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Palawan Flying Fox
Status: Vulnerable
Endemic to the Philippines, the Palawan Flying Fox (Acerodon leucotis) can be found in places like Balabac, Palawan, and Basuanga. Commonly observed at sea level, this species can be found in the canopy environments of north east Palawan.
The Palawan Flying Fox is an endemic species and a must-see for tourists. The species can live up to eight years, unusually long for its kind, and can be seen if carefully observing the higher-level flora of the Palawan forests.
It is recommended that practices such as the control of hunting and increasing habitat protection efforts are necessary to maintian the Acerodon leucotis population, as its decreasing population size has been described as vulnerable to threats by the IUCN. While the canopy that the Palawan Flying Fox calls its home are trees mainly used for rubber production, their environment needs to be preserved and maintained in order to conserve this species.
Endemic to the Philippines, the Palawan Flying Fox (Acerodon leucotis) can be found in places like Balabac, Palawan, and Basuanga. Commonly observed at sea level, this species can be found in the canopy environments of north east Palawan.
The Palawan Flying Fox is an endemic species and a must-see for tourists. The species can live up to eight years, unusually long for its kind, and can be seen if carefully observing the higher-level flora of the Palawan forests.
It is recommended that practices such as the control of hunting and increasing habitat protection efforts are necessary to maintian the Acerodon leucotis population, as its decreasing population size has been described as vulnerable to threats by the IUCN. While the canopy that the Palawan Flying Fox calls its home are trees mainly used for rubber production, their environment needs to be preserved and maintained in order to conserve this species.
Palawan Shrew
Status: Least Concern
The Palawan Shrew (Crocidura palawanensis) is endemic to the Philipines, and while most specimens have been found specifically in Palawan, they are thought to exist on the Balabac Islands as well. They tend to occur at lower elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The most recent collections of Crocidura Palawanensis have been captured in an area of northern Palawan, Malampaya Sound. Ten specimens were also found on Dumaran Island.
While further studies are needed, presently collected information about Crocidura Palawanensis maintains that the species can be found in shrubbery, and many observed populations are thought to be concentrated in the Subterranean River National Park. Thus it would be an ideal location to take tourists in order to observe an endemic species of Palawan during their tour.
These Palawan Shrews are not endangered, yet habitat destruction threatens their existence. Major deforestation has disrupted their population size as well as the food chain which depends on them. It is important to conserve this species to preserve the natural ecology of Palawan and help maintain its unique endemism.
The Palawan Shrew (Crocidura palawanensis) is endemic to the Philipines, and while most specimens have been found specifically in Palawan, they are thought to exist on the Balabac Islands as well. They tend to occur at lower elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. The most recent collections of Crocidura Palawanensis have been captured in an area of northern Palawan, Malampaya Sound. Ten specimens were also found on Dumaran Island.
While further studies are needed, presently collected information about Crocidura Palawanensis maintains that the species can be found in shrubbery, and many observed populations are thought to be concentrated in the Subterranean River National Park. Thus it would be an ideal location to take tourists in order to observe an endemic species of Palawan during their tour.
These Palawan Shrews are not endangered, yet habitat destruction threatens their existence. Major deforestation has disrupted their population size as well as the food chain which depends on them. It is important to conserve this species to preserve the natural ecology of Palawan and help maintain its unique endemism.
Leopard Cat
Status: Least Concern
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is native to many countries like the Philipines, India, Thailand, and Cambodia, to name a few. It can also be found on islands like Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It can survive in a wide range of habitats, making chances of seeing one on a tour very likely.
One of Palawans most dominant predators, the Prionailurus bengalensis is relatively common throughout Palawan as well as the Asian subcontinent. The species originated on the main land, and while they are not know for being skilled swimmers, have colonized numerous islands in the area. These leopard cats can also reproduce with local domestic cats, forming hybrid species that can be found throughout Asia.
While this species is abundant throughout Southeast Asia and many nearby islands, its population is likely in decline due primarily to hunting threats. Leopard cat skins have become a substantial export in many countries in Southeast Asia, and in some places is also hunted for local sustainence. Habitat destruction also poses a threat to many of the areas on which Prionailurus bengalensis thrives. Luckily, hunting has become illegal in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philipines, and is protected by Afghanistan's protected species list.
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is native to many countries like the Philipines, India, Thailand, and Cambodia, to name a few. It can also be found on islands like Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It can survive in a wide range of habitats, making chances of seeing one on a tour very likely.
One of Palawans most dominant predators, the Prionailurus bengalensis is relatively common throughout Palawan as well as the Asian subcontinent. The species originated on the main land, and while they are not know for being skilled swimmers, have colonized numerous islands in the area. These leopard cats can also reproduce with local domestic cats, forming hybrid species that can be found throughout Asia.
While this species is abundant throughout Southeast Asia and many nearby islands, its population is likely in decline due primarily to hunting threats. Leopard cat skins have become a substantial export in many countries in Southeast Asia, and in some places is also hunted for local sustainence. Habitat destruction also poses a threat to many of the areas on which Prionailurus bengalensis thrives. Luckily, hunting has become illegal in places like Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philipines, and is protected by Afghanistan's protected species list.
Philippine Porcupine
Status: Vulnerable
The Philippine Porcupine (Hystrix pumila) is endemic to the Philipines, and within the area is only found on Palawan and the surrounding Busuanga Islands. Within Palawan, tourists should visit the Culasian Managed Resources Protected Area in Rizal, an area of southern Palawan, as well as Omoi Cockatoo Reserve in Dumaran if wishing to have the highest chance of observing one of these amazing creatures.
The narrow range of habitat and endemism to the Palawan fungal region makes it a must-see for potential tourists. The Hystrix pumila holds large significant importance for the area in that it is popularly traded as a pet.
Identified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the decreasing trend in Hystrix pumila population can be largely linked to habitat destruction and extensive hunting practices, as they provide a food source to local communities. The growth in domestication as pets has also contributed to the rapid decline in population.
The Philippine Porcupine (Hystrix pumila) is endemic to the Philipines, and within the area is only found on Palawan and the surrounding Busuanga Islands. Within Palawan, tourists should visit the Culasian Managed Resources Protected Area in Rizal, an area of southern Palawan, as well as Omoi Cockatoo Reserve in Dumaran if wishing to have the highest chance of observing one of these amazing creatures.
The narrow range of habitat and endemism to the Palawan fungal region makes it a must-see for potential tourists. The Hystrix pumila holds large significant importance for the area in that it is popularly traded as a pet.
Identified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, the decreasing trend in Hystrix pumila population can be largely linked to habitat destruction and extensive hunting practices, as they provide a food source to local communities. The growth in domestication as pets has also contributed to the rapid decline in population.
Written by Danielle Zola
Photos compiled by Brian Yang
Photos compiled by Brian Yang