Palawan Moist Forests - A Global Ecoregion
Illegal logging, hunting, and regular burning threaten these forests
Snapshot: Ecoregion 28
Size:
14,000 sq. km (5,500 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Geographic Location:
The Island of Palawan in the Philippines
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
Why is the Palawan "stink" badger so called?
Answer:
The stocky Palawan stink badger has earned its name from its potent spray, which smells much like that of a skunk.
About the Area
The flora and fauna of this island displays more affinities with certain islands in Indonesia, primarily Borneo, than other islands in the Philippines.
It contains a diverse assortment of habitats including montane forests, semi-deciduous forests, lowland rain forests, and mangroves, which in turn support many different kinds of plants and animals.Palawan has a relatively low population density, which has allowed the island to remain under fairly extensive forest cover. However, two thirds of this ecoregion has been cleared, and large areas have been degraded.
Local Species
The diversity of habitats supports a number of endemic mammals such as the endangered Calamian deer (Axis calamianensis), Palawan fruitbat (Acerodon leucotis), Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei), and the Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus anderseni).
A portion of the endemic bird fauna comprise of the Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum), Grey imperial-pigeon (Ducula pickeringii), Blue-headed racquet-tail (Prioniturus platenae), Palawan flycatcher (Ficedula platenae), Blue paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone cyanescens), Palawan tit (Parus amabilis), and the Palawan flowerpecker (Prionochilus plateni).
Threats
Despite supporting the highest per centage of remaining forest cover in all of the Philippines, illegal logging, hunting, and regular burning seriously threaten the ecoregion. In addition, the protected area system is weak and enforcement of the existing law inadequate.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
