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| Mt. Arayat scenery in barrio Gatiawin, Arayat, Pampanga |
Mt. Arayat is a extinct volcano located on the plains of Pampanga. The majestic mountain is subject to different folklore tales and other stories. Even historical events of the Philippine and local history is where Mt. Arayat had its part and role. Mt. Arayat is very rich in flora and fauna, but it is sad to say, it is gradually degrading due to illegal activities of the settlers around the mountain. That's why in this post, I will dedicate this to the beautiful and rich flora and fauna located in the majestic mountain.
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| Arayat Pitogo Cycas riuminiana |
Arayat pitogo is one of the endemic plant species of Mt. Arayat. Arayat Pitogo was placed as one of the endangered species of plants by the IUCN due to deforestation and poaching. Conservation efforts are put in place to save this endangered plant. A joint project between Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Pampanga State Agricultural University was launched to propagate and save this beautiful plant.
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| Balacat Tree Ziziphus Talanai |
Balacat tree is one of kind of trees found in Mt. Arayat. It was declared as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation for Nature due to extensive deforestation inside the forest of Mt. Arayat. In other places, the bark of this tree is used as medicinal source. Historically, the city of Mabalacat got its name from this tree. At present, Pampanga State Agricultural University together with DENR are leading the conservation efforts of this tree.
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| Omoea philippinensis |
This beautiful kind of orchid is found inside the forests of Mt. Arayat. It is very suitable to basaltic lava kind of soil which is abundant in Mt. Arayat.
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| Blue Naped Parrot Tanygnatus lucionensis |
Blue Naped Parrot is one of the species of birds found in Mt. Arayat; according to a report published by Department of Environment and Natural Resources dated 2003. And according to IUCN, it was classified as Near Threatened due to extensive poaching of this birds.
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| Philippine Long Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis philippensis |
The Philippine Long Tailed Macaque is one of the primates found in Mt. Arayat. It is popularly known also as crab-eating macaque, or matsing by the locals. It is endemic to Philippine forests and woodlands especially in the forests of Mt. Arayat.
Note:
According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mt. Arayat is home to 49 species of trees and plants, 86 species of birds, 14 species of mammals, and 11 species of reptiles. There are also numerous of species of flowers and insects including butterflies that don't have any documentation and studies.
We are so lucky that our majestic mountain is only an extinct volcano. Half a million years ago, when Mt. Arayat last erupted. Due to the collision of Philippine and Eurasian plates, which led to the formation of Luzon Volcanic Arc. This volcanic arc was formed in the western side of Luzon. One of the most active volcanoes located within this arc is Mt. Pinatubo. When the new arc was formed, the magma chamber of Mt. Arayat was permanently closed, effectively become an extinct volcano up to the present. The only evidence of the Arayat's past volcanic activity, is the White Rock or Piedra Blanca. This rock formation is made up of lava dome, which spits out of the old crater of Arayat half a million years ago.
Friends, Magaleños and fellow Kapampangans, we must take care of this majestic mountain. Most of the Kapampangans are not aware of its rich biodiversity. We must very thankful, that this land form and its species are all precious creatures, gave by our mother nature and especially by our creator. We must educate our children and the next generation about the protecting of this beautiful mountain, including rich biodiversity and its historicity of this beautiful mountain. More to follow about this majestic mountain.
Photo Credits:
Arayat pitogo; De Hortus, www.dehosrtus.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-23749.aspx retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Omoea philippinensis; Hortus Orchids, horthusorchids.org/en/botanical-orchids/120-o/2350-omoea-philippinensis.html retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Blue Naped Parrot; Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Blue-naped_parrot retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Philippine Long Tailed Macaque; flickr.com/photos/opolaviary/5056396586 retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Sources:
De Hortus, www.dehosrtus.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-23749.aspx retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region III; www.r3.denr.gov.ph retrieved on January 26, 2020.
Hortus Orchids, horthusorchids.org/en/botanical-orchids/120-o/2350-omoea-philippinensis.html retrieved on January 26, 2020.
2003 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas and Wildlife, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Pinoy Mountaineer www.pinoymountaineer.com /2007/08/mt-arayat-1030_09.html
Wikipedia, www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_long_tailed_macaque
Note: Pictures of Mt. Arayat and Balacat Trees are came from the author, notes of Balacat tree is came from the notes taken by the author.