Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MEET THE WILDLIFE
Millennia of geographical isolation from the rest of Southeast Asia has resulted in the
evolution of thousands of species found nowhere else on earth, leading biologists to dub
the archipelago 'Galapagos times 10'.
The country is home to approximately 13,500 species of plant; only four countries boast
more. Scientists estimate that 30% to 40% of those species are found only in the Philip-
pines.
The country's fauna likewise exhibits remarkable endemism; the islands are home to at
least 111 mammals that are found nowhere else in the world - even notorious animal
haven Madagascar has fewer endemic species of mammal. Despite this, the Philippines is
not particularly well known for spotting terrestrial wildlife, as its critters tend to be quite
small or elusive. A good case in point is the country's most iconic mammal, the lovable,
palm-sized tarsier, a primate found mainly on the island of Bohol.
The waters and skies are as diverse as the land. The country's 500 species of coral rank
it second in the world in terms of coral diversity. Some 600 species of bird call the Phil-
ippines home. Close to 200 of those are found only in the Philippines - only much larger
Indonesia and Brazil have more endemic varieties.
Movingtotheseas,diversandsnorkellersflocktothecountrytoseewhalesharks,thresh-
er sharks and myriad other fish. Less well known are dugong, a type of sea cow once
found in great numbers in Philippine waters but now relatively rare.
SIBUYAN ISLAND
Island
Sibuyan is the Galapagos Islands of the region. No other island of its size is known to have
as many unique species. Its pristine isolation is a result of having been cut off from all land
masses during the last ice age, and now 60% of it remains covered by some of the Philip-
pines' densest forest.
MT GUITING-GUITING NATURAL PARK
Wildlife
This 15,000-plus-hectare natural park is a biologist's wonderland. It is cited as one of
Asia's centres of plant and animal diversity, and home to 700 plant species, 130 bird spe-
cies, and rare and endangered mammals and reptiles. The climb up Mt Guiting-Guiting is
one of the best in the Philippines.
