Philippines Nature and Wildlife

There are approximately 191 mammal species found in the Philippines. Of these 191, eight are critically endangered and thirty are vulnerable. Large mammals are relatively few, the domesticated water buffalo is one of the larger mammals and is quite common. Smaller species like monkeys, rodents, bats, shrews, deer, mongoose and porcupines are found throughout the country. The Philippine Tarsier is endemic to the country and is one of the smallest monkey species in the world. There are also three endemic deer species: the Philippine deer, the Calamian deer and the Philippine spotted deer.

The waters around Bohol are a haven for more than eleven species of dolphins and whales. Bottle-nose, pan-tropical spotted, and long-snouted dolphins are constant fixtures, and so to are a melon-headed, short-finned pilot and sperm whales. From December to May, the largest annual congregation of whale sharks happens in Donsol. Large numbers of whale sharks migrate to Donsol to take advantage of the dense food and krill concentration that exists there.

Bird and reptile species greatly outnumber mammal species in the Philippines. Of the 612 birds found in the country, 194 are endemic. There are a total of sixty-seven globally threatened birds in the Philippines including the Rufous Hornbill and the critically endangered national bird, the Philippine Eagle. There are 332 reptile and amphibian species with 215 found only in the Philippines. There are still several species that have remained undiscovered. The freshwater crocodile is considered the most threatened crocodile in the world and is endemic to the country. In 1982 it was reported that there were between 500-1000 in the wild, by 1995, this number had dropped significantly to only 100. The Crocodile Rehabilitation, Observance and Conservation (CROC) Project is carrying out many programs to improve the numbers of this species.

Due to its isolation, the Philippines has one of the highest levels of biodiversity found in the world and is home to 5% of the world’s flora. The best places to experience tropical rainforests in the Philippines are on the islands of Bohol, Mindanao and Palawan. It is on these islands that a big portion of the original jungle of the Philippines is preserved. Forests are made up of banyan and palm trees as well as many indigenous trees with extremely hard wood. Mangrove trees and nipa palms grow in coastal swamps. At least one-third of the 9,250 vascular plants in the Philippines are endemic, and two-thirds of the 150 palm species are found nowhere else in the world.

Philippines Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Philippines.

Learn about the history and culture of the Philippines, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about the Philippines' nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Philippines for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Philippines tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Philippines tour considers taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

Book your Philippines tour with Goway! 

ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Philippines tours, vacations and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, a romantic island stay, an independent travel module, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Philippines.