Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park

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Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park, located in the province of Kalinga in the northern Philippines, is a lush and mountainous protected area within the Cordillera Central mountain range. Known as the “last frontier of biodiversity” in Luzon, the park features dense montane and mossy forests, steep ridges, pristine rivers, and an incredible diversity of wildlife—particularly forest-dwelling mammals and reptiles adapted to its remote, high-altitude terrain.

Philippine Warty Pig
This wild pig, endemic to the Philippines, is found rooting through the park’s forest floor in search of roots, tubers, and fruit. It plays an essential role in seed dispersal and forest ecology.

Philippine Deer (Luzon Brown Deer)
A shy and nocturnal herbivore, the Philippine deer browses on leaves, twigs, and grasses in forest clearings. It is an important prey species for the park’s native carnivores.

Northern Luzon Cloud Rat
One of the world’s largest tree-dwelling rodents, this endemic mammal lives in the canopy and feeds on fruits, leaves, and bark. It is nocturnal and rarely seen, but crucial to the forest ecosystem.

Luzon Bushy-tailed Cloud Rat
Another rare rodent species, it inhabits the upper montane forests and is active at night. Its thick fur and prehensile tail help it navigate trees while foraging on vegetation.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
A highly intelligent and social primate, the macaque lives in forest groups and forages for fruits, insects, and small animals. It is adaptable but most comfortable in dense foliage near rivers.

Philippine Civet (Palm Civet)
This elusive and mostly nocturnal carnivore moves quietly through trees and undergrowth in search of fruits, birds, and insects. It plays a key role in seed dispersal within the park.

Luzon Leopard Cat
A small, agile predator, the leopard cat hunts rodents and birds in forested areas and riverbanks. It is shy and mostly nocturnal, using stealth and speed to catch prey.

Philippine Slow Loris (possible presence)
If present in the park, this rare and nocturnal primate would inhabit mossy forests and feed on insects, tree sap, and fruit. It moves slowly and has a toxic bite used for defense.

Water Monitor Lizard
A large reptile often seen near rivers and forest edges, it feeds on fish, birds, and carrion. It is an excellent swimmer and an important part of the park’s food chain.

Skinks (Various endemic species)
Numerous species of skinks inhabit the park’s leaf litter and forest floor. These small, shiny lizards feed on insects and are key to maintaining a balanced invertebrate population.

Birds

Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is also a critical bird habitat, sheltering many endemic and endangered species—especially those reliant on primary forest and highland ecosystems in the northern Cordilleras.

Luzon Bleeding-heart
A striking ground-dwelling pigeon, this species is named for the red patch on its chest. It forages on the forest floor for seeds and fallen fruit and is highly sensitive to habitat disturbance.

Philippine Eagle (possible range)
One of the world’s largest and rarest eagles, the Philippine eagle may occasionally range into the park’s vast forests. It preys on monkeys, flying squirrels, and large birds and requires old-growth forest to nest.

Flame-breasted Fruit Dove
This colorful and elusive dove lives in the canopy and feeds on fruit. Its vivid plumage and soft calls make it a sought-after sighting among birdwatchers.

Scale-feathered Malkoha
Known for its bizarre, scale-like head feathers, this cuckoo-like bird creeps through branches hunting insects and small lizards. It thrives in dense, moist forests.

Luzon Scops Owl
A small, cryptic owl with excellent camouflage, it roosts in tree cavities and is active at night. It hunts insects and small vertebrates and is endemic to the northern Philippines.

Luzon Hornbill
This forest specialist is a frugivore, flying in noisy groups through the canopy. It nests in tree cavities and plays a critical role in seed dispersal.

Green Racquet-tail
A beautiful parrot with long tail feathers ending in “racquets,” this endemic species feeds on fruit and blossoms. It is often heard before it is seen due to its high-pitched calls.

Philippine Hawk-Eagle
A powerful and agile raptor of mid to high elevations, it preys on birds, reptiles, and mammals. It nests in tall trees and is vulnerable to habitat loss.

Elegant Tit
A small and energetic forest bird, the elegant tit flits through foliage in mixed-species flocks, feeding on insects and caterpillars. It is endemic to Luzon’s mountain forests.

Mountain Shrike
Found only in montane grassland and forest edges, this striking songbird preys on insects and small animals, using thorny branches to store its food—earning it the nickname “butcherbird.”

Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is a true stronghold of Philippine biodiversity, where ancient forests shelter rare and often endemic wildlife, and where the peaks of the Cordillera rise above a tapestry of lush, life-filled wilderness.