An inventory of the mammals of Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park (BBNP) in Kalinga Province, Luzon conducted in 2000, 2001, and 2003 documented the presence of 31 species, including 12 species of bats, 1 insectivore, 2 non-native pest rodents, 12 native rodents, and four large mammals. The 2 species of non-native rodent pests were found only in agricultural habitats and in town. Sampling was conducted at six locations from 925m to 2,150m, in habitats ranging from agricultural areas, pine forest, and lower montane forest to lower mossy forest. We found that bat species richness decreases slightly with increasing elevation, but species richness of native small mammals (shrews plus rodents) increased. Ten species of non-flying small mammals were recorded at 1,950m and 2,150m, representing the highest species richness documented at a single location in the Philippines. Many of the small mammals represented species and genera that are endemic to the Central Cordillera of Luzon. Though some remained poorly known, it is likely that all of the species in the area were represented by large and stable populations, due to the highly successful traditional forest and wildlife management practices of the local Banao community. Even large mammals such as deer and wild pigs were common due to careful local management. Future conservation efforts should reinforce this successful, traditional management.
An inventory of the mammals of Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park (BBNP) in Kalinga Province, Luzon conducted in 2000, 2001, and 2003 documented the presence of 31 species, including 12 species of bats, 1 insectivore, 2 non-native pest rodents, 12 native rodents, and four large mammals.
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