Palawan is a tourist haven. It has also become a hotspot for real estate development over the years. But aside from those, did you know that Palawan also serves as a habitat for a range of endangered species–including animals that cannot be found in other parts of the Philippines and even the world? 

Just like a lot of people who made Palawan their home, exotic species that are facing possible extinction have also found a safe place in Palawan. If you want to know what these endangered species are, here’s a list that uncovers the precious animals that you’ll find in the Philippines’ last ecological frontier.

 

5 Endangered Species in Palawan

 

1. Calamian Deer

Source: https://www.mindenpictures.com/search?s=calamian+deer

 

One of the Philippines’ endangered species, the Calamian deer, can be found in Palawan. According to studies, there are only around 500 Calamian deers that remain in the wild. Aside from hunting, among the reasons why this species is nearing extinction include agricultural expansion and human settlement which compromise their natural habitat.

The Calamian Deer can be found in various places in Palawan including Busuanga, Calauit, Culion, Marily, and Dimaquiat islands.

 

2. Pilandok

Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/random-likes–359795457704568640/

 

Pilandok is another specie that is nearing extinction. It is also known as the Balabac Mouse Deer as it can mostly be found in Balabac, Pilandok. A number of these endangered species may also be found in Apulit, Bugsuk, Ramos, and Calauit islands in Palawan.

It is one of the animals that may soon face extinction especially if its number continues to decline. This small terrestrial mammal endemic to the island of Palawan is nearing extinction. In a 2021 report, there are only 25 Philippine Balabac mouse deer that were recently seen. Some of the most common reasons it has become an endangered species include habitat displacement, poaching, and trading of living animals.

 

3. Philippine Forest Turtle

Source: https://eol.org/pages/793280

 

The Philippine Forest Turtle is already classified as a critically endangered specie in the country. It also ranks among the top 25 most endangered species of turtles in the world.

The geographic distribution of the Philippine Forest Turtle in the country was accidentally discovered in the late 1980s in a Palawan market. It was in 2004 when its wild populations were rediscovered. Unfortunately, after the rediscovery, the hunt for the Philippine Forest Turtle also started. It has been a target for illegal wildlife trade which supports the demand of those who want to use this specie of turtle as food or as a pet.  Ultimately, these are the reasons why it became one of the most endangered species worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW:

The Philippine Forest Turtle plays an ecological role. As land and water species, they link the aquatic and terrestrial environment and help bring in nutrients that make the soil more fertile.

 

4. Pangolin

Source: https://animalscene.ph/2018/08/22/protecting-the-pangolin/

 

The Pangolins are now one of the most traded and poached wildlife in the world. It is one of the species that have become a status symbol across regions. It is also considered a delicacy which is another factor for its existence is being threatened. Furthermore, poaching and illegal trade have caused the decline of the population of pangolins. Their scales are also used in traditional medicine as they are believed to help cure a variety of illnesses.

Pangolin is derived from “penggulung”, a Malay word which means ‘roller’. It refers to the action a pangolin makes for self-defense.

 

5. Endemic Birds

Source: https://ebird.org/species/palhor1

 

A variety of bird species that can’t be found in other parts of the Philippines are the endemic birds in Palawan. Included in these endemic birds are endangered species that are threatened to be extinct due to habitat loss. The Palawan hornbill, Palawan peacock-pheasant, Palawan scops-owl, and Palawan blue-flycatcher are among the exotic birds that found refuge in Palawan.

NOTE: Aside from the above-mentioned endemic birds, Palawan also has a population of the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo that used to abound in various parts of the Philippines.

Explore the Uniqueness of Palawan through this Video

 

 

 

ALSO READ: The Essential House Turnover Checklist for New Home Owners

 

The Bottom Line:

While Palawan has become a home for those in search of high-value real estate and beachfront properties, there are also endangered species that found refuge on the island. This serves as proof of the fact that Palawan is a haven where natural creations can co-exist harmoniously. 

Are you interested in making Palawan your home? Diamond Beach Residences is a world-class beachfront real estate development in Palawan that will bring you closer to unspoiled locations. Send us a message for inquiries.