FLORA

Palawan is home to over 1500 species of plants and trees. In El Nido, some of the more common species of trees are the large Strangler Figs (Ficus spp.). These trees are important for the existence of several species of birds and fruit bats; however, they are parasitic to other trees. Birds and bats, whom eat the fruit, ultimately distribute the seed of the Ficus on the tops of other trees. Upon germination, Ficus grows as seemingly harmless epiphytes (plants or trees growing on other trees). Once their long roots and branches begin to grow over the host tree, they ‘steal’ nutrients and water and as their branches smoother the host, they also block life-sustaining sunlight. In the end, the host tree dies and in its place is the massive Ficus tree. Another interesting plant is the Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes sp.). This appropriately named plant can be found growing on exposed limestone walls. Opposed to most other plants, this plant generally relies on insects for its nutrition. Inside the pitcher, which is a modified leaf that looks like a jug, there is a reservoir of ‘sweet’ water than attracts insects. Once inside, the slippery sides of the leaf cause insects to fall in the water where it will be slowly digested. The ‘flap’ prevents insects from potentially leaving the plant and also prevents evaporation of the water. Rattan (Calamus sp.) is a type of Palm tree that is widely distributed in the forest and is best known for their strength and flexibility. Furniture, baskets, and many handicrafts are fashioned from Rattan, but the harvesting of Rattan can be tricky. As young plants, they often contain sharp needle-like spines along the entire trunk of the tree. Further, they often ‘snake’ their way up Palm trees, placing them in dangerously high and exposed locations. Of the over 80 species of Calamus sp. living in the Philippines, most are endemic.

Mangroves are a unique habitat in that they play an important role for marine as well as terrestrial organisms. They provide essential nursery roles from many juvenile fish species and provide food and protection for birds, reptiles, and mammals.

These remarkable plants are well adapted to the salt water environment, even able to tolerate complete submersion of roots and trunk during high tides. Several species of Mangrove exist in Bacuit Bay. Red Mangrove (Rhizophora sp.) is the most common and are easy to spot as they have long prop-roots (sometimes hanging up to 10 meters from the main tree) which stabilize their growth. Grey (or White) Mangrove (Avicennia sp.) have above ground roots called pneumatophores. These roots look like a small field of narrow sticks rising vertically from the sand. During the low tide, the exposed roots absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen promptly ceasing respiration activities when the tide rolls back in submerging them underwater. Although not a true mangrove, Nypa Palm (Nypa sp.) is often associated with mangroves and is capable of surviving in the same environment. These Palms have been and continue to be important commercial species as the large palm fronds are used for roofing and wall material in the construction of shelters. The term ‘Nypa hut’ is used to describe a home or shelter made almost entirely from this palm.

FAUNA

Marine life

Birds

More than 230 species of birds can be found on and around Palawan. In El Nido, years of protection of the forests and bays have not only resulted in an increase in bird populations, but have afforded the avid birdwatcher greater opportunities to see rare and endemic birds. Some of the more common birds, such as Palawan’s provincial bird, the Palawan Hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei) and the White-vented Shama (Copsychus niger) are endemic to the islands. The most spectacular is the Palawan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) also a local endemic. White Breasted Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster), brightly colored Black-naped Orioles (Oriolus chinensis), Grey Imperial Pidgeons (Ducula pickeringii), Asian Glossy Starlings (Aplonis panayensis), and the glamorous Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis) are also commonly seen. Of course, Edible Nest Swiftlets (Aerodramus fuciphagus), whose cliff-side nests are the principal ingredient in Bird’s nest soup (and for which the town was named El Nido = The Nest) are always present, using their remarkable ability to echolocate for navigation around caves and crevices along the steep limestone islands. From sea birds to forest birds, large raptors to small sunbirds and with a high number of birds that can be found only on Palawan, the area of El Nido is a bird-watchers paradise!

Mammals

There are over 60 species of mammals on Palawan, many of which can be found in El Nido. The majority of them are bats, who make homes in the many caves and caverns etched into the limestone islands. Several of the larger mammals such as the Scaly Anteater or Pangolin (Manis javanica) and the Palawan Bear Cat (Arctictis Binturong) probably crossed over the small land-bridge from Borneo during the last glacier epoch as further evidenced by their distribution in the Philippines being restricted to the island of Palawan. One of the more commonly seen mammals, the Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) resides in the trees on islands such as Lagen, Cadlao and Pangulasian. They spend their day searching for fruit which makes up to 80% of their diet. Several species of marine mammals visit Bacuit Bay most notably are Dugongs (Dugong dugong). Dugongs are strict herbivores and can grow up to three meters long and weigh up to 400 kilograms. They usually travel alone or in small groups (consisting of the mother and offspring) and can travel up to 16 kilometers a day in search of their primary food source; sea grasses.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The most popular reptiles that dwell in El Nido can be found in the water. There are four species of Sea Turtles that are found within the bay. The Green (Colonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles are the most commonly sighted turtles. Both species use the beaches for nesting and several beaches have been identified and protected from disturbance of any kind. The Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles are less frequently seen. Another common marine reptile is the Banded Sea Snake (Laticauda colubrine). This highly venomous, but extremely docile snake is often found swimming among the shallow corals in search of tiny fish. Because they are ectothermic (require external sources for temperature regulation) and need air to breath they can often be found on intertidal rocks during the day.