Kidapawan City — October 19, 2025
A rare sighting of an adult male Mindanao Tree Shrew (𝘛𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘢 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪) has brought excitement to wildlife conservationists after it was documented in Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) during a biodiversity monitoring activity conducted from October 14 to 17, 2025.
The elusive mammal, locally known as “tingkolit,” was captured through a box trap set up to study small mammals inhabiting the country’s highest peak. Researchers carefully recorded vital measurements before safely releasing the animal back into its natural habitat.
This significant find comes after the species’ 2022 rediscovery in the Dinagat Islands, nearly seven decades after the last published record. The recent documentation not only confirms the continued existence of the species in the Mindanao region but also extends its known range—showing that the Mindanao Tree Shrew thrives beyond previously recorded areas.
Endemic to Mindanao, the Mindanao Tree Shrew is a diurnal, omnivorous mammal that feeds on insects, fruits, and small invertebrates. Although classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List, it remains among the least-documented species due to its secretive and swift nature, often eluding even experienced field researchers.
For environmental experts, this discovery is more than just a scientific record—it is a symbol of Mt. Apo’s thriving biodiversity. The continued monitoring efforts by park authorities and conservation groups highlight the importance of preserving Mindanao’s unique wildlife and maintaining ecological balance in one of the Philippines’ most vital natural sanctuaries.
As conservationists celebrate this milestone, they also call for stronger community involvement and sustained research to ensure that Mt. Apo’s forests continue to be a safe haven for rare and endemic species like the tingkolit—proof that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be rediscovered.