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The results of a recent mammal study from Palawan have revealed an astonishing array of endemic mammal species caught on camera for the first time ever in the wild.

The extensive camera trap study led by the Centre for Sustainability is the first of its kind on the Philippines island of Palawan. Focusing on intact ecosystems near Cleopatra’s Needle, one of the island’s highest peaks, the study has provided biologists with invaluable data on Palawan’s elusive mammals, many of which are found no-where else.

As Palawan’s forests slowly declines and hunting pressure increase, the island’s unique mammals need protection more than ever. However, without understanding the biology of these species, conservation targets for protecting them remain undefined. Species such as the Palawan Pangolin are under severe threat due to high demand for their meat and scales, which are thought to possess medicinal value in China.

Using battery operated, waterproof cameras with remote sensors and night vision, the team collected candid photos and video of a diverse and intact mammal community.

In addition to rare species like the Palawan Pangolin and Palawan Leopard Cat, all of Palawan’s larger endemic mammal species were recorded. This includes: the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, Palawan Porcupine, Crab-Eating Macaque, Palawan Bearded Pig, Palawan Bearcat, with many smaller mammals in abundance.

Asian Masked Palm Civet  © Centre for Sustainability

Cleopatra’s Needle  © Robin Moore

Palawan Pangolin   © Centre for Sustainability

By collecting data on species diversity, abundance and dispersal across the Cleopatra’s Needle forests, the study is helping scientists glimpse into the secret lives of Palawan’s mammals. The data collected will also be used to develop conservation strategies tailored to each species.

Located between the South China and Sulu Seas, the Philippine island of Palawan contains one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse rainforest left in Southeast Asia. This forest covers over half the island and is a refuge for a remarkable concentration of endemic and endangered species found nowhere else.

To prevent the destruction of Palawan’s forests and protect the many endemics found there, Rainforest Trust is partnering with Palawan’s Centre for Sustainability to create an 80,000-acre Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve. In addition to safeguarding the region’s forest biodiversity, the reserve will also protect the homeland of the Batak people, one of Palawan’s disappearing tribes.

Until recently, Palawan’s relatively small population put limited pressure on its natural ecosystems, but threats from logging, hunting and rapid urbanization now pose serious challenges. Among Palawan’s most threatened ecosystems are the spectacular forests surrounding the 5,256-foot Cleopatra’s Needle.

The forests of Cleopatra’s Needle contain diverse habitats including steep valleys covered with dense broadleaf forest, intact cloud forest on the peaks, riverine forest along creeks, swamps and dense mangroves along the river banks. It is the last safe haven for countless endemic species, and functions as an important corridor for wildlife crossing the island.

“As this is possibly the largest remaining intact primary forest in the Philippines, the results of this camera trap study demonstrate the richness of this area for biodiversity and highlight the importance of conserving the forests of Cleopatra’s Needle to protect Palawan’s endemic mammals,” said Christine Hodgdon, International Conservation Manager for Rainforest Trust.