SAVE THESE ANIMALS FROM EXTINCTION, SAVE THE EARTH

How much do you know of the creatures inhabiting our Philippine forests, coastal waters and oceans?

- CHING M. ALANO

Not deep enough, but we can name at least six of them.

One is the Philippine pangolin, sometimes known as a scaly anteater and is a friend to plants and trees as they keep insects at bay by eating them. Native to Palawan, it is valued for its scales and meat.

Ever heard the rasping squawk or whistling noise of the Philippine cockatoo, aka katala? This rare large parrot of the forest of Palawan has an all-white plumage with a red and yellowish undertail. Measuring 12 inches long with a wingspan of 8.6 inches, it fetched US$300 in 2006. Never cocky, the cockatoo is a favorite caged bird because it can mimic the human voice. So, careful what you say to the cockatoo.

Ever swam with a dugong? The dugong is a marine mammal with a dolphin-like tail and paddle-like flippers. It is prized for its meat and oil. Historically, dugongs were found in all areas of the Philippines.

Ever seen a pawikan (sea turtle) hatch eggs? Could be pretty egg-citing to watch this gentle sea creature during the nesting season. This gentlest ocean traveler helps keep our sea healthy.

Ever seen the brave and helpful tamaraw, aka Mindoro dwarf buffalo? Not a subspecies of the water buffalo, it is slightly hairier, has a stocky build and shy demeanor. The only endemic Philippine bovine, it holds a special place in Philippine biodiversity.

And now comes the king of the sky—the Philippine eagle! The largest of the existing eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface area, the great Philippine eagle is native to Philippine forests. It is proudly called the national bird of the Philippines. Killing a Philippine eagle is a crime punishable by up to 12 years in prison and carries heavy fines.