Melo Villareal
Negros Forests Park: Conserving & Restoring the Endemic Wildlife of Negros Island.
Wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife refuges are crucial to the safety of wild animals and the preservation of their habitats. In the Philippines, several wildlife sanctuaries aim to protect endemic and endangered species through proactive measures such as education, research, partnerships, and conservation. One such foundation committed to protecting large populations of endemic and endangered species in the West Visayas Region is the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), now known as the Negros Forest Park.
About Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc.
Formerly the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), Negros Forest Park is a wildlife sanctuary that house some of Negros’ critically endangered species and the West Visayan Big 5. The Negros Forest Park aims to educate the public on the importance of protecting endangered and endemic species and the need for local conservation.
The Park was designed by the pioneer in protecting the West Visayan Big 5 and the endemic biodiversity of the Negros Island, William Oliver. Since 2017, the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI) has merged and been managed by the Talarak Foundation.
Talarak Foundation is one of the most notable foundations in Asia. They focus on endemic species in the West Visayas Region that have been globally evaluated as Endangered or Critically Endangered. The five endemic species that the foundation focuses on are known as the West Visayan Big 5. Endemic to the West Visayan Region, the West Visayan Big 5 are essential to conserving and preserving the diverse forest and grassland habitats in the West Visayan Region, and they represent other species living within these habitats.
What to See and Do Inside the Wildlife Sanctuary
See the West Visayan Big 5
The West Visayan Big 5 are endemic to the West Visayan Region. Within the sanctuary, visitors can see the Visayan Spotted Deer, the largest mammal in the West Visayas Region, the Visayan Warty Pig, the second largest mammal in the West Visayas Region, the Negros Bleeding Heart Dove, a small dove species restricted only to Negros and Panay, and the Visayan Tarictic Hornbill, Rufous Headed Hornbill, two of the hornbill species found in the West Visayas Region.
Check out the other animals in the park.
As a wildlife sanctuary, the Negros Forest Park also provides refuge to other animals of different conservation statuses. This includes the Blue-naped Parrot in Near Threatened Conservation Status, Philippine Sailfin Lizard in Vulnerable Conservation Status, and the Philippine Cockatoo in Critically Endangered Conservation Status.
Support the Foundation
Visitors can help Talarak Foundation with their cause through cash donations, buying locally made goods, adopting an animal from the sanctuary, volunteering, and applying for internships to be conservationists.
Reminders before you visit Negros Forest Park:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and stay within the designated footpath
- Put on bug spray or cream before entering the wildlife sanctuary
- Be respectful towards the animals, do not tease nor aggravate them
- Minimize noise
- Do not litter and only throw garbage in the garbage bins
- Do not smoke within the premises
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to the wildlife sanctuary is PHP 100 for Adults and PHP 50 for Children, Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Students with ID.
How to Get There
The nearest landmark to Negros Forest Park is the Negros Provincial Capitol. The park is within walking distance from the Capitol. Another landmark is the Seda Capitol Central. From the hotel, turn to Lacson Street and take the right turn to South Capitol Road.
- Location: South Capitol Road, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
- Visiting Hours: 8AM to 5PM, Tuesdays to Sundays
- Website: talarak.org/negros-forest-park
- Socials: facebook.com/talarakfoundation | instagram.com/talarakfoundation
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