Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary: Where Philippine and African Wildlife Meet

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The Philippines boasts of an abundant flora and fauna, making it a top destination for tourists seeking to marvel at the wonders of nature. And such tourists would never pass up an opportunity to visit Palawan. Honoring itself as “the country’s last ecological frontier”, this province has become popular among tourists because of its breathtaking sceneries, both on land and underwater. Among the various eco-tourism spots located in Palawan is the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Calauit Island at the Northwestern coast of Palawan. The 3,700-hectare facility started as a venue for a wildlife translocation experiment. An experiment, you ask?

What to find there

In 1976, the Philippines responded to an appeal by the International Union of Conservation of Nature to help save the endangered animals in Africa. As a result, the sanctuary was established. Eight species of animals from Kenya, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, eland, topi and bushbacks, were brought to the country. From a little over a hundred heads, the animal population in the facility has grown considerably over time.

Besides the giraffe and the zebra, do these animals sound new to you? The impala, waterbuck, gazelle, eland, topi and bushback are all species of antelope. They are horned and even toe-hooved creatures mostly with short brown fur. Because of habitat loss and hunting for their horns and fur, these animals have been declared endangered.

The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be a unique facility in that it also houses creatures indigenous to Palawan. The Calamian deer, Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Balabac Mousedeer and Palawan Bear Cat live there in harmony with the African endangered animals. Perhaps many already know what a deer and a peacock is, but what about the other two?

Contrary to its name, the Balabac Mousedeer is neither a deer nor a mouse. It belongs to its own family called the chevrotain. It is a nocturnal creature that feeds on berries, wild fruits and leaves. Similarly, the Palawan Bear Cat belongs neither to the bear or cat family. Its diet includes fruits, rodents and birds.

Because of the abundance of animal life at the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, it has become a good place for conservationists, biologists, veterinarians and students to learn more about ecology and wildlife. Animals there are able to roam free and live with minimal human interference. As such, a lot of measures are being taken to preserve their natural habitat. For one, tourists visiting the facility are urged to observe certain rules to prevent noise pollution and harm to the animals.

Indeed, this travel destination is a perfect venue for everyone who wants to go sightseeing and be amazed by the beauty of the wilderness and, at the same time, appreciate further the need to preserve and protect the environment.

How to go there

To reach the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, one has to take a direct flight from Manila to Busuanga. From Busuanga, one can take a jeepney going to Decalasiao Wharf, and from there, it is a three-hour pumpboat ride to Calauit. Tourists can opt to stay in the various hotels located in Busuanga.