World Heritage Identification Number: 1403
World Heritage since: 2014
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇵🇭 Philippines
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary: A Biodiversity Haven in the Philippines
The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, is nestled within the southeastern portion of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor in the province of Davao Oriental, Philippines. Stretching across a north-south mountain ridge, this sanctuary boasts an elevation range from 75 to 1,637 meters above sea level, providing a rich tapestry of terrestrial and aquatic habitats that cater to a myriad of plant and animal species.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Forming a mountain ridge running north-south along the Pujada Peninsula in the south-eastern part of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary has an elevation range of 75–1,637 m above sea level and provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species. The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine eagle and Philippine cockatoo.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (x): The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary represents a complete, substantially intact and highly diverse mountain ecosystem, in a significant biogeographic region of the Philippines. Its diversity of plants and animals include globally threatened species as well as a large number of endemic species including those species that exist only in the Philippines, only in Mindanao and only in the nominated property. The fragile tropical “bonsai” forest that crowns the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary epitomizes nature’s bid to survive in adverse conditions. As a result of its semi-isolation and its varied habitat types growing in dissimilar soil and climate conditions, its biodiversity has shown a significantly high level of endemicity that has led scientists to believe that there may be more globally unique species waiting to be discovered in the area. The combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the boundaries of the property and the large number of species inhabiting each makes the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary home to a total of 1,380 species with 341 Philippine endemics that include critically endangered species such as the iconic Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and the Philippine Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), as well as the trees Shorea polysperma, Shorea astylosa, and the orchid Paphiopedilum adductum. Its high level of endemicity is well exemplified by the proportion of its amphibian (75% endemic) and reptile (84% endemic) species. The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary exhibits segmentation of terrestrial habitats according to elevation. In the lower elevations the agro-ecosystem and remnants of dipterocarp forests house some 246 plant species including significant numbers of endemics such as the globally threatened dipterocarps of the genus Shorea. The dipterocarp forest ecosystem at 420-920 m asl is characterized by the presence of large trees and is home to 418 plant and 146 animal species, which include threatened species such as the Mindanao Bleeding-heart dove (Gallicolumba crinigera) and Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis). At higher elevations the montane forest ecosystem exhibits numerous species of mosses, lichens and epiphytes. This ecosystem type houses 105 animal species representing all the animal groups found in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the relatively recently discovered rat species, Hamiguitan hairy-tailed rat (Batomys hamiguitan). The fourth ecosystem type is the typical mossy forest ecosystem characterized by thick mosses covering roots and tree trunks; it provides habitat for the Philippine pygmy fruit bat, (Haplonycteris fischeri) and the threatened Pointed-snouted tree frog (Philautus acutirostris). At the topmost (1160-1200m a.s.l.) is the mossy-pygmy forest ecosystem, adding a unique natural tropical bonsai forest layer to the property. It is the only known habitat in the world of the pitcher plant (Nepenthes hamiguitanensis) and the Delias butterfly (Delias magsadana).
Encyclopedia Record: Mount Hamiguitan
Mount Hamiguitan is a mountain located in the province of Davao Oriental, Philippines. It has a height of 1,620 metres (5,315 ft). The mountain and its vicinity has one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the country. Among the wildlife found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species of Nepenthes. Some of the latter, such as the Nepenthes peltata and Nepenthes micramphora, are endemic to the area. The mountain has a protected forest area of approximately 2,000 hectares. This woodland is noted for its unique pygmy forest of century-old trees in ultramafic soil, with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and fauna.Additional Site Details
Area: 16,923.07 hectares
Number of Components: 1
Coordinates: 6.7171694444 , 126.1734305556
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
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© Kleomarlo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Assessment of the Institutional Arrangements for the Payments for Environmental Services (PES) Implementation for Watershed Conservation: The Case of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS)
A critical gap in the institutionalization of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) hinders watershed conservation efforts at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), despite supportive national policies and stakeholder engagement. The study, which analyzed key informant interviews and secondary data, revealed that while enabling factors such as clear property rights for the Mandaya indigenous community and existing environmental laws exist, constraints like limited institutional capacity, inadequate water management data, and weak representation of local stakeholders in governance bodies pose significant challenges. The absence of a national PES framework further disrupts conservation initiatives due to government transitions. To overcome these barriers, the research recommends prioritizing capacity building, stakeholder engagement, sustainable funding, and aligning local actions with national policies. Active participation by MHRWS lead bodies in the ongoing Payment for Water Ecosystem Service (P-WES) institutionalization process could catalyze PES implementation, enhancing watershed management and ensuring a sustainable water supply.
