Colugo, Philippine Lemur

The Philippine flying lemur, also known as the Philippine colugo or locally as "kagwang" is a fascinating creature that, despite its name, doesn't actually fly. Instead, it glides effortlessly between trees. This species is endemic to the Philippines and is one of only two species in the colugo family, the other being the Sunda flying lemur, found in parts of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Recent genetic studies suggest the existence of two more species: the Bornean and Javan flying lemurs.

The Philippine flying lemur is primarily found in the southern parts of the Philippines, especially in the Mindanao region and on the island of Bohol. There have also been potential sightings in Samar and Leyte. These animals prefer densely forested regions and typically inhabit the upper reaches of lowland and mountainous forests. Occasionally, they can also be spotted in coconut and rubber plantations. They are nocturnal and spend most of their time traversing the rainforest canopy or resting in the middle layers of the forest.

In terms of size, these lemurs weigh between 1.0 to 1.7 kg and have a head-to-body length of 33-38 cm, with females being slightly larger than males. They have fascinating adaptations for their nighttime activities, such as large eyes with specialized photoreceptors for seeing in the dark and a patagium—a web-like membrane that aids in their gliding. Their diet consists of young leaves, soft fruits, and insects, and they obtain water by licking moist leaves and other plant sources.

While little is known about their reproductive habits, it is known that females typically give birth to a single offspring after a two-month gestation period. The newborns are quite underdeveloped and cling to their mother's belly, which is protected by a pouch formed by her tail membrane.

Conservation is crucial for the Philippine flying lemur, primarily due to habitat destruction, hunting, and natural predators such as the Philippine eagle. While they were listed as vulnerable in 1996 due to these threats, their status was upgraded to least concern in 2008. Nonetheless, protecting these unique animals and their habitats is essential for their survival. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure that these remarkable creatures continue to glide through the forests of the Philippines for years to come.