Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park is located on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines and encompasses a vast area of rugged mountains, dense forests, and grasslands. Encompassing the peaks of Mount Iglit and Mount Baco, the park covers diverse habitats from lowland forest to montane mossy forests, creating a sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife. The park is most famous as the last remaining natural habitat of the tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), a rare and endemic dwarf buffalo species found only in Mindoro. Beyond tamaraw conservation, the park supports an impressive list of endemic bird species, reptiles, and plant life, making it a hotspot for biodiversity and conservation efforts. The area has been officially protected since 1970, serving both ecological and cultural roles, as indigenous Mangyan communities live in and around the park. Visitors can explore the park via challenging hiking routes, offering opportunities to witness pristine forests, mountain vistas, and wildlife tracking. The park's rugged terrain, combined with its cultural significance and conservation status, makes it both a fragile and fascinating destination for eco-tourists, researchers, and conservationists. Travel to Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park requires careful planning due to its remote location and limited facilities, but rewards those who venture there with unique natural encounters and a chance to support endangered species protection.
