Island
of Calauit
The
Calauit Island lies in the Northwestern coast of Palawan was declared
a game preserve and wildlife sanctuary in 1977 as the Philippines
responded to an appeal by the IUCN or the International Union
of Conservation of Nature to save endangered animals in Africa.
The
Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural area where the
entire environment and all the plants and animals are allowed
to live in a natural state with the absolute minimum of human
interference or disturbance. In order to protect the sanctuary
and preserve it for future generations, certain standards of Visitor
Conduct are provided for in the National Integrated Protected
Areas Act and the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan.
Covering an area of 3,700 hectares Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary
is home to both endemic animals and African wildlife. At first,
eight species of African animals from Kenya, which includes giraffes,
zebras, impalas, waterbucks, bushbacks, gazelles, elands and topis
live in harmony with endemic Philippine animals like the Calamian-
and mouse- deer, bearcat, Palawan peacock pheasant, sea turtles
and Philippine crocodile. Their numbers have increased from a
hundred to well over six-hundred as they thrive in their new Pacific
home.
It evolved to become the country’s major conservation showcase
and unique nature park. The island is very proud of having extraordinary
scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa such as,
giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles co-exist with endemic
Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock
pheasant, in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga,
considered one of the island’s most amazing sites.
This
island is also a haven for more than seventy species of birds,
of which ten of them are rare, that rest and flock two hours before
sunset, after their wholeday flight.
The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is a success
story for every Filipino. This island is home to African animals
living harmoniously in co-existence with Palawan's indigenous
species. It caters for scientific, educational, tourism and recreational
activities by providing enjoyment of the wilderness and opportunities
for greater awareness on the importance and appreciation of conservation
of the natural and cultural heritage of this beautiful area.
This
Island is indeed the Philippine's showcase for wildlife conservation.
It is an ideal sanctuary because of its relative isolation. The
forests, grasslands and mangrove swamps are also the habitat of
some of the country’s rarest and most endangered species.
This Calauit
Island, a truly must-see for all nature- and wildlife- lovers
and enthusiasts. So come on now and visit, and have a great, wonderful,
and unforgettable experience!
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