Animals in the Philippines: A Complete Guide to Wildlife

Below you can find a complete list of Filipino animals. We currently track 193 animals in Philippines and are adding more every day!

Across the 7,600 plus islands that make up the Philippines, you can find over 52,177 different types of animals. The country has one of the highest rates of discovery of new animal species in the world. Over 50% of these species exist nowhere else on earth. Encroachment, land fragmentation, and habitat loss threaten over 700 animals with extinction.

The Official National Animal of Philippines

The official national animal of the Philippines is the kalabaw, a native water buffalo. Farmers prize this domesticated swamp-type water buffalo for its ability to pull heavy carts and many use them to help farmers plow fields. The milk from the these animals is also collected to drink. After the animal passes, the farm family will eat its meat.

Where To Find The Top Wild Animals in Philippines

Found on these islands are a surprising amount of animals native to the Philippines, some of which are rarely, if at all, found anywhere else in the world. Since the Philippines spread across over 7,000 islands, it is important to know where to find the top wild animals.

• Philippine Eagle – The Philippine eagle is the national bird and the world’s tallest and longest. Look for this bird on Mount Kitanglad. You can also see this bird on Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar islands.
• Brahminy Kites – This large bird of prey resides in Bohol, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Marinduque, Guimaras, Leyte, Lubang, Sarangani, Masbate and Tawi-Tawi.
• Dugong Sea Cow – See this sea mammal that can weigh up to 650 pounds around Palawan Island.
• Whale shark – The Philippines has the third densest population of whale sharks in the world. You may be able to swim with them in the waters surrounding Leyte, Tubbataha, Donsol, and Oslob islands.
• Sardines – Snorkel with about 8 million sardines off the waters near Panagsama, Moalboal, Philippines.
• Tarsier – The candy-bar-sized tarsier, the second-smallest primate in the world, is found in Corella, Bohol, Philippines. Look for this mammal that hunts at night high in trees.
• Tokay gecko – If you hear something that sounds like you are winding an old-fashioned alarm clock, look for a Tokay gecko nearby. This species is the second-largest species of gecko, and you can spot it on Luzon Island.
• Tamaraw – These small hooved mammals cherished by the Filipino people that live on Mindoro.
• Philippine crocodile – Head to Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park to see the Philippine crocodile, which is the rarest crocodile in the world.

Birds in the Philippines

The Philippines has the third highest number of endemic birds, following Indonesia and Australia. Found on these islands are around 714 avian species: 243 endemic, three introduced, and 52 accidental. Birdwatching in the Philippines can be somewhat difficult, having to travel across the differing islands, many of which have unique dialects. Unfortunately, many of the native species are declining in population due to human encroachment and habitat loss, leading to endangerment and extinction. There are 4 main areas of the archipelago especially popular for wildlife and bird watching.

• Luzon is the largest island, containing a diverse array of environments and several associated islands. Relatively easy to navigate, finding the popular species to see usually takes a day or two of travel. Species unique to Luzon include the Luzon bleeding-heart and the Luzon hornbill. Other species found in Luzon include the Flame-breasted Fruit Dove, Penelopides, and Gallicolumba, to name a few.
• The Visayas consist of the majority of the Philippine Islands but are not long to travel as many of the islands are small. Due to rise in human population, many native species are difficult to find or extinct on these islands. While hopping the Visayas, keep an eye out for Negros Scops owls, Visayas Tarictic Hornbills, Yellow-faced Flamebacks, and Flame-templed Babblers.
• Mindanao is generally avoided due to instability within the country. However, it is one of the last homes of the Philippine Eagle, the national bird and an endemic species. Travel is still possible but takes careful organization and planning in advance. The Apo sunbird, Southern Silvery Kingfisher, Mindanao Blue Fantail, and the Red-eared Parrotfinch are species to look for in Mindanao.
• Palwawan, tropical in climate, is a popular destination for tourists and birdwatchers. Many other types of animals can be seen on the island, as well, making for a good pastime while on the lookout for avian species. Palawan is home to several endemic species, such as the Palawan Scops owl, the Palawan Hornbill, and the Palawan tit. Other birds found on the island are the Melodious Babbler, White-vented Shama, and the Lovely Sunbird.

Fish in the Philippines

The Philippines is surrounded by around 1.36 million square miles of ocean and 11,000 miles of shoreline. In these waters, countless incredible species of marine life live, such as whale sharks, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, and blue ring octopus. Over 2,000 fish species swim the waters, contributing to an expansive fishing ecosystem. Anglers from around the world come to these waters to experience the wildlife but to also gamefish for unique species.

The Siargao Islands host an International Gamefishing Tournament, where fishermen compete to catch the largest fish. Fish can be caught year-round with the best season ranging March to May. Dorado, billfish, sailfish, marlin, and tuna are common catches in these parts.

Subic is known for its incredible reefs surrounding shipwrecks, attracting many species such as wahoo, mackerel, barracuda, sailfish, and giant trevally during the season of October to around June.

Freshwater fishing is also popular in many lakes of the archipelago. Largemouth bass fishing prevails at lakes Lumot and Caliraya, outside of Manila.

It is important to check out the local fishing guidelines and regulations before planning a trip in order to protect endangered species and habitats.

