ANALYSIS:
- Underground River
- Located in Palawan
- Swamp
MORE INFORMATION:
PLANTS AND ANIMALS:
It is home to about 800 plant and 233 animal species, including the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), as well as the endangered Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Nordmann’s greenshank (Tringa guttifer).
Flora
The park has a range of forest formations representing eight of the thirteen forest types found in tropical Asia, namely forest over ultramafic soils, forest over limestone soils, montane forest, freshwater swamp forest, lowland evergreen tropical rainforest, riverine forest, beach forest, and mangrove forest. Researchers have identified more than 800 plant species from 300 genera and 100 families. These include at least 295 trees dominated by the dipterocarp species. In the lowland forest, large trees such as the Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Ipil (Intsia bijuga), Dita (Alstonia scholaris), Amugis (Koordersiodendrum pinnatum), and Apitong (Dipterocarpus gracilis) are common. Beach forest species include Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum), Pongamia pinnata, and Erynthia orientalis. Other notable plant species include Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), Kamagong (Diospyros pulganensis) Pandan (Pandanus sp.) Anibong, and Rattan ('Calamus sp.)
Fauna
Birds comprise the largest group of vertebrates found in the park. Of the 252 bird species known to occur in Palawan, a total of 165 species of birds were recorded in the park. This represents 67% of the total birds and all of the 15 endemic bird species of Palawan. Notable species seen in the park are the blue-naped parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis), Tabon scrub fowl (Megapodius cumunigii), hill myna (Gracula religiosa), Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), white breasted sea eagle (Halitutus leucogates).
There are also some 30 mammal species that have been recorded. Most often observed in the forest canopy and along the shoreline feeding during low tide is the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), the only primate found in the area. Other mammal species in the park are the bearded pig (Sus barbatus), bearcat (Arctictis binturong), Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei) and the Palawan porcupine (Hystrix pumilus)
19 species of reptiles have been identified, eight of which are endemic. Common species in the area include large predators like the common reticulated python (Python reticulatus), the monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) and the green crested lizard (Bronchocoela cristatella). Amphibian fauna include ten species. The Philippine woodland frog (Rana acanthi) is the most dominant and frequently encountered. One species, Barbourula busuangensis, endemic to Palawan was also observed in the area.
Notable are the nine species of bats, two species of swiftlets and whip spider (Stygophrynus sp.) found in the cave, and the sea cow (Dugong dugon) and the hawksbill sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) that feed in the coastal area of the park.
PROTECTION:
Like other protected areas, it is being managed by the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) headed by the City Government of Puerto Princesa where PCSDS seats as a member of the Board. Various joint endeavor have been done so far between and among government and non-government organizations including the community surrounding the Park to improve the services to visitors who frequent to the Underground River when they are in Puerto Princesa.
CONCLUDE AND APPLY:
1. Are all wetlands the same?
- No, all wetlands are not the same. In fact, there are four types of wetlands, namely: bog, fen, marsh and swamp.
2. What is the ecological significance of the wetland area that you studied for that region of the country?
- It serves as a habitat to numerous endangered species.
3.Why should wetland environments be protected?
- The main functions performed by wetlands are water filtration, water storage, biological productivity and provide habitat for wildlife.
4. What can people do to support the continued preservation of wetland environments in the Philippines?
- There are numerous ways to help preserve wetland environments here in the Philippines. Some of it are joining clubs that help preserve certain wetlands or we can also donate or help in fund raising events.
Wetlands Data
|
| Type of Wetland: Swamp |
| Location: West Coast of Palawan, 81 km north of Puerto Princesa City |
| Plant Species: 800 plant species |
| Animal Species: 233 animal species |
| Strategy for Preservation: Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) |
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