Rare Mindanao Tree Shrew documented in Mt. Apo Natural Park

A very elusive Mindanao Tree Shrew (𝘛𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘢 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪) was documented in Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP) in Cotabato during a biodiversity monitoring activity conducted from 14 to 17 October 2025.

The adult male tree shrew is considered a rare sighting, marking a significant conservation milestone.

Locally known as tingkolit, the elusive mammal was captured using a box trap set up to study small mammals in the area. After recording vital measurements, the monitoring team ensured the animal’s safety and released it back into the wild.

This documentation follows the species’ 2022 rediscovery in the Dinagat Islands, nearly 70 years after the last known published study. The latest finding not only confirms the continued existence of the Mindanao Tree Shrew in the region but also expands its known range within Mindanao.

Its presence in MANP highlights the species’ broader, though previously undocumented, distribution across the island—underscoring the challenges of studying such an elusive animal.

Endemic to Mindanao, the Mindanao Tree Shrew is a diurnal, omnivorous mammal that feeds on insects, fruits, and small invertebrates. Despite being classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it remains one of the least-documented species in the region due to its secretive behavior.

For conservationists, this latest record reinforces Mt. Apo’s ecological importance and the value of continuous biodiversity monitoring and community engagement in protecting the park’s rich natural heritage.