62. SAMPLES OF FLORA AND FAUNA FOUND IN MT. ARAYAT II

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)

Upper Left: Philippine Serpent Eagle (endemic)

Upper Right: Brahminy Kite, known also as Lawin

Lower Left: Honey Crested Buzzard

Lower Right: Besra

II. SPECTACULAR BIRDS

Upper Left: Luzon Hornbill, known as Calao or Kalaw

Upper Right: Philippine Scops Owl, known as Culayo 

Lower Left: Peregrine Falcon, known also as Alibasbas 

Lower Right: Luzon Bleeding Heart 

III. MAMMALS

Upper Left: Asian Palm Civet, known as Musang 

Upper Right: Philippine Warty Pig, known as Babing Dicut

Lower: Asian Water Monitor, known as Barag 

IV. PLANTS AND TREES

Upper Left: Semecarpus cuneiformis, known as Ligas 

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.