown, the Palawan peacock-pheasant inhabits the captivating island of Palawan, often regarded as one of the most stunning places on Earth. Travelers exploring destinations like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park might come across these splendid avian creatures, although their presence extends widely across the island. These exquisite birds make their homes in coastal lowlands and lush woodlands, displaying a timid disposition. In their natural habitat, they partake in a varied diet composed of nuts, seeds, insects, and foliage. Among these birds, it’s the males who possess resplendent plumage and lengthy feathers, while the females exhibit a brown coloration.
- Where To Find Them: Palawan
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: Three things—habitat loss, trade, and hunting—have put their population in danger right now.
Visayan Spotted Deer
For numerous individuals, encountering deer is a regular occurrence, particularly during hikes or camping trips. Nevertheless, the Visayan deer stands apart from the typical, ordinary deer species. These captivating animals belong to one of the scarcest deer species globally, inhabiting a confined area encompassing the Panay and Negros Islands. True to its name, this deer displays beige markings scattered over its coat. Additionally, male deer possess longer antlers compared to their female counterparts.
- Where To Find Them: Visayan islands of Panay and Negros
- Conservation Status: Threatened
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: International breeding programs have preserved the Visayan spotted deer’s decreasing population. Currently, 150 of these deer are being cared for by animal-loving people in zoos and conservation sites!
Philippine Crocodile
Even the fierce gazes of the Philippine crocodile cannot shield these creatures from the threats of deforestation and hunting. As one of the scarcest crocodile species globally, the Philippine crocodile might still inhabit limited environments across the Philippines, especially in regions near northern Luzon or the southwestern area of Mindanao. Tourists exploring the Philippines are improbable to come across these uncommon reptiles, and their chances of spotting a Philippine crocodile would be improved by visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo.
- Where To Find Them: Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (Divilacan, Isabela, Luzon region), Ligawasan Marsh (Mindanao), Lake Sebu (South Cotabato, Mindanao), Pulangi River (Bukidnon, Mindanao), possible sightings in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (Mindanao).
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: The Philippine crocodile is thought to have a lifespan of 70 to 80 years.
Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox
The Giant golden-crowned flying fox resembles a creature that could come from one’s worst nightmares, possessing a wingspan that can exceed 5 feet. Nevertheless, this large fruit-eating bat plays a crucial role within the forest ecosystems of the Philippines, even as its population dwindles. Referred to as the Acerodon jubatus in scientific circles, this colossal bat species is unique to the Philippines and has been observed inhabiting roosts in various regions such as Cebu, Mindanao, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and other parts of the nation. Nonetheless, it’s estimated that no more than 20,000 of these splendid creatures remain in their natural habitat.
- Where To Find Them: Multiple forest habitats around the Philippines
- Conservation Status: Endangered
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: These megabats don’t use echolocation like other bats do; instead, they rely on their exceptional vision and smell to navigate!
Luzon Bleeding Heart
The scientific designation for the Luzon Bleeding Heart is Gallicolumba luzonica, and it is exclusively found in the central and southern areas of Luzon. These splendid avian creatures are recognized for the crimson patches resembling bloodstains on their chests, creating the illusion of being wounded. Presently, Luzon’s bleeding heart birds are being housed in zoological gardens worldwide, such as the Hamilton Zoo in Hamilton, New Zealand. Fortunate explorers embarking on journeys to certain parts of Luzon might chance upon these birds of concern as they traverse through woodlands. These bleeding hearts have also been documented in the Polillo Islands and Catanduanes.
- Where To Find Them: Luzon and two other islands in the northern Philippines.
- Conservation Status: Near threatened
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: These charming birds dine on the forest floor for most of the day.
Tarsier
Tarsiers stand out as distinctive mammals, positioned as intermediary creatures between lemurs and monkeys. These adorable creatures possess nocturnal habits and are particularly recognized for their unusually large eyes. Naturally small and shy, individuals with an affinity for animals have the opportunity to encounter tarsiers across various regions in Southeast Asia, with a notable presence on Filipino islands such as Samar, Leyte, and Bohol. Importantly, responsible tourists can observe and appreciate tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary located in Corella, a municipality within Bohol.
- Where To Find Them: Bohol, Leyte, Samar
- Conservation Status: Threatened
- Interesting Facts About These Animals: Being a carnivorous species, tarsiers frequently consume lizards, snakes, and insects.
