Looking Into the Biodiversity Within the Park

Mount Bandilaan National Park is a popular tourist destination in Siquijor. Every visitor is eager to behold the majestic view from the top. But, there is an unbeaten path on the way up to the peak! If only they take heed of the inhabitants calling from among the trees!

The Mount Bandilaan National Park sits on the boundary between the municipalities of Lazi and Siquijor. It’s one of the major tourist destinations on the island. The adventurous ones are eager to explore the cave. While others prefer to climb up the Metal Observatory and enjoy the panoramic view of the island. And, on Holy Week, the religious visitors go up there to perform the Stations of the Cross.

But, apart from these common sights, there is a hidden gem within the park that many tourists either fail to notice or choose to ignore. Anyhow, on one hand, I can say the oversight is a blessing so as not to disturb the peace of the endangered inhabitants in the park. But, on second thought, the species lose the chance of getting more protection. They need people to help them survive and thrive.

Getting to Know More About Mount Bandilaan

Mount Bandilaan is one of the two largest forests in Siquijor. (The other one is Lilo-an). In the 1950s, these two forests occupied massive areas. But, over the years, logging, encroachment, and degradation put so much pressure on these forests. Their respective coverage areas dramatically shrank.

But, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The agency promptly secured the lands and the forests before total damage occurs. Under its management, Mount Bandilaan is restored and nurtured. Today, it’s now considered the best remaining forest on the island. The park’s typical forest avifauna is preserved. And, some remnant primary lowland forests are kept intact.

Fauna Presence in Mount Bandilaan

Moreover, the forest in Mount Bandilaan is home to some endemic birds. Since these species are well taken care of, the park is chosen as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by an international conservation organization.

In line with the organization’s program, I want to help, in my own capacity, to conserve the birds. At least four of the birds at the park are endemic to Siquijor Island. Sadly, the survival of these avians is critical.

And so, I want to introduce these endemic birds to you. In case you happen to see them somewhere, please report to the nearest DENR office for their proper documentation.

Streak-breasted bulbul (Hypsipetes siquijorensis)

The Streak-breasted bulbul species of Siquijor

This bulbul species is now classified as endangered (EN). And, it faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Sources at BirdLife International says the bird’s population as of 2001 is around 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals. And, it’s predicted to rapidly decline due to the shrinking forest habitat. But then, here’s a glimpse of hope. According to the bird organization, the Mount Bandilaan forest undergoes a regeneration. This means the Siquijor-endemic bulbul enjoys all its benefits without competition from other bulbul species.

Yellow-bellied Whistler (Pachycephala philippinensis siquijorensis)

The Yellow-Bellied Whistler

Thankfully, the Yellow-bellied Whistler is listed as Least Concern (LC). This means that although the bird’s population is declining, its number is far from the thresholds for Vulnerable. The gauge for a species’ vulnerability is >30% decline over ten years or three generations.

Orange-bellied Flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma besti)

Orange-Bellied Flowerpecker

The Orange-bellied Flowerpecker is classified as Least Concern (LC). Fortunately, its population trend is stable. Therefore, its number is far away from the thresholds for Vulnerable. (Vulnerability gauge is >30% decline over ten years or three generations).

Everett’s White-eye (Zosterops everetti siquijorensis)

Everett’s White-eye

The Everett’s White-eye covers an extremely large range. And, despite its decreasing population, its number does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable. Therefore, the Everett’s White-eye is classified as Least Concern (LC)

The Plight of Other Bird Species

The Philippine-hawk eagle

Unfortunately, some bird species are not as lucky as the others.

The endangered Philippine Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus philippensis) does not hover above Mount Bandilaan anymore. So does the Vulnerable Spotted Imperial-pigeon (Ducula carola). The park’s keepers blame the loss of suitable habitat as the primary reason for the birds’ disappearance.

Other species that did not survive at the park include;

  1. Japanese Night-heron (Gorsachius goisagi). This bird is classified as Endangered (EN).
  2. Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia). The cockatoo is now listed as Critically Endangered.
  3. The Rufous-lored Kingfisher (Todiramphus winchelli) is now a Vulnerable species.

It’s not only birds that are found in the park. Other animal species also thrive in Mount Bandilaan. Like, there are different kinds of frogs found there. The Cane toad (Rhinella marina) was introduced to the park in February 2019.

The Flourishing Flora of Mount Bandilaan

Just like in all other natural parks, varied flora species flourish at Mount Bandilaan. In fact, the park now boasts of more than 187 identified tree species in the property. Again, let me name some of the thriving and towering trees there. Perhaps, you’re familiar with many, if not all, of them. Here they are:

  • Apitong
  • Ayangile
  • Benguet pine
  • Ipil
  • Kalingag
  • Kubi
  • Lumbang
  • Molave
  • Narra
  • Nato
  • Rattan
  • Sagimsim
  • Siar
  • Teak
  • White Lauan

And of course, plants and herbs abound in the fertile land of the park. Faith healers from within and outside Siquijor visit the park to collect some herbs for their medicinal formulations. Of special interest to them are these local plants and herbs. Sadly, I fail to get the scientific names of these plants.

  • alayopyop
  • aloloy
  • baknit lamay
  • dalupang
  • hibi-hibi
  • lupit
  • manombalik
  • sapinit
  • sebog balik
  • tagihumok
  • tawa-tawa
  • tulay

Invitation to Visit the Park

If you are a first-time traveler or an eco-tourist, please include Siquijor Island’s Mount Bandilaan National Park in your destination. There is so much to learn from this park.

Meanwhile, if you’re a returning visitor to the peak of the mountain, please drop by at the park, too. Listen to the chirping of the birds. Take a look at the biodiversity in their habitat.