Wildlife Up Close

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 — 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐭.

Every year, countless native animals lose their lives on our roads. Snakes, monitor lizards, frogs, civets and other wildlife are not “road obstacles.” They are part of the ecosystem that keeps our forests, rivers, and communities alive.

The problem is not just speeding.
The problem is awareness.

As development expands, roads cut through habitats. Wildlife tries to cross. Vehicles don’t slow down. Most incidents go unreported. Most suffering goes unseen.

Through BANTAY-DAAN, we are addressing traffic-impacted native animals along our yards and roads by:

• Documenting wildlife road incidents
• Identifying danger hotspots
• Advocating for wildlife crossing signage
• Mobilizing community reporting
• Promoting responsible driving in biodiversity zones

This is not just about animals.
This is about responsibility.

When you drive through Subic and other biodiversity corridors, remember:

Don’t take your eyes off the road.
Slow down. Stay alert. Save a life.

Because guarding the road means guarding our wildlife.

Basking quietly on a rock, this Philippine Sailfin Lizard was observed resting in a mangrove area in Caramoan, Camarines Sur (Dec 2025).

The Philippine Sailfin Lizard is a semi-aquatic reptile recognized for the sail-like crest along its back, which is more evident in adult males than in females. Like many reptiles, it basks to regulate body temperature and quickly dives into the water when disturbed. Juveniles, with their lighter body mass and flattened toes, can run short distances across the water’s surface. As they grow heavier, adults lose this ability but remain efficient swimmers.

Mangrove habitats provide important basking sites, shelter, and access to water for this species. Continued deforestation and degradation of mangroves therefore remain a concern for their conservation.

Have you seen this species in the wild?

At first glance they may seem like different species, but they are actually a pair 🫂

Sexual dimorphism is common in many bird species, where males and females differ in appearance. Among sunbirds (family Nectariniidae), males often display vibrant, iridescent plumage, while females tend to have more muted, drab coloration that is thought to help with camouflage, especially while nesting.

Here is the male (right) and female (left) Palawan Sunbirds showing a clear example of sexual dimorphism in the wild. Both were observed in Sitio Malbato, Brgy. Bituan, Coron, Palawan (Nov 2025), actively perching on a mango tree. At one point, the female even came closer to us for a curious look. Such a nice field encounter.

Look at that pink tarsus 💅

We saw this female Black-chinned Fruit Dove in Malbato, Coron, Busuanga Island, blending so well with the leaves that we almost didn’t notice her. We actually spotted three individuals in one tree, but this one clearly wanted the spotlight.

The males look quite different, with a silvery-gray head and breast, a black breast band, and a more obvious black chin (hence the name).

We noticed her feeding on this fruit and got curious what plant it is. Anyone know what tree or fruit this might be?

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐙𝐞𝐮𝐬! 🥳🎈

Zeus is a Philippine Eagle hatched in captivity on February 04, 2002, the offspring of Junior and Pitha, an eagle rescued from the wild. His birth represents an important chapter in conservation breeding efforts for the species.

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙕𝙚𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙖𝙜-𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙛-𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨? Both share the same father, Junior, and were produced through artificial insemination—a scientific approach that strengthened conservation breeding at a critical time. Their shared lineage marks an early foundation in the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s conservation work.

Today, Zeus has reached the retirement stage from breeding. However, his role in conservation continues. Zeus now serves as an Education Ambassador at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), helping visitors learn about the biology of Philippine Eagles and the importance of protecting forest habitats.

Zeus’s story shows that an eagle’s contribution does not end with breeding. Through education and awareness, he continues to support conservation by inspiring people to protect forests—ensuring a future where Philippine Eagles can thrive.

Through Zeus, we are reminded that conservation is built not only on science, but also on shared stories that encourage understanding and action.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Kim and Felicia Atienza, Zeus’ proud adopters and valued conservation champions, for their unwavering support of his well-being and our shared conservation mission 💚.

take action for conservation. Support Zeus and other Philippine Eagles by donating to programs that protect their future 🦅.

👉 Donate today at: https://bit.ly/4c7nEGn

A day to celebrate our wetlands.

Wetlands are where water meets land and where life thrives. These ecosystems are vital to both wildlife and people, supporting daily livelihoods and rich biodiversity. Places like Mahagnao Lake serve as crucial breeding and foraging grounds for the locally threatened birds, such as Philippine Ducks, also known as Papan or Damulog.

Philippine Duck is one of the most commonly hunted wild birds in the country, often viewed as a food source by local communities. However, the continued decline of its population due to hunting highlights the urgent need for stronger protection measures and regulations. This further emphasizes the importance of protected wetland areas like Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in safeguarding the future of this species.

Protect wetlands. Protect life.

Ibong Adarna? ✨

The Philippine Trogon is the only member of the family Trogonidae found in the country. We came across this female during rainy fieldwork in Cagayan Province, quietly perched on an open branch as heavy rain poured around her.

This species has five recognized subspecies across different Philippine islands and island groups, and the individual we observed belongs to the subspecies 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪.

The name “Ibong Adarna” comes from the male’s strikingly colorful plumage, which contrasts with the female’s more subdued brown tones. According to Filipino folklore, the Ibong Adarna is a magical bird whose mesmerizing songs can either heal or turn to stone anyone who hears them. Its story is central to a classic epic poem about love, sacrifice, and adventure.

🎵 See the next slide to hear its call and let us know in the comments if you felt as enchanted as we did.