Overland and Underwater Animals

Visitors to Palawan come for the resorts and beaches but skip the enormous sea cows. They travel to Bohol in search of the “chocolate drop mountains,” but instead fail to spot one of the world’s prettiest creatures.

Travelers travel all the way to Cebu and miss out on the truly wonderful experience of swimming with the world’s largest fish. There are plenty of fascinating things to do in the Philippines, but those who want to get up and personal with some of the cutest animals in Asia should take some time away from their beach day to soak in all this untamed sweetness.

The Philippines are home to thousands of species in addition to being stunning tourist sites. More than half of the more than 50,000 species of plants and animals that exist in the Philippines are unique to that country. But because of the widespread hunting, there are currently many endangered species in the Philippines that are in danger of going extinct.

Animals in the Philippines that are Endangered

As time passes, the number of endemic species in the Philippines that are becoming endangered increases for a variety of causes, including environmental degradation, habitat loss, and damaging human activities. To prevent their extinction, it is crucial that we safeguard the wild animals in the Philippines.

Here are some Philippine creatures that are in risk of going extinct if conservation efforts aren’t made to save them.

Philippine Tarsier

The name of these tiny creatures, which alludes to their tarsal bones, refers to their lengthy digits and less than seven-inch height. They are native to the Philippines and are primarily found in Bohol, though they are also found in Mindanao, Leyte, Samar, and a few other remote locations.

Their fixed socket eyes are extremely unique, making them roughly as charming as the fictional mogwai before it turned gremlin-like.

They are elusive since they are nocturnal and extremely shy, but the Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary is a guaranteed bet. Visitors to the refuge may get an extremely close look at these animals because of their padded “fingers,” which make it easy for them to cling to trees while searching for insects, which make up their preferred diet.

Large birds and feral cats prey on the endangered Philippines tarsier, and the quick degradation of their diverse habitats poses a severe threat to their survival.

Ducking Dugongs

The charismatic and threatened dugongs are at the top of the list of must-see wild animals. Few marine mammals give off a cuddly impression, but dugongs are an exception. They are among the most endearing marine mammals in the ocean due to their huge bubble-shaped heads, downward jaw, and little attentive eyes.

Divers travel with them on a full-day tour to a number of feeding areas along the Busuanga coast. The voyage is definitely worth it since it brings divers past beaches and diving areas for turtles and other marine animals for which Palawan is famed.

However, dive centers that specialize in dugong sightings cannot guarantee seeing one.

Tamaraw

The Tamaraw, a unique species in the Philippines, is another severely endangered mammal that may soon join the list of extinct creatures in the country. Only in the province of Mindoro is the highly endangered tamaraw found in the Philippines.

It is shorter than a kindergartener, has shiny black hair, backward-facing horns, and a legendary temper. This is known as “tusking,” and it will readily use its horns to defend itself against intruders.

Calamian Spotted deer

Hunting, habitation, and agricultural growth in the deer’s habitats are considered to be the main causes of the population’s ongoing decline in the Calamian Mountains.

The Philippine spotted deer’s population is in decline due to a constrained range, habitat degradation (from logging and cultivation), and poaching. They are used for sporting events and trophy purposes, and some of the excess meat is sold to specialized eateries (among politicians, IUCN notes). Look for groups that support the preservation of these Philippine endangered species. Little deeds count for a lot.

Balabac deer mouse (Pilandok)

The Balabac mouse deer, or pilandok, is another threatened species in the Philippines. Only Palawan, specifically the towns of Balabac, Bugsuk, Ramos, Apulit, and Calauit islands, may harbor this endangered species. Due to habitat loss from conversion to agriculture, poaching for food, and occasionally trading in live animals, the pilandok’s population is in decline.

The pilandok could soon join the list of extinct species in the Philippines if we don’t do enough to safeguard it.

Whale Sharks

Visitors visiting the north of the country love to see these enormous beasts, and the ideal time to watch them is from March to September. They are docile mammals that entice avid underwater photographers and people who treasure those once-in-a-lifetime experiences with their wide, gaping mouths and speckled skins.

Oslob is perhaps the best place to see whale sharks, despite being very crowded. The whale sharks are attracted to the early feeding sessions of fishermen, and boats are readily available to either see them or swim right near them.

There are several locations to stay in Cebu, the center for whale shark sightings and swimming, and close to the magnificent Tumalog Falls. One such site is the five-star Shangri-Mactan La’s Resort and Spa in Lapu Lapu.

Turtle Hatching

The Amanpulo, a top-tier luxury resort in the Philippines, is located on Pamalican Island and is a stunning location to watch turtles. In reality, vacationers merely need to check their calendars for the appropriate seasons as several species of turtles can be seen from El Nido to Bohol.

On Turtle Bay, hatchlings can be seen frequently as they get older every seven to eight weeks. Tourists can see turtles from December to May at Port Barton, a remote and unappreciated destination on Palawan.

Please read: Rainy Season Travel Tips

Conclusion

Traveling to different places in the Philippines is already impressive due to the scenery and atmosphere, but when we are accompanied by our beloved animals, the experience is so enthralling that it cannot be compared to simply taking in the sights.

No matter where, when, or for what reason we travel, it is essential for us to accept what is on us and how crucial these animals are to our habitat by witnessing them in action or up close.

Taking the risk is worthwhile, so you must get travel insurance to protect your trip and ensure that it goes as planned despite unforeseen events.