"Animals in thePhilippines"

Mindoro Dwarf Water Buffalo

Common Names:  Tamaraw, tamarau

The Philippine Tamaraw is a small buffalo and is the largest endangered land animal here in the Philippines found only in Mindoro. It is a unique animal slightly smaller than the common carabao but closely resembling the carabao in all respects. Its horns grow straight upward with a "V" form instead of a circular growth as in a carabao horn. Habitat/Distribution: Originally from sea level to high peaks on Mindoro, but now confined to a few remote areas in the mountains. Probably prefers second growth and mixed forest/grasslands. This animal feeds mainly on grasses of various species but cogon grass is most preferred. It frequents dense vegetation along the rivers and spends most of its time in marshy areas. The Tamaraw can also be found in open grasslands and forests with an elevation of more than 2,000 meters above sea level. It is a solitary creature in nature except during the breeding season in the summer months of April to July.
Threats: Destruction of its habitat due to deforestation or habitat alterations have contributed to its decline. Over hunting or collection for trophies have also taken a heavy toll on the Tamaraw population. From 10,000 head in the 1900's, the Tamaraw population is now down to 369 heads in the late 80's giving them a precarious grip on survival.

In the waters of the Philippines

there are more than 2000 different kinds of fish. Added to that figure, the country counts about 200 different kinds of reptiles and 25000 different insects. The smallest monkey and the biggest fish in the world, they both live in the Philippines! Spectacular is the colourful underwater-world. Every year many tourists come to the Philippines to one of the islands, where scuba diving brings them to this amazing underwater-world.  

The Philippines can show you what a typical tropical country can offer in species of animals. Of course, not all animals are rare or specific for the Philippines. That is for sure if you take the carabao, the cocks or the lizards. 

 

Mga Tokó, as the people in de Visayas call the small lizards, are living in houses and other buildings in every tropical country.