Answers To The Question: What Are The Endemic Species Of Visayas
ENDEMIC SPECIES – In this article, we are going to learn about the different endemic species found in the Visayas.
Visayas is one of the most biologically diverse places in the Philippines. Because of its geography, vast forest covers, and strategic placement, Visayas exclusively homes many different species.
However, due to rampant deforestation and poaching, the population of these majestic creatures is rapidly declining. Most, if not all of Visayas’ endemic species are now categorized as endangered.
But there are still establishments and groups in Negros and Visayas that dedicate themselves to the preservation and protection of these species. Places like Negros Forest Ecological Foundation Inc (NFEFI) is one of those.
NFEFI houses a variety of endemic and endangered animals found in Negros and Visayas. Some of these animals include:
Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) – Or locally known as “baboy ramo” is a critically endangered species in the pig genus. Their diet mainly consists of forest fruits.
Their name comes from distinct warts that grow on their visage which is said to be developed for self-defense against tusks of rival pigs.
Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi) – Also known as the Philippine spotted deer. The Visayan spotted deer are nocturnal and endangered. They could be found in the rainforests of Panay and Negros.
This species of deer is short-legged, however, they are the largest endemic species of deer in the Visayas.
Negros Bleeding Heart – A species of pigeon endangered and endemic to Negros and Panay.
Its most distinct feature is the patch of red right under their throat, giving them the name “bleeding heart”.
Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides panini) – A hornbill species found in the rainforests of Panay, Negros, Masbate, Guimaras, and formerly Ticao.
The adults have sexual dimorphism. This means that males and females exhibit different physical traits. The males have a creamy white head and neck, while the female is mostly black.
Rufous Headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) – Locally known as “dulungan”, this critically endangered species of hornbill is found in Negros and Panay.
Rainforest with an abundance of fruits are their natural habitats. However, due to deforestation and rampant poaching, their numbers are now at the edge of extinction.
Other endemic species include the Panay cloudrunner, Cebu flowerpecker, Panay Monitor, Visayan Broadbill, Flame Tembled Babbler, Negros Striped Babbler, and more.
Read Also: Philippine Eagle – The National Bird Of The Philippines
