Portal: Philippine Species

The Philippines is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, possessing more than 12,000 different species of plants, 560 recognized bird species, 180 species of terrestrial mammals, 250 reptiles, 400 species of coral, and 1,000 different fishes. A good percentage of these species are also endemic to the country and are never found anywhere else in the world.

In line with wildlife conservation efforts, WikiPilipinas presents the Species Portal, a page inside the website compiling and presenting information on Philippine species. Disseminating knowledge is always key to the preservation of these creatures, and the Species Portal will provide a platform for this advocacy.

A pair of dugongs swimming.

The Dugong (Dugong dugon), also called baboy-dagat (pig of the sea) in Filipino, is the only surviving species belonging to the family Dugongidae. Also called the "sea cow", this gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammal feeds almost exclusively on the sea grasses in warm tropical and subtropical seas.

Tarsier

The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta; also known as mawmag in Cebuano/Visayan) is an endangered species endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the southeastern part of the archipelago, particularly in the provinces of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. Its geographic range also includes the islands of Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan and Dinagat Island. Tarsiers have also been reported in Sarangani, although they may be different subspecies.

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