Just across the road from the Capitol Lagoon, you will find what might look like a zoo in the heart of the city. But in reality, with its aims and programs, it is more than an ordinary zoo.
The Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Incorporated is a non-profit organization that aims to save and protect the forests and the threatened species found in the Negros Island and in the Philippines. It has an exclusive center for breeding these endangered mammals, birds, and reptiles which are mostly found in Panay and Negros, and nowhere else in the world. Some of the species inside the breeding center are as follows:
Birds:
1. Philippine Cockatoo
Name: Cacatua Haematuropygia, (Katala)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
This specie is critically endangered because its habitat has been destroyed due to illegal collection for unauthorized pet trades. Although this bird is known to be found anywhere in the Philippines, majority of its kind are located in Rasa Island, Palawan.
2. Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeon
Name: Gallicolumba keayi (Badlitan)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
This specie is distinctly known for its red patch near its heart that resembles “blood”. You can only find this bird in the Negros-Panay Fauna region.
3. Metallic Wood Pigeon
Name: Columba Vitiensis Griseogularis
Conservation Status: Least Concerned
This pigeon features glossy gray-metallic purple feathers in its belly and wings that are covered with blackish grey and metallic green feathers. These colored feathers change with light, giving it an elegant brilliant sheen.
4. Visayan Tarictic Hornbill
Name: Penelopides Panini (Tularik)
Conservation Status: Endangered
This small Philippine hornbill is only found in the forest of Panay and Negros. It stays inside the cavity of a tree for three months to incubate her eggs until they hatch.
5. Southern Rufous Hornbill
Name: Buceros Mindanensis (Kalaw)
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
This specie is the largest hornbill specie in the Philippines. It is found in Samar, Leyte, Biliran, and Bohol. It is fed on fruits and insects, making it an omnivore.
6. Buff-Eared Brown dove
Name: Phapitreron Nigrorum (Alimukon)
Conservation Status: Endangered
This specie likes to eat berries and fruits. It is only found in limited parts of the country including Negros.
7. Visayan Writhed Hornbill
Name: Rhabdotorrhinus Waldeni (Talarak)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Visayan writhed hornbill is highly endangered because it is only found in Negros and Panay. Its extreme scarcity and extinction in Guimaras is due to deforestation. This bird is known to be functionally extinct in the Negros province.
Mammals:
1. Warty Pig
Name: Sus Cebifrons Negrinus (Baboy Talunon)
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The warty pig is known to be the most endangered wild pig in the whole world. It is extinct in Guimaras, Cebu and Masbate (possibly). Now, it is only found in the surviving forest of Panay and Negros.
2. Visayan Leopard Cat
Name: Prionailurus Bengalensis Rabori (Maral)
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
This Visayan leopard cat is one of the most attractive and unique races of leopard cats. It only weighs between 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg, making it one of the smallest of its race. At least 95% of this nocturnal mammal’s total population has been wiped out, leaving only a few that have survived in the remaining forest patches of Cebu, Panay, and Negros.
3. Large Flying Fox
Name: Pteropus Vampyrus Lanesis (Kabog)
Conservation Status: Nearly Threatened
Opposite to its name “vampyrus”, the large flying fox is an herbivore. It loves to eat fruits, flowers, pollens, nectar, and other plants.
Raptors:
1. Philippine Eagle-Owl
Name: Bub Philippinensis (Kuwago)
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Found in Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Catanduanes, and Bohol, this specie is the largest owl in the country. It is a nocturnal hunter which is fed on mice, rats, and small animals or insects, making them useful in eliminating pests and rodents. “Bubo”, the name of the Philippine Eagle Owl, is the first of kind that is successfully raised in the center.
2. Philippine Hawk Eagle
Name: Nisaetus Pinskeri (Agila)
Conservation Status: Endangered
This raptor, just like the others, uses it keen sight and powerful claws to hunt for food. This specie is exacerbated by hunting, making logging and deforestation (for agricultural plantation and livestock) a big threat to them.
Reptiles:
1. Philippine Sailfin Lizard
Name: Hydrosaurus Pustulatus (Ibid)
This specie is a reptile features a sail found in the dorsal part of its tail – the reason why it’s called a “sailfin” lizard. Interestingly, this huge lizard is fed on small invertebrates during its younger days but when it grows into an adult, it becomes an herbivore, being fed on plants and vegetables.
Aiming to provide a peaceful habitat for these threatened species, the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Incorporated is open for any form of help. If you want to participate in this life-saving program for these wonderful creatures, you may do so by adapting an animal, becoming a volunteer, or simply giving a monetary donation.
This wildlife animal sanctuary is located at South Capitol Road in Bacolod City and is open from Mondays to Saturdays, between 9am to 12nn, and between 1pm to 4:30pm. There is a minimal entrance fee to be paid at the gate.
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