10 Fun Facts About Philippine Animals

The Philippines is one of the world’s 17 most biologically rich countries. With plentiful rainforests and islands across the country, it’s no wonder that many endemic species live there. Despite this, it is also a hotspot of biodiversity loss, and has one of the largest numbers of species affected by extinction. So, come with us to discover some of the animals that call this place home.

Two lies, one truth - the Philippine flying lemur is not a lemur and doesn’t fly 

Endemic to the Southern Philippines, the Philippine flying lemur spends most of their life in the Rainforest canopy. Leaping from trees, they can glide around 70 metres. 

Deadly: The Jungle centipede is the only species of centipede that has caused human death

Its venom contains phospholipase A2, serotonin, and acidic proteins, which cause pain, swelling, necrosis and possible Systemic reactions and, in rare cases, death.

Mind your manners! The Philippine cobra spits at attackers 

This species is 1 of 14 that spits venom, and it can shoot its neurotoxin up to 10ft.

Iconic! Butanding have a day dedicated to them

Butanding, whale sharks, are celebrated internationally annually on 30th August. As the largest fish in our oceans, Butanding are incredibly important to our marine ecosystems; however, numbers are falling. 

The Philippines has the second largest population and can be spotted around Onsol town in Sorsogon Province, Oslob town in Cebu Island Province, Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte, and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan Island. They are so celebrated in the Philippines that they feature on the 100 peso bill. 

The Philippine eagle keeps the rainforest in check 

National bird, the Philippine eagle, is one of the rarest eagles in the world and can only be seen on 4 islands in the Philippines- Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.  As apex predators, giant Philippine eagles help the rainforest ecosystem thrive by keeping mammal, lizard, and bird populations in check.

Atlas moths only survive on what they ate as caterpillars

Atlas moths are one of the largest insects on the planet. Their wingspan can grow to up to 27cm across, which is larger than human hands! Despite this mammoth growth, they never develop fully formed mouths during their cocoon stage. This means that they can only survive on what they stored up as caterpillars - this is usually 1-2 weeks' worth of food. 

The Philippines is home to many endemic frog species

The country has around 50-60 species of Platymantis frogs that are only found in the country. They’re also commonly known as wrinkled ground frogs, ground frogs, or forest frogs and are found in the rainforests of the Philippines and in limestone or alpine regions.

The freshwater crocodile is one of the rarest crocodile species

These crocs are found on just two of the country’s islands, and live in its freshwater bodies of water (rivers, creeks, and marshes) at up to approximately 800m above sea level. They have a 100-year life span and are one of the rarest crocodile species on the planet.

Lake Lanao’s endemic fish population is depleting rapidly

Lake Lanao is a lake in Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines. The lake is experiencing a rapid and catastrophic decline in its native fish population, mainly due to the introduction of the non-native tilapia species to expand the local fishing industry. The fish is now used in traditional dishes in the country.

The Visayan Warty Pig’s warts protect their face

These pigs are endemic to six of the Philippines’ islands, and only two of those have documented populations of these pigs. Their names come from the clusters of warts on male pigs’ faces, which protect their faces during fights.

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