In terms of biodiversity, which is a concise term for biological diversity, the Philippines ranks highly. It is recognized as one of the 18 mega-biodiverse nations globally, boasting over 52,000 documented species, with more than half being endemic and exclusive to this region.
Positioned at the center of the Coral Triangle—a marine area in the tropical waters of Southeast Asia that includes parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste—the country showcases remarkable terrestrial and marine ecosystems. It is home to extensive coral reef systems, hosting hundreds of varieties of coral and reef fish.
The Philippines is celebrated for its distinctive flora and fauna, which are not found in any other regions of the world. It harbors over 50,000 plant species and 100,000 animal species across diverse habitats such as rainforests, mangroves, and wetlands.
Moreover, the Philippines is ranked among the top countries globally for unique species per unit area, holding the fourth position in bird endemism and the fifth in mammal endemism.
In addition, the Philippines is recognized for its iconic species, including the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), the Mindoro dwarf water buffalo known as tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) and waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana).
The Philippine eagle serves as the national bird symbol of the country. It is native to the Philippines and inhabits four principal islands: eastern Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, with the most significant populations found in Mindanao. This eagle favors moist lowland and montane forests, particularly in steep and rugged terrains, where it can effectively nest in the tops of tall trees and hunt for food.
Research indicates that this specific bird species predominantly inhabits dipterocarp forests, characterized by large, resinous timber trees, as well as mid-montane forests, which can be found at elevations ranging from lowlands to 1,800 meters (5,900 feet).
According to the Davao-based Philippine Eagle Center, each breeding pair necessitates a substantial home range, typically spanning from 4,000 to 11,000 hectares, contingent on the availability of prey, to successfully rear a chick.
The eagle constructs its nest in large trees, frequently located near the forest’s edge, which enables it to survey for prey such as monkeys, flying lemurs, civets, and various small to medium-sized vertebrates.
Due to the diminishing forest resources in the country, the Philippine eagle has become an endangered species, facing threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation, trapping, poaching, and slow reproduction rate.
In an effort to protect the Philippine eagle from further decline, the three principal clans of Obu Manuvu have proposed the designation of the mountain ranges stretching from Kuruwonnan Alihowan to Atol’lun Kahubbarran as a critical habitat under the Republic Act 9147 or “The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”. It is located in barangay Tambobong of Baguio District.
The proposal has been formally submitted to the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) via its line agency, the Biodiversity Management Bureau.
“This is quite innovative, as it would mark the first critical habitat that encompasses the same sacred forests recognized by the indigenous community as an indigenous protected area,” says Dr. Jayson C. Ibanez, a distinguished conservation biologist committed to safeguarding the Philippine eagle.
A critical habitat refers to a specific geographic region that possesses the physical or biological characteristics vital for the conservation and recovery of endangered or threatened species.
According to RA 9147, these areas encompass nesting sites where species like the Philippine Eagle rear their young, roosting locations for endangered bats, breeding habitats such as marine turtle nesting beaches, feeding zones that support threatened wildlife, congregation areas where animals assemble in significant numbers, and wintering or stopover locations utilized by migratory birds during their yearly migrations. Safeguarding these regions is essential for ensuring that wildlife can breed, feed, rest, and flourish.
“Critical habitat is key to the survival of endangered species,” states the Center for Biological Diversity. “In fact, a study by the Center found, plants and animals with federally protected critical habitat are more than twice as likely to be moving toward recovery than species without it.”
The proposal, a copy of which was received by EDGE Davao, indicates that barangay Tambobong is recognized as “a historically significant nesting and foraging site for Philippine eagles.” This area was first noted by local residents in the 1970s, underscoring its vital role in eagle conservation.
The Obu Manuvu indigenous community acknowledges this location as a sacred site referred to as Dum’aupa or Kuruwonnan Alihowan, which translates to “Sacred Forest,” signifying profound cultural and spiritual connections to the land.
Moreover, this region is included in a designated watershed and conservation zone as per Davao City’s Watershed Code (Ordinance No. 0310-07), emphasizing its ecological significance in safeguarding water resources and biodiversity.
Two years prior, teams from the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the environmental department, and local forest guards undertook surveys in the mountain ranges of barangay Tambobong, verifying the presence of Philippine Eagles through observation posts situated in forested regions.
“A pair of Philippine eagles was observed hunting and flying between Tambobong and nearby Mt. Macabol–Alikuson in barangay Salaysay, where an active nest with a fledgling was also documented,” Ibanez reports. “The close proximity of these sites indicates a healthy, connected rainforest ecosystem vital for eagle survival and highlights the area’s importance for conservation.”
Ibanez states that the proposed critical habitat in barangay Tambobong, once officially designated, will transform the ancient nesting site, spanning nearly 2,000 hectares, into a nationally designated protected area. This designation would ensure that the resident eagle pair can breed in a safe and successful environment.
“The nest site is inherited by the next generation of breeders when the current pair passes away, thus the eagle critical habitat enables both current and future eagle pairs in Tambobong to breed safely and continuously,” Ibanez explains.
Ibanez regards the Tambobong nest site as “the focal point for the reproduction and rejuvenation of the eagle population in Davao City and throughout the Mount Apo range.”
Additionally, as previously mentioned, the area serves as a vital watershed for the Tamugan-Panigan rivers. Should it be designated as a critical habitat, it would guarantee a clean and consistent water supply for both present and future generations.
Most importantly, the region will contribute to carbon sequestration. “This area is also a crucial carbon sink that purifies the air in Davao City, eliminating pollution and storing the city’s carbon emissions,” Ibanez emphasizes.
Aside from the Philippine eagle, the designated critical habitat is also home to other wildlife species. To name a few: the Philippine hanging parrot (“kulasisi”), writhed hornbill (“kayamaktan”), rufous hornbill (“kalaw”), Philippine deer (“binaw”), Philippine warty pig (“baboy ihalas”), Amethyst brown dove (“alimukon”), giant scops owl (“okang”), Mindanao hornbill (“talusi”), Samar cobra (“banakon”), tarsier (“mago”), civet cat (“milo”), and Mindanao fanged frog (“bakbak”).
Unfortunately, the area is subjected to numerous environmental threats, such as slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal hunting, and timber poaching, all of which lead to habitat degradation.
Furthermore, the transformation of forested areas into permanent agricultural land continues to diminish forest cover, endangering both biodiversity and the stability of watersheds.