Cereno, D. C., & Roxas, A. T. (2025). Assessment of the Institutional Arrangements for the Payments for Environmental Services (PES) Implementation for Watershed Conservation: The Case of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS). Davao Research Journal, 16(1), 89–107. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v16i1.306
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Community Perception and Biophysical Assessment of Lapnisan ( Aquilaria species Lam.) in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines
Aquilaria species, known for their valuable agarwood resin used in medicine and fragrance, exhibit distinct community perceptions and biophysical characteristics within Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. This study reveals that while Barangay La Union features shallow soil with rocky surfaces predominantly inhabited by Aquilaria malaccensis and A. cumingiana, Barangay Maputi showcases deeper soils with fewer rocks, where A. cumingiana thrives. Climatic factors show minor variations between the two areas. The research combines Key Informant Interviews to assess community knowledge and attitudes toward conservation with Line Plot Method for biophysical characterization, alongside climatic and edaphic data collection. Findings underscore the importance of in situ conservation strategies while highlighting Aquilaria species' potential for ex situ conservation, offering livelihood opportunities and climate risk mitigation through forest plantation.
Castaňares, E., Vedra, S., Perpetua, A., Sumilla, J., & Coronado, W. (2025). Community Perception and Biophysical Assessment of Lapnisan ( Aquilaria species Lam.) in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1553(1), 12043. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1553/1/012043
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Disease Infestation and Insect Damage of Pygmy Trees inMount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
A study of pygmy trees in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary revealed that fungal diseases were the dominant cause of internal infections, significantly impacting plant health. The research found severe damage at four stations, primarily due to insect infestations and bacterial contamination, with leaves being the most commonly affected part. Symptoms included leaf scratches, black spots, red lesions, and wilting. The study employed a transect walking method across 10 stations, examining three replicates of tree species per station for detailed analysis in the laboratory.
Canonigo, C. J. B., & Dedal, A. D. (2025). Disease Infestation and Insect Damage of Pygmy Trees inMount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. Davao Research Journal, 11(2), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v11i2.396
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Elliptic Fourier Analysis of the two Threatened Aquilaria Lam.(Thymelaeaceae) and its Associated Flora in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Mhrws), Davao Oriental, Philippines
Research using Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) demonstrates that leaf shape can effectively distinguish between two threatened Aquilaria species, offering a rapid identification tool for conservation efforts. The study, conducted at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines, identified Shorea polysperma and Palaquium species as dominant keystone species, suggesting their role in forest dynamics. The sanctuary exhibits moderate floristic diversity, with indices of 2.98 (Barangay La Union) and 2.93 (Barangay Maputi). These findings highlight the need for protecting vulnerable, endangered, endemic, and indigenous species to combat illegal cutting and trade.
Castaňares, E., Vedra, S., Perpetua, A., Mazo, K. R., Coronado, W., Bigcas, E., Gonzales, R., & Sumilla, J. (2025). Elliptic Fourier Analysis of the two Threatened Aquilaria Lam.(Thymelaeaceae) and its Associated Flora in Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (Mhrws), Davao Oriental, Philippines. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1506(1), 12006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1506/1/012006
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Sustaining Livelihoods in Protected Areas: Lessons from State-initiated Projects in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Philippines
State-initiated livelihood projects within UNESCO World Heritage Sites can foster sustainability if they adhere to defined principles, engage communities effectively, and provide adaptive support. A study on Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in the Philippines reveals that successful strategies include conceptualizing projects with clear purposes, understanding community needs, implementing responsive approaches, ensuring sustained marketing and technical assistance, and forming partnerships with agencies. However, these projects face challenges such as lack of long-term sustainability planning, coordinated governance, and sufficient personnel. The research, based on in-depth interviews with implementers and surveys among beneficiaries, highlights that while state resources can drive sustainability, structural inadequacies pose significant impediments.
Mendoza, E. N., Apa-ap, M. J., & Amoroso, V. B. (2024). Sustaining Livelihoods in Protected Areas: Lessons from State-initiated Projects in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Philippines. International Journal of Rural Management, 20(3), 295–312. https://doi.org/10.1177/09730052241231087
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Corybas hamiguitanensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from a UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines
Scientists have identified and described Corybas hamiguitanensis, a new species of helmet orchid, marking the first record of its genus on Mindanao Island, Philippines. This discovery expands the known biodiversity of the UNESCO-listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, where the orchid thrives across diverse altitudinal zones, from lowland rainforests to mossy forests. The research, published in Phytotaxa, provides detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of this novel species, contributing to our understanding of orchid diversity in the region.
