Q2 – M4 – ENDEMIC

SPECIES
BENIG, JUNELA M.
10 – ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE
 ANIMALS
“MONKE
THE GREAT PHILIPPINE Y-EATING
EAGLE”

EAGLE
Scientific name: Pithecophaga jefferyi HARING IBON
Philippine eagles inhabit tropical rain forests and are well-adapted to life in dense
foliage. Despite their great size, they have short, broad wings and a squared-off
tail that allows them to rise almost vertically between trees and maneuver with
speed and agility through branches and vines.
Long crown feathers, a massive arched beak, and two Bluish eyes that are considered
to be extremely keen are the distinguishing traits of a Philippine eagle. These birds have
significantly sharper eyesight than humans and can see eight times as far as the human eye can.

Philippine Eagles are diurnal, which means they hunt, fly, build nests, participate in courtship activities
and otherwise go about their business during daytime hours. They rest at night. Despite their large size,
these eagles tend to be fast and agile in the air, which helps make them very successful hunters.

One of the most interesting strategies the Philippine Eagle engages in is pair hunting. Simply put, one member of the
pair distracts the prey while the other attacks it from behind. Even though Philippine Eagles are large, powerful hunters,
any time they go after prey, they are putting themselves in danger. Fast flight through dense forests can result in bumps
and scrapes, but even more importantly, prey animals can and do fight back.
 ANIMALS
NORTHERN LUZON GIANT
CLOUD RAT “CLOUDRUNNERS”
Scientific name: Phloeomys pallidusBU-OT
Their bodies range in length from 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20 inches), not including a furred
tail that is about as long as the body. Phloeomys pallidus, found in northern Luzon, has
long, dense, soft fur of cream or pale gray interrupted by black or brown markings. 
They have small ears, long whiskers and a densely furred tail. Their large hind
feet and long claws make them excellent climbers.
Cloud rats are characterized by long furry or hairy tails and short hind
limbs with grasping feet. They spend most of their time in the canopy of
cloud forests, hence the name "cloud rat" or "cloudrunner". They are believed
to be entirely herbivorous, primarily eating leaves, buds, bark, fruits, and
seeds.
Cloud rats give birth to one young each year, which is typically birthed in the
hollow of a tree or a hole in the ground. The mother carries her young firmly
 ANIMALS
THE PALAWAN PEACOCK
PHEASANT TANDIKAN
Scientific name: Polyplectron napoleonis
These birds have robin-egg blue spots on their tail that resemble eyes
and help scare away predators. Males have metallic-blue wings and an
parents help extendable black crest on top of their head. Females, by contrast, have a more
muted brown plumage, although they also have a crest and spotted tail feathers. This forest-
dwelling bird eats seeds, insects, fruits, and slugs. Breeding pairs are typically monogamous
and both rear chicks.
Male Palawan peacock pheasants attract females by fanning out their spotted tail in an
elaborate, peacock-like courtship display.
Peacock-pheasants are highly invertivorous, taking isopods, earwigs, insect larvae, mollusks, 
centipedes and termites as well as small frogs, drupes, seeds and berries.

They are strictly monogamous, re-nesting yearly. The female usually lays up to two eggs.
Both parents rearing chicks for up to two years. Males act as sentinels of nest sites and are
highly pugnacious during the reproductive cycle.
 PLANTS
CEBU CINNAMON TREE
Scientific name: Cinnamomum cebuense
is a species of cinnamon endemic to Cebu Island, Philippines. It was first
discovered in Cantipla, Cebu in mid-1980s and described by Kostermans
 in 1986. The tree is endemic to the island of Cebu but several trees have KAN
been found in neighboring Camotes Islands and Siquijor Island. IN GAG
This species is highly prized for its aromatic bark and leaves, and medicinal and culinary
purposes. According to locals, the bark is said to cure stomach aches by either chewing
on or boiled in water before drinking.
The leaves are leathery yet smooth, about sixteen centimeters long and eleven centimeters
wide, tapering with a pointed tip. They are widely used as spice. The panicles are about
seventeen centimeters long with densely hairy flowers.

It is used by local residents as remedy for stomach ache. The bark is either chewed directly or boiled
with of water before drinking. No other uses have yet been reported; however the leaves may be a
potential source of spice for cooking, as with other closely related species in the Philippines.
 PLANTS
JADE VINES EMERALD CREEPER

Scientific name: Strongylodon macrobotrys

Are so extravagant that you have to see to believe. Jade vine is
known for its spectacular blooms consisting of dangling clusters of
shimmering greenish-blue, claw-shaped flowers. The huge, pendant-
like clusters are suspended from twisting, wisteria-like stems with
waxy green leaves.
This tropical climber is rambunctious in its natural environment, TAYABAK
although the plant is in danger of extinction due to deforestation.
It is considered an endangered species due to the destruction of its habitat and the decrease of
its natural pollinators. There seems to be a method of marcotting through mature woody
stems. It is best planted in ground near a water source, but not inundated.

Jade vines are commonly used as a decorative climbing plant due to its striking colours. Jade vines are
listed as vulnerable, as a result of deforestation and a decline of its natural pollinators that feed on the
flower nectar. Jade vine flowers are edible and are eaten as vegetables in the Philippines in a similar
manner as Sesbania grandiflora (the vegetable hummingbird or katurai).