Mounts Iglit–Baco Overview
Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park, known in Filipino as Pambansang Liwasan ng mga Bundok Iglit–Baco, is a rugged and ecologically vital protected area located on Mindoro Island in the Philippines.
Spanning approximately 294 square miles (760 square kilometers), the park stretches across the provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro and encompasses the twin mountain ranges of Mount Iglit and Mount Baco.
Established in 1970, the park is internationally recognized as the last stronghold of the critically endangered tamaraw, a dwarf buffalo endemic to Mindoro, and has been designated an ASEAN Heritage Park for its extraordinary biodiversity and cultural importance.
The terrain of the park is characterized by dramatic elevation changes, rolling grasslands, dense forests, steep ravines, and river valleys. Mount Iglit rises to 7,671 feet (2,338 meters), while Mount Baco reaches 8,189 feet (2,496 meters), both offering challenging ascents and stunning views.
The lower slopes are covered in cogon grasslands and savanna-like landscapes, gradually giving way to montane and mossy forests at higher elevations. The park is interspersed with rivers and waterfalls that nourish its many microhabitats and provide water for both wildlife and surrounding communities.
The park’s most iconic resident is the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), a small, stocky wild buffalo found nowhere else in the world. Once widespread across Mindoro, the species now survives only in the park’s protected grassland and forest zones. Other notable mammals include the Mindoro warty pig, Philippine deer, and various species of fruit bats.
Birdlife is rich, with the park hosting endemic species such as the Mindoro hornbill, scarlet-collared flowerpecker, and spotted imperial pigeon. Reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of insects further contribute to the park’s ecological wealth. This rich biodiversity, much of it found only on Mindoro, makes the park a critical site for conservation.
Popular features of Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park include its expansive grasslands, mountain trails, and opportunities to witness the tamaraw in its natural habitat. While sightings of this elusive animal require patience and care, ranger-guided treks to tamaraw monitoring stations provide visitors a rare and respectful chance to observe conservation in action.
The landscapes themselves are breathtaking, with ridgelines offering panoramic views of valleys and peaks stretching across Mindoro. The park is also culturally significant, home to Indigenous Mangyan communities, who have long lived in harmony with the land and continue to practice traditional livelihoods.
Visitors to the park primarily engage through trekking, wildlife observation, cultural immersion, and guided eco-tours. The Tamaraw Gene Pool Farm and ranger stations offer information on conservation programs, and multi-day hikes allow deeper exploration of the remote highlands.
Though facilities are basic, the park’s remoteness and authenticity appeal to nature lovers and researchers seeking a unique and less-traveled destination.
Conservation efforts are central to the park’s mission. The Tamaraw Conservation Program, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with NGOs and local communities, has made steady progress in monitoring and protecting the tamaraw population.
Despite ongoing threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment, the park is a symbol of successful, community-supported conservation. Continuous patrols, education campaigns, and Indigenous involvement have strengthened efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this national treasure and the health of its mountain ecosystem.
Park Map
Mounts Iglit–Baco National Park Highlights
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