Animals (Fauna) Archives - Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Phuyoy also known as the Philippine Worm Eel, is a type of fish found mainly in the brackish waters of estuaries and mangroves in places like Brgy. Mamhut Norte. It has a long, slender, snake-like body with smooth skin, making it well-suited for moving through muddy areas; its dark coloring helps it blend into its surroundings. This eel is carnivorous and feeds on smaller fish and crustaceans, and it is most active during the rainy season. Locally known as “puyoy” or “sili-sili,” it is commonly caught for food and often cooked grilled or in local dishes like adobo and ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PANTAT

Iloilo, Zarraga

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Pantat, also known as catfish, is a native fish commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant waters like rivers and ponds in Iloilo. It has a smooth, scaleless body with whisker-like barbels that help it find food in muddy water, and it can survive harsh conditions by breathing air and burrowing into mud. Pantat is an important source of income and food for many families in Zarraga, where it is celebrated annually during the Pantat Festival. The festival highlights the town’s history of catfish farming and promotes local culture through dances, cooking contests, and community events. Pantat farming supports sustainable aquaculture, ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

MANA-UL

Concepcion, Iloilo, Tambaliza

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Mana-ul, or White-bellied Sea Eagle, is a large native bird found in tropical rainforests and in islands like Pan De Azucar Island in Iloilo. It has a white head and belly with dark gray wings and a wingspan of up to 218 cm, making it easy to recognize in flight. Some young eagles were captured and raised in captivity because they lost their hunting skills, and the government allows them to stay with people instead of releasing them. This eagle is important in nature as a top predator that helps keep fish and marine populations balanced and serves as ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

TIKAB

Asluman, Carles, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tikab, or scallops, are native marine mollusks found in sandy or gravelly seabeds, especially around Barangay Asluman in Gigantes Carles. They have fan-shaped shells in various colors and can swim short distances by quickly opening and closing their shells to escape predators. Scallops are an important food source and a key part of the local economy. The community celebrates their cultural connection to scallops through the Tikab Festival and crafts made from their shells. However, threats like red tide, overharvesting, and weak regulation endanger the scallop population. To protect this resource, local laws limit harvesting to scallops at least two ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

KALAMPAY

Barotac Nuevo, Guintas, Iloilo

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Kalampay, also known as talangka or river crab, is a small native crab found in muddy riverbanks and coastal areas, especially in Barangay Guintas, Barotac Nuevo. It has a square-shaped shell, dark green or brown color, and large claws used for feeding and defense, with the female’s abdomen used to carry eggs. Kalampay is caught year-round and is commonly gathered at night by hand using a traditional method called panulo. Though smaller than other crabs, it is a popular, affordable food in the community and is often sold cooked or fried whole as crablets. Catching kalampay is part of local ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

DIWAL

Capiz, Roxas City

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Diwal, also called angel wing clam, is a native marine bivalve found mainly in the coastal barangays of Roxas City, Capiz, living in muddy or sandy river mouths. It has a thin, oval shell with ridges and plates, and is recognized for its sweet, tender meat, often grilled or steamed with local spices. Harvesting happens mostly from July to September, done by authorized divers, Roxas City Divers Association (ROCDA), who follow a system that benefits the community and barangays. Diwal supports the local economy by providing income for fishermen, vendors, and restaurants, while also strengthening community ties through cooperative ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

TAMILOK

Capiz, Madulano, President Roxas

February 18, 2026

CMPG

Tamilok, also known as shipworm, is a marine mollusk found in Madulano, President Roxas, Capiz, where it lives in rotting wood and driftwood in mangrove and coastal areas. It looks like a worm but is actually a clam with a long, soft body and sharp shells used to bore into wood, which it uses for food and shelter. Locally, Tamilok is considered a delicacy and is often eaten raw in a vinegar-based dish called kinilaw, popular for its unique, oyster-like taste. Harvesting Tamilok is part of local tradition and culture, especially during gatherings and celebrations, and it also provides income ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

BAIS

Capiz, Carataya, Cuartero

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Bais, also known as the giant mottled eel or &quot;sili-sili,&quot; is a native fish species found in Mount Bais, Cuartero, Capiz, often living in rivers, mudflats, mangroves, and nearby rice paddies. It is recognized by its marbled body, long dorsal fin, sharp teeth, and can grow up to 6.6 feet long and 45 pounds in weight. The fish is rarely seen, caught only occasionally, and is considered a special food served during important events and celebrations in the community. Locals prepare it in various ways like grilling, adobo, or drying, and see it as a symbol of cultural tradition. ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

MARAL

Antique, Poblacion, Valderrama

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The Maral, or Philippine leopard cat is an endemic mammal found throughout Valderrama&apos;s barangays. It inhabits tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and lowland areas, but can also adapt to agricultural and rural environments with sufficient vegetation. This small wild cat has a slender body with a yellowish to grayish coat marked by black rosettes and spots, aiding its camouflage. Ecologically, the Maral is a vital predator that controls populations of rodents and small birds, helping maintain ecosystem balance. The species is listed as vulnerable due to threats like illegal poaching driven by the fur trade. Conservation efforts include local enforcement by ...

Animals (Fauna), Natural Heritage

PAWIKAN

Antique, Funda-Dalipe, San Jose de Buenavista

February 18, 2026

CMPG

The pawikan (sea turtle), is a native reptile found in coastal areas of San Jose, especially in Brgy. Funda-Dalipe, Mojon, Malaiba, and Barangay 4. These turtles nest on sandy beaches between August and December, with hatchlings mostly seen from October to November. Known for their hard, oval-shaped shells, pawikan play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds, thus supporting marine biodiversity. Local conservation efforts include rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs at the Pawikan Center in Funda-Dalipe, where community events and coastal cleanups help protect their habitats. Threats to pawikan include habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, climate change, ...

PUYOY

Cultural Mapping Of Panay and Guimaras

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