Snakes in the Philippines

About 175 species of snakes live on the Philippine Islands or swim the waters. The archipelago is home to the longest snake in the world, the longest venomous snake (King Cobra), and the snake species with the longest venom glands (long-glanded coral snakes). Many venomous sea snakes swim the oceans surrounding the islands, a few examples including Coral Reef Snakes, Yellow-lipped Sea Kraits, Laticauda, and Hydrophis semperi (freshwater). Families of snakes found on the islands include:

• Pythons: Reticulated pythons are the only pythons in the archipelago rainforests.
• Elapids: Venomous snakes with fangs erect at the front of their mouths. Includes cobras, such as the King Cobra, Northern Philippine Cobra, Southern Philippine Cobra, and Equatorial Spitting Cobra. Also includes 3 coral reef species and 20 species of sea snakes and sea kraits.
• Blind Snakes: Small, burrowing snakes that are harmless and elusive. They are names for their reduced, vestigial eyes.
• Pit Vipers: Medium-sized, venomous, tree-dwelling snakes with folding fangs at the front of their mouths. Wagler’s pit vipers generally symbolise good fortune.
• Colubrids: Mostly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans. Examples include the Red-tailed rat snake, the banded wolf snake, reed snakes, and bronzebacks.

Make sure to keep an eye on the ground, trees, and ocean when exploring the magnificent islands of the Philippines. If bitten by a snake, venomous or not, seek professional medical attention.

The Most Dangerous Animals in the Philippines Today

While many unique Filipino animals are not dangerous, there are a few that you need to be aware of if you visit this island nation.

• Mosquitoes – Approximately 85,000 dengue cases are reported in the Philippines annually. This viral disease carried by mosquitoes kills about 500 people annually.
• Dogs – About 250 people are killed by rabies transmitted from dog bites in the Philippines annually.
• Philippine cobra – In rural areas of the Philippines, approximately 107 people per 100,000 died of bites from the Philippine cobra. Most died before they could reach a hospital.
• Jellyfish – In particular, bites from the box jellyfish kill about 30 people annually.

Endangered Animals In the Philippines

Sadly, many of the animals living in the Philippines are endangered. Common threats to habitats and populations include overhunting, industrial development, and habitat fragmentation. While the country has passed laws to protect wildlife, they have not done a very good job of enforcing those laws, so exotic animals have minimal protection. Some of the most notable Philippine endangered wildlife include:

• Philippine eagle
• Philippine freshwater crocodile
• Tamaraw
• Visayan Wrinkled Hornbill
• Philippine cockatoo
• Negros bleeding-heart
• Philippine naked-backed fruit bat
• Philippine forest turtle
• Dinagat cloud bushy-tail rat
• Hawksbill sea turtle

Zoos in the Philippines

Zoos and wildlife parks are a great place to visit with children and families when looking for a fun adventure. There are around 15 zoos located in the Philippines, here are the top 5:

1. Cebu Safari (Cebu) – The largest and most popular zoological park, Cebu Safari spans 170 hectares (420 acres). Animals roam relatively freely, including bengal tigers, wildebeest, giraffes, greater kudu, etc. The park also includes an expansive orchid garden, aesthetically pleasing to visitors.
2. Zoobic Safari (Bataan) – Located on 25 hectares (61 acres), visitors are welcome to pet and meet animals. Approachable animals include ferrets, bearcats, guinea pigs, and ducks. Monkeys, eagles, bears, and many more species also exist within the park. Exclusively at this park, a tiger jumps on safari cars while devouring a chicken carcass, giving visitors a full experience of seeing a tiger up close and personal.
3. Avilon Zoo (Rizal) – Over 3,000 species, both native and exotic, fill this expansive park. The Avilon Zoo is known for its conservation efforts to help protect and preserve endangered species. Visitors are able to feed deer, wild horses, giant tortoises, and waterfowl while viewing other exhibits of intelligent and playful animals.
4. Calauit Safari Park (Busuanga) – While not as accessible as other zoos in the country, the park is home to an array of species including crocodiles, giraffes, Philippine mouse-deer, Philippine porcupine, and the Palawan bearded-pig to name a few.
5. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (Manila) – Holds a Wildlife Rescue Center used by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a temporary refuge for injured, abandoned, donated, sick, or confiscated wildlife. Many indigenous species, such as the Philippine deer, Palawan bearded deer, water monitors, binturongs, and crab-eating macaques. One of the best zoos in the country, many intriguing avian species are also housed here.

Filipino Animals

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Palm Civet

It mainly eats mangos and coffee!

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Banana Spider

People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Barb

There are over 2,000 known species!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 20,000 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cockatoo

Highly social, smart, and chatty bird.

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 million worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab-Eating Macaque

Found throughout the South-East Asian jungles!

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Draco volans

Beneath the lizard’s “wings” are a pair of enlarged ribs for support.

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Elephant

Spends around 22 hours a day eating!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Lemur

The second pair of upper incisors in a flying lemur has a double root, which is unique for mammals.

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

There are 12 different species in the world!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gazelle

Named for the Arabic word for love poems

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

Gerbil

Originally known as the Desert Rat!

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glow Worm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Golden-Crowned Flying Fox

They eat figs almost exclusively

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Bee-Eater

Mainly eats honeybees!

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 40 mph!

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Hornbill

The bird has a massive horn on its bill!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

King Cobra

They are the longest poisonous snake in the world.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leopard Cat

There are 11 different species!

Liger

The offspring of a lion and tiger parents!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Lorikeet

The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Malayan Civet

Also known as the Oriental Civet!

Masked Palm Civet

Found throughout Asia, India and China!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongoose

Range in size from just 1 to 3 foot!

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard

Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Pangolin

Bad eyesight, but great sense of smell

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock

Most commonly found on the Indian mainland!

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 50 different species!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Rhinoceros

It's horns are made from keratin!

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Skunk

Also known as the Polecat!

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 3,000 known species worldwide

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spiny Hill Turtle

The shell serves as both a defense and camouflage!

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Tarsier

Each eye weighs more than their whole brain!

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Uguisu

Their guano is used in face creams!

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Walking Catfish

The walking catfish can move on land while breathing air

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Dragon

Spends most of it's time in the trees!

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Tiger

None have been seen in the wild for 50 years!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Zebu

There are around 75 different species!

Filipino Animals List