A very elusive Mindanao Tree Shrew (๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ข๐ช๐ข ๐ฆ๐ท๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต๐ต๐ช) 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 animalโs safety and released it back into the wild.
This documentation follows the speciesโ 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 speciesโ broader, though previously undocumented, distribution across the islandโunderscoring 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. Apoโs ecological importance and the value of continuous biodiversity monitoring and community engagement in protecting the parkโs rich natural heritage.