What is the endemic fauna and flora of the Philippines?
The Philippines boast exceptional biodiversity with remarkable endemic species: the tarsier with its large eyes, the Philippine eagle (wingspan 2m), the Mindoro tamaraw, the waling-waling orchid, and Rafflesia philippensis, one of the world's largest flowers.
Emblematic Endemic Fauna
- Philippine Tarsier : tiny primate with large eyes, a true national icon
- Philippine Eagle : rare and powerful raptor with a wingspan exceeding 2 meters
- Tamaraw : wild dwarf buffalo from the island of Mindoro, critically endangered
- Philippine Hornbill : spectacular bird with a long curved beak
- Philippine Flying Fox : enormous fruit-eating bat
Exceptional Endemic Flora
- Waling-waling : rare orchid nicknamed the "queen of flowers" of the country
- Rafflesia philippensis : one of the largest flowers in the world
- Medinilla magnifica : spectacular plant with cascading pink clusters
- Strongylodon macrobotrys : vine with unique turquoise flowers
A Natural Heritage to Protect
This exceptional biodiversity makes the Philippines one of the 17 megadiverse countries on the planet. Island fragmentation has favored the evolution of unique species, but many are now threatened by deforestation and urbanization.