The Philippines is certainly an envy of other countries due to its rich natural resources. Comprising some 7,107 islands, the archipelago has one of several world’s highest biodiversities. Various plant and animal species that are endemic towards the country happen to be attracting wildlife experts and nature lovers on the Philippines.
Local environment department officials said the Philippines is home to some 1,137 types of amphibians, birds, and mammals. However, around 50 % of them are now considered “threatened” on account of man-made perturbations. Forest denudation, illegal hunting, poaching, and urbanization have been destroying wildlife habitat. This has been a contributing factor for concern of environment preservation groups within the last years.
To raise awareness on environment protection, related gov departments and public groups are organizing guided tours to showcase the country’s wildlife. Here is a help guide to a number of the wildlife parks and nature centers in the Philippines.
Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
One from the leading sightseeing attractions inside the island paradise of Palawan could be the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. This 3,700-hectare sanctuary, which opened in 1976, is home to various animal species including giraffe, zebra, bushbuck, gazelle, elands, deer, as well as other exotic local and African animals. There are also over 70 bird species living on the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary.
Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the island province of Bohol, the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is another must-go destination for travelers aiming to explore the Philippine wildlife. This 134-hectare shelter serves as a breeding and protection center for that Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. Around 500 tarsiers are presently housed inside sanctuary, where exotic birds a real serpent eagles, parrots, grass owls are available.
Albay Park and Wildlife
Aside from Mayon Volcano, Albay can be building a name on wildlife conservation. Set in Legazpi, Albay Park and Wildlife hosts a lot more than 400 animals like mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors could get up close and personal which has a variety of raptor species for example grass owl, Philippine eagle owl, and Brahminy kite. The park also allows guests to relax with its amenities including a food court and picnic groves.
Zoobic Safari
Enjoy an ultimate safari adventure inside Philippines by visiting a 25-hectare amusement park in Subic, Zambales. Zoobic Safari supplies a quantity of attractions including Tiger Safari, where some 400-pound tigers are roaming around. Snakes from worldwide, meanwhile, are featured on the Serpentarium. Visitors also can set their feet on steel walkway where over 200 crocodiles are resting below.
Exploring Philippine wildlife doesn’t end from your above-mentioned parks and sanctuaries. You also can spend a day in Donsol, Sorsogon, for some whale shark viewing, or visit Olango Island, which serves as a stopover of over 50,000 migrating birds. There a great many other wildlife getaway destinations from which to choose if you are in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao.