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| Mt. Arayat facing Cabayung Sarul, San Ildefonso, Magalang, Pampanga |
As I mention earlier in my past article in this blog, Mt. Arayat is very rich in diversity, in terms of Flora and Fauna. However, how can we protect this majestic mountain? How we can show our awareness in terms of preservation, protection and restoration of its ailing rain forests? In this article, I will show some interesting treasures whether plants and animals, found in this majestic mountain. And you will realize, that we have the responsibility to restore and preserve its ecological heritage so that, we have a sustainable and balanced ecology; as well as the way to promote Mt. Arayat as one of the ecotourism destinations in Pampanga.
I. BIRDS OF PREY (Balaue)
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Upper Right: Brahminy Kite, known also as Lawin
Lower Left: Honey Crested Buzzard
Lower Right: Besra
II. SPECTACULAR BIRDS
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Upper Right: Philippine Scops Owl, known as Culayo
Lower Left: Peregrine Falcon, known also as Alibasbas
Lower Right: Luzon Bleeding Heart
III. MAMMALS
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Upper Right: Philippine Warty Pig, known as Babing Dicut
Lower: Asian Water Monitor, known as Barag
IV. PLANTS AND TREES
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Upper Center: Parkia timoriana, known as Cupang
Upper Right: Lunasia amara, known as Lunas
Lower Left: Pterocarpus indicus, known as Narra
Lower Right: Tectona grandis, known as Teca
Note: To preserve and protect the remaining forests and animals in Mt. Arayat, strict enforcement of environmental laws shall be implemented. Locals must provide them education and information drive about the protecting and preserving the forests of Mt. Arayat. Alternative income generating livelihood must be likewise to introduce to the locals so that, they will reduce their reliance and exploitation to the ailing forests of the majestic mountain. Folks, be responsible and we must aware the side effects of our continuous exploitation of the forests. We all aware, that we are the stewards of the mother nature, and not as destroyers.
More to come...
Photo Credits:
Philippine Serpent Eagle: pininterest.ph/pin/423338433716094955
Brahminy Kite: pininterest.ph, created by: Lee Talbott
Honey Crested Buzzard: commons.wikimedia.org
Besra: wikipedia.org
Luzon Hornbill: treknature.com/galery/photo90026.htm
Philippine Scops Owl: orientalbirdimages.org; provided by David Bishop/David Bishop Tours
Peregrine Falcon: wantedinrome.com/news/peregrine-falcons-return-to-italian-skies.html
Luzon Bleeding Heart: wikipedia.org
Asian Palm Civet: pininterest.ph; provided by animalspot.net
Philippine Warty Pig: alchetron.com/Philippine-warty-pig
Asian Water Monitor: wikipedia.com
Ligas: drfarrahcancercenter.com/portfolio/ligas
Cupang: alchetron.com/Parkia-javanica
Lunas: earth.com/earthpedia/plant/nl/lunasia-amara
Narra: pininterest.ph; provided by Rendell Sibal
Teca: commons.wikimedia.org
Sources:
Mt. Arayat National Park bird checklist: avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=PHlumm01 retrieved: January 20, 2020.
Suba, Marlon DL., Arriola, Axel H., and Alejandro, Grecebio Jonathan D.; (2019) A Checklist and Conservation Status of the Medicinal Plants of Mount Arayat National Park, Pampanga, Philippines, Biodiversitas.
Personal interviews from the residents near Mt. Arayat in Pampanga State Agricultural University.