WILDLIFE IS HERE:
Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration
A Virtual Exhibit
In partnership with the National Museum of Natural History, we present to you different species of birds and mammals present in the forests of Davao and Mindanao. These specimen are scheduled for transport to be displayed at the Subangan Davao Oriental Museum this year. Ahead of the transfer, we have been given the opportunity to showcase this unique exhibit to a wider audience. Temporarily resorting to the virtual experience, but one that is immersive all the same.
As you browse the exhibits, TAP/CLICK on EACH image to learn more about the wildlife endemic to Davao.
Overview of the Collection
The exhibit is comprised of four (4) specimens of birds and three (3) specimens of small mammals. Also, featured in this collection are the different apparatus utilized by conservators to identify and preserve the specimen for future study.
BIRDS
There are many threatened species, endemic to Mindanao. The bird species featured in this exhibit are endemic to the island area of Mindanao. The larger ones (hornbills) have been recorded to stretch their breeding range up to Eastern Visayas.
Rufous Hornbill
(Buceros hydrocorax)
Collected in Tanawtauan, Mati, Davao Oriental in 18 March 1949. The Rufous Hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax), locally known as Kalaw, is a large species of hornbill found only in the Philippines. Sometimes these birds are called "the clock of the mountains" because of its periodic noontime call.
Mindanao hornbill (Penelopides affinis)
Collected in Barangay Limot, Tarragona, Davao Oriental on 13 April 1949. Commonly called as “Tariktik’, this hornbill species is found in the lowland and foothill forest on Mindanao and neighboring islands.
Flame crowned flowerpecker
(Dicaeum kampalili)
Collected in Mt. Three Kings, South Cotabato in 18 May 1993. As the name implies, this small energetic flowerpecker has a flame-red to orange crown. It is named after Mt. Kampalili, located between the municipalities of Manay and Caraga.
Lina's sunbird
(Aethopyga linaraborae)
Collected in Mt. Pasian Peak, located in the Municipality of Monkayo, Davao De Oro on 19 May 1994. This is one of the most striking sunbirds in the Philippines with the males having iridescent blue color and orange spot on its yellow breast. It is named after Dioscoro S. Rabor's wife, Lina.
MAMMALS
These small mammals are usually found in dense forests but there are sightings of these mammals in agricultural areas such as farms and plantations. They are driven to such areas due to the availability of food items, such that the landowners identify them as pests.
Philippine flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans)
Collected in Malita, Davao Del Sur on 5 February 1947. The Philippine flying lemur is an unusual looking creature. It is a gliding mammal with a unique gliding membrane stretchy enough for it to descend. This is the favorite food item of Philippine eagles in Mindanao Island.
Philippine pygmy squirrel (Exlisciurus concinnus)
Colledted in Tanauan, Mati, Davao Oriental in 16 March 1949. Found only in the Mindanao Faunal Region, this endemic squirrel is sometimes called the Mindanao pygmy squirrel. Locally it’s known as “buot“.
Mindanao squirrel (Sundasciurus mindanensis)
Collected in 22 March 1949 in Mt. Kapalili in Davao Oriental. Mindanao squirrel is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae found only in Mindanao island, Philippines.
