When most people think of disturbed environments, they picture invasive species taking over.
Here in Bataan, something remarkable happens – our native species can outcompete non-natives, especially in the most disrupted areas.
This unusual pattern stems from our region’s volcanic history, creating a “living laboratory” of adaptation.
Using the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo Eruption as a Reference Point
The 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo didn’t just reshape our physical landscape – it transformed the very nature of how our local wildlife adapts and thrives.
This massive disruption became a natural experiment in survival, and our native species passed with flying colors.
What makes this story particularly fascinating is how our local wildlife has developed unique coping mechanisms.
Take Mt. Natib in Bataan Province, where studies show native mammals are remarkably tolerant of human disturbance.
This isn’t just luck – it’s the result of generations of adaptation to volcanic activity. Our local species have essentially been “pre-trained” by nature to handle disruption.
Some Resilient Native Species
Notable Birds
Guaiabero (Bolbopsittacus lunulatus)
- Most commonly seen parrot in disturbed areas
- Active in early morning and late afternoon
- Travels in small, vocal groups
Philippine Hanging Parrot (Loriculus philippensis)
- Strong association with Musa species (banana plants)
- Distinctive upside-down feeding behavior
- Bright red throat patch makes identification easy
Green Racquet-tail (Prioniturus luconensis)
Blue-naped Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis)
- Both prefer areas with epiphytes and pioneer plants
- More common in less disturbed forest sections
Notable Mammals
- Native Small Mammals
- Apomys zambalensis – most abundant small mammal
- Endemic to Mt. Natib and Zambales Mountains
- Thrives in disturbed areas
- Nine bat species documented
- Including fruit bats and insectivores
- Apomys zambalensis – most abundant small mammal
Reptiles and Amphibians
While I haven’t had the chance to spot them all myself, the reports show an amazing variety of reptiles and amphibians calling Bataan home.
According to local studies, there are 55 different species here – everything from tree frogs that fill the night with their calls to snakes gliding through the underbrush. I’ve seen a few of the common lizards darting around, but I’m told there are 16 different kinds, plus 24 types of snakes and even a turtle species.
Some Native Plants
The Mangrove Forests
Bataan’s mangrove forests, though reduced to 121.08 hectares along its 177-kilometer coastline, play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem. These forests serve as natural barriers, providing critical coastal protection against storms and erosion. They also function as essential nurseries for marine life, creating protected breeding grounds for countless species. Recognizing their importance, active rehabilitation programs are working to preserve and restore these crucial coastal ecosystems.
Notable Forest Trees
The forests of Bataan showcase a fascinating hierarchy of native trees, with dipterocarps, particularly Shorea species, standing as proud indicators of primary forest health. These towering giants share the canopy with equally important native fig trees (Ficus spp.), which serve as nature’s year-round buffet for local wildlife. While the dipterocarps represent the forest’s old guard, maintaining structural integrity, the fig trees act as critical feeding stations, producing fruit throughout the year that sustains countless species from birds to mammals
Dipterocarp
Shorea species
Ficus bataanensis (Native Fig Tree)
The Pandanus Plants
Pandanus tectorius
Pandanus luzonensis
Lots More to List
When it comes to native food plants, the diversity is staggering.
From the versatile Sararanga palm to countless native fruit trees, attempting to list them all would be an exercise in futility. The sheer variety of edible native species in Bataan’s forests and gardens demonstrates just how rich our local food heritage is, though documenting them all would require its own dedicated study.
What I’ve learned from reading up on Bataan’s flora and fauna is: for my own work in permaculture, Iām going to do my best to sit back and led the adaptable native species thrive.
Our native species have spent millions of years learning to handle disruption.
By focusing on protecting biodiversity opportunities – maintaining varied habitats and connecting green spaces – I can give these resilient natives the chance they need to do what they do best: adapt and thrive.