TANDANG, D. N., DOCOT, R. V. A., GALINDON, J. M., REYES JR., T., TADIOSA, E. R., TANDANG, S. D. A., MORAN, C. B., & BUSTAMANTE, R. A. A. (2023). Corybas hamiguitanensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from a UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines. Phytotaxa, 598(1), 80–88. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.598.1.6
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Inventory of Herpetofauna in the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
A recent herpetofauna survey in the buffer zone of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS), Philippines, documented 25 species, including 10 anurans and 15 reptiles, with a significant portion being endemic to the Philippines. Notably, threatened and near-threatened species were also observed, underscoring the buffer zone's critical role in supporting biodiversity beyond the core protected area. The study employed standard sampling techniques such as cruising along 1-km transect lines and pitfall trapping for reptiles. These findings highlight the importance of buffer zones in conservation strategies, advocating for sustainable practices to maintain herpetofauna diversity while balancing community needs.
Rosales, J., Yu, J. A., Nanual, B., & Ponce, A. (2023). Inventory of Herpetofauna in the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Davao Research Journal, 14(2), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v14i2.45
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A checklist of Zingiberaceae species from Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, recognized as a center of botanical diversity in the Philippines, harbors at least 18 species of Zingiberaceae, belonging to eight genera and three tribes. The study, conducted through extensive floristic surveys from 2016 to 2018, reveals that the tribe Alpinieae is particularly diverse, with 14 species recorded across six genera. This annotated checklist provides critical data for efficient biological resource management in the sanctuary, filling a significant gap in our understanding of its floral composition.
Naive, M. (2021). A checklist of Zingiberaceae species from Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Journal of Tropical Life Science, 11(1), 101–117. https://doi.org/10.11594/jtls.11.01.14
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Amylotheca cleofei sp. nov. (Loranthaceae), a new species and genus record for the Philippines
Scientists have identified Amylotheca cleofei, a new mistletoe species and genus record for the Philippines, within Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. This discovery expands the country's biodiversity by introducing a distinct species characterized by unique reproductive and vegetative traits, setting it apart from other known Amylotheca species. The study employed morphological analysis to differentiate this novel taxon, contributing valuable insights into the region's flora.
TANDANG, D. N., GALINDON, J. M. M., LAGUNDAY, N. E., CORITICO, F. P., AMOROSO, V. B., & ROBINSON, A. S. (2021). Amylotheca cleofei sp. nov. (Loranthaceae), a new species and genus record for the Philippines. Phytotaxa, 507(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.507.1.7
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List of Threatened Fauna in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Mindanao Island, Philippines
Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) is recognized as a critical biodiversity hotspot, hosting 600 species of fauna, including numerous endemic and threatened species. Of these, 35 species across five classes are classified as threatened by the IUCN, with notable mentions being the Critically Endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) and Black Cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia), alongside Endangered species such as the Javan Myna (Gorsachius goisagi) and Panini’s Hornbill (Penelopides panini). Class Aves leads with 14 threatened species, followed by Insecta with 11. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable populations, emphasizing high-priority research and stakeholder collaboration to safeguard MHRWS's unique biodiversity.
Medina, M. N. D., Cabras, A. A., & Ponce, R. G. (2020). List of Threatened Fauna in Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Davao Oriental, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Asian Journal of Biodiversity, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.7828/ajob.v10i1.1280
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Cloud-Based Flora Repository System with Geo-Location Mapping for Mt. Hamiguitan Sanctuary Exploration
A cloud-based flora repository system with geo-location mapping has been developed to enhance the exploration and conservation of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique pygmy 'bonsai' forest. This innovative system, accessible via a mobile application named HAGO (Hamiguitan-Go), allows users to geotag plant species encountered during hikes using their smartphone's GPS and camera, storing verified images and details in an online repository. The application also enables users to locate specific plants on interactive maps, facilitating both tourism and research while supporting conservation efforts. The system leverages participatory sensing to collect data, though further development and field experiments are needed for full functionality.
Arenga, D. Z. H., Dela Cruz, J. C., Lorilla, F. M. A., & Tangian, P. A. (2018). Cloud-Based Flora Repository System with Geo-Location Mapping for Mt. Hamiguitan Sanctuary Exploration. 2018 IEEE Region Ten Symposium (Tensymp), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.1109/tenconspring.2018.8692056